asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that employees of the Dublin United Tramways Company have been notified that deductions from their wages in respect of income tax will be made at the rate of £2 10s. 0d. weekly, leaving in many cases a balance of less than £1 out of the weekly wages; whether these instalments have been decided on by the Tramways Company or by the Revenue Authorities, and if the latter, whether the Minister will arrange for the arrears to be collected by smaller instalments.

I am aware that the Revenue Commissioners have issued directions— pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 of the Finance Act, 1923—to the Dublin United Tramways Co., Ltd., to deduct arrears of income tax due by a large number of employees of the Company at a specified rate from the wages payable to the individual employees concerned.

The Revenue Commissioners have recently discussed the matter with a deputation representing the men, and a proposal put forward on their behalf is at present under consideration.

Can the Minister offer any hope that the deduction will not be made next week at the rate of £2 10s. per week?

If the conspiracy not to pay is abandoned the men will be treated very reasonably.

Can I take it that if the men give a promise that they are prepared to allow a small sum of 10/- per week to be deducted that that will meet with the approval of the Commissioners?

I can say that we will take a great deal less than £2 10s. per week. I could not at the moment say what exact figure will be taken, but once the men meet the Commissioners in a reasonable way they will be met reasonably.

Surely the Minister is aware that deducting £2 10s. per week, or even 30/- or £1 from a man's wages is too much.

The Deputy cannot be allowed to make a speech.

Will the Minister be satisfied with 10/- or 7/6 per week?

It is not for me to be satisfied.