asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that unrest has been created in many minds as to the future attitude of the Government in regard to free grants for the erection or reconstruction of houses by private individuals; and, if so, whether he will state (a) the amount of such grants expended during the year ended 31st March, 1949, and (b) the amount proposed for expenditure during the year ended 31st March, 1950.

I am not aware that any uncertainty exists as to future policy in regard to Government assistance for private building. I do not accept that there is or could be any justification whatsoever for any such uneasiness, particularly in view of the terms of the Housing (Amendment) Bill, introduced last week, which proposes to raise the limit of expenditure on grants under the 1948 Housing Act from £580,000 to £1,750,000, and to extend up to 31st March, 1952, the date by which the erection or reconstruction of such houses must be completed. Housing grants paid during the year ended 31st March, 1949, totalled £339,752. An Estimate for £310,000 in respect of expenditure on grants during the current financial year was recently passed by the Dáil. When the Bill becomes law, the approval of the Dáil to the additional moneys required during the present year will be sought by way of Supplementary Estimate.