asked the Minister of Health whether the interest demanded by the Public Works Loan Board when lending to public utility societies and others for constructing houses in the future is still 5½ per cent.; and if he has considered the advisability, in view of the necessity for encouraging house construction on economical lines, of arranging that the interest charge shall be reduced to the lowest limit at which the Government itself can borrow?

I have been asked to reply. The hon. Member will find a full statement of the present rates for advances from the Local Loans Fund in yesterday's "Gazette." These rates which have been recently reduced are the lowest at which loans can be made without loss to the fund. The main rate is 4¾ per cent.