§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board continues to give financial assistance to co-operative credit banks; and, if so, will he state to how many banks this has been done; the maximum and minimum amount of assistance given; and what rate of interest is charged on these loans?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have advanced by way of loan capital to a number of agricultural credit banks in the congested districts, of which £5,157 is still outstanding in respect of fifty-five banks. The amount of assistance given to individual banks varied from £30 to £200. The rate of interest charged by the Board varies from 2½ to 3½ per cent. The Board have also for a number of years been paying a subsidy of £350 per annum towards the expenses of inspection and organisation of credit banks in the congested districts.