asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the total amount of money made available to farmers under the interest-free loan of 1947 for the purchase of cattle and sheep; (2) how many individual loans were made, and if he will give a general picture of the repayment position at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farmers' Interest-Free Loans.
(1) Loans advanced to farmers, under the special temporary scheme of loans for the purchase of cattle and sheep which operated in 1947, amounted to £302,466 14s. 6d.
(2) The number of loans advanced was 4,281.
First instalments of the loans, due for repayment 18 months after the loans were granted, have been collected almost in full. Collection of the second instalments, due 30 months after the grant of the loans, is proceeding satisfactorily. Third instalments will become due 42 months after the issue of the loans and final instalments six months after that.