West Ham Guardians (Loans).

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture. – in the House of Commons am ar 28 Gorffennaf 1924.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

58.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that 4¾ per cent. interest has been charged to the West Ham Board of Guardians for the loan of the last £400,000; what is the total amount of money that has been loaned to the West Ham Board of Guardians during the last three years; if he is aware that in the course of about eight years the board will have paid nearly £300,000 in interest on account of the Government charging interest upon money loaned them varying from 6 per cent to 4¾ per cent.; and what profit the Government has made upon the transaction?

Photo of Mr Arthur Greenwood Mr Arthur Greenwood , Nelson and Colne

The facts are as stated by my hon. Friend. The total of the advances made to the guardians amounts to £1,400,000. These loans were made at the current market rate of interest for loans of similar currency, and no question of profit arises.

Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, by the time the West Ham Board of Guardians have paid the whole of the principal and interest, they will have paid more in the shape of interest than the amount of the principal? Is that not highway robbery, and, if not, what kind of robbery does he call it?

Photo of Mr Herbert Spencer Mr Herbert Spencer , Bradford South

Is the hon. Gentleman not of opinion if it were not for the credit of the central authority the West. Ham Board of Guardians might not be able to borrow money at all?

Photo of Mr John Jones Mr John Jones , West Ham Silvertown

If the banks stop their overdrafts, as they are threatening to do, what is likely to happen in the East End of London?