asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the reasons for the delay in refunding to owners of motor-cars, the engines of which were manufactured prior to 1st January, 1926, the portion of the road tax paid to which they are entitled.

There has not been any avoidable delay in this matter.

Could the Minister state how it is that three months must elapse between the time the application is made for the refund of portion of the road tax to which they are entitled and the payment? Is the Minister aware that a considerable sum of money is involved?

Strictly speaking the Minister need not make these refunds until the period has elapsed for which the licence duty was paid, but in fact with the exception of 11 per cent. of the cases all the claims have been dealt with.