asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the number of houses built in each of the years 1933-1947 in the following towns by the local authorities concerned:— Birr, Tullamore, Edenderry, Clara, Kilcormac, Banagher, Portlaoighise, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Mountrath, Rathdowney; furthermore, if he will state the number of houses for which schemes are in preparation or awaiting sanction for (a) County Laoighis and (b) County Offaly.

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not readily available in the form required by the Deputy. I am, however, having the particulars compiled by the local authorities and will forward them to the Deputy when they are available.

With regard to the second part of the question the numbers of houses for which schemes are in preparation are as follows:—

(a) Laoighis, 452; (b) Offaly, 511.

Plans have been submitted in respect of some of these cottages and have been approved.