asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the proposed rent of 12/6 per week for houses being built by the Athlone Urban Council at Bogginfin, Athlone, is exorbitant; and, if so, whether he will direct the local authority to reduce this rent within the capacity of the proposed tenants to pay.

The proposed rent of the houses is 12/- per week, exclusive of rates. The houses are not intended for slum-clearance purposes and I understand the rent is not high in comparison with rents fixed for houses of a similar class in other towns.