§ Mr. BOWENasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the usual rate of interest on loans granted for the purpose of starting Civil Service staff dining clubs; and whether he is willing to make grants towards the cost of forming such clubs?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEIt is not the normal practice to make loans to civil servants for the purpose of forming refreshment clubs, but in the few cases in which this course has been adopted the rate of interest charged has been either 6 or 5 per cent. The contribution of the Exchequer towards the formation of approved clubs is made in the form of free provision of accommodation and its maintenance, together with the cost of any necessary structural alterations.