asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Fermoy Urban Council accepted a tender within the limit specified by his Department for the erection of houses in that district; whether subsequent to the acceptance of the tender by the Council, the original price allowed per house was reduced by over £100; and to ask whether the tender originally accepted by the Council has the sanction of the Ministry?

The Fermoy Urban District Council received a tender for the erection of eight houses in November last for the sum of £6,462 10s., or £807 16s. 3d. per house. This tender was considered quite excessive, and I refused to sanction it. On the 21st January a fresh tender was received by the Council for £5,402 14s., or £675 6s. 9d. per house. Subsequently the contractor amended this tender so as to make the cost £4,918 14s., or £614 16s. 9d per house.

This figure is still too high, and I am in communication with the Council on the subject.

As a matter of personal explanation arising out of that answer ——

A matter of personal explanation! Not now.