MINISTERIAL REPLIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1034, 26 July 1930, Page 10

MINISTERIAL REPLIES

M.P.’S QUESTIONS ANSWERED STATE ADVANCES POLICY Press Association WELLINGTON, Friday. The following Ministerial replies to questions were circulated in the House* of Representatives today. It is not possible to use the State Advances funds for tho wholesale modernisation of old houses. It will, however, bo possible for the Advances Department to consider applications from the owners and occupiers of premises for a loan for the purpose of modernising houses, provided the age of the building and its condition are such as will justify the granting of a shortterm loan, and if the security offered is considered satisfactory. In reply to a question whether the State Advances Office had abandoned the policy of advancing to workers 95 per cent, of the value of the land and buildings ottered as security for a loan, the Prime Minister said the policy had not been abandoned. In every case where a valuation had been made and the security offered had been considered satisfactory, tho full advance allowed by the Act had been authorised. No complaints or representations have been received by the Police Department from members of detective staffs that they are working excessively long hours. It was stated that the position in regard to the Angora wool industry had not hitherto been such as to justify the Government encouraging its development. The position was being closed watched, but any decision as to future policy could not be reached until the position became stabilised. It has been decided that trees will not be supplied to the public from the State nurseries after the 1930 planting season. This decision is in accordance with the general policy of the Government to engage as little as possible in business competition with private commercial interests.