asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the position of the Transition Development Fund at the 31st March, 1950, and (b) the amount of the Fund's commitments on that date.

I would refer the Deputy to Table III, entitled "Transition Development Fund—Receipts and Issues," of the Tables circulated to the Dáil in connection with the Budget statement on 3rd May.

Can the Minister say what is the amount of money in the Transition Development Fund for the coming year?

The Deputy will get that in the accounts. That is a different question.

Is it the policy of the Government that the local authorities' contribution should be increased so that the draw on the Fund would not be so heavy?

If the Deputy will put down another question, I will answer it.