asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will introduce proposals for legislation for the adequate reduction of the rents of insanitary houses which, owing to the shortage of sanitary houses, are used for human occupation.

Legislation with this object is not contemplated. I deprecate strongly the occupation of unsanitary houses, and am concerned that the laws preventing the occupation of such houses should be rigidly enforced. I am aware of the difficulties concerning certain houses with irremediable defects which cannot at the moment be closed because of the absence of alternative accommodation. If the Deputy, however, will indicate by reference to any particular class of property the proposals for which he wishes consideration I shall be glad to look into them.

Will the Minister say when the proposed town tenants legislation is to be introduced?

That is a separate question.