§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the practice of the Board, in estimating the safe economic rent for a cottage which has cost £218 to build, to cover interest on cost of erection and sinking fund, also repairs, management and insurance?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe general practice of the Commissioners of Woods has been to charge a rent equal to from 4½ to 5 per cent. per annum on the cost of cottages erected by them, the tenants taking a repairing lease, but being allowed certain materials for repairs. The tenants also bear the cost of insurance. A minimum rate of 4½ per cent. per annum has, however, been 1645W sanctioned by the Treasury for suitable cases, of which 3½f per cent. represents interest and ¾ per cent. sinking fund.