asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the position regarding the making available, at an early date, of a supply of cement for the building of working-class houses in Dublin.

The supply of cement is restricted at present but arrangements are being made for the issue of priority permits for the purchase of cement for important building and engineering works. In the issue of these permits the claims of the contractors engaged in the building of working-class houses will receive very careful attention.

The Minister is aware that there is a scarcity of cement at the moment and that that is holding up housing schemes. Will he do something to speed up the production of cement for that purpose?

I would ask the Minister to remember that the provision of working-class houses in other towns and cities has also to be considered.

Then the Deputy should do his duty by putting similar questions to the Minister.