andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the number of small farmers who are excluded from getting county council loans because of the Government's decision to multiply the £44 PLV by a figure of 125 in assessing their income; and in view of the fact that farm incomes are estimated to have fallen by as much as 50 per cent if he will reduce the limit of £44 or the multiplying figure.
Written Answers. - Farmers Housing Loans.
449.
The qualifying valuation limit of £44 which applies to local authority housing loans is the land valuation equivalent of the £5,500 income limit, using the current multiplier of £125 per £1 rateable valuation used for tax assessment, social welfare eligibility, etc. Using this multiplier, farmers with land valuations up to and including £44 qualify for such a loan. No change in the limit is at present proposed.