asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what is the total amount advanced by the Agricultural Credit Corporation under the Heifer Loan Scheme for the financial years 1932/33 and 1933/34; the number of heifers purchased under the scheme each year, the cost of the scheme to State funds and the amount repaid by borrowers to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Heifer Loan Scheme.
The amount advanced by way of loan by the Agricultural Credit Corporation under the 1932-33 Heifer Loan Scheme was £24,920 11s. 8d., of which £8,030 0s. 3d. was repaid up to and including the 19th June. The number of heifers purchased under the scheme was 2,426.
The amount advanced under the 1933-34 scheme up to and including the 19th June was £70,072 13s. 1d., none of which would be due for repayment until 1st January, 1935. The number of heifers purchased was 6,905.
A contribution was provided from State funds of 1¼ per cent. on the amount advanced in respect of the 1932-33 scheme and of 2 per cent. in respect of the 1933-34 scheme. It is not possible in the time available to give the precise cost of administering the schemes.