asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that loan charges by Irish building societies are approximately 70 per cent. greater than those charged by English building societies, and, if so, if he will refer the matter to the Prices Advisory Body for investigation.

I am not aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the Deputy's question.

The rate of interest paid to a building society is a matter between the borrower and the society and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by referring it to the Prices Advisory Body for investigation.