§ Mr. J. E. B. Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what functions his Department exercises in relation to loans granted by the Lands Improvement Company for improvements accepted for grant under Part II of the Agriculture Act, 1957.
§ Mr. HareThe Company is an independent body which was formed in the last century and is empowered to advance loans in respect of agricultural improvements under the Improvement of Land Acts. My Department has no responsibility for its management but has certain functions under the Acts in relation to the creation of a charge on the improved land which provides security for the loan. I wish the facilities of this Company were more widely known. They are available to owners 285W carrying out a wide range of improvements including those assisted by grant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. The Company are, I know, most anxious that full advantage should be taken of their facilities.