asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs how many wireless licences have been issued to date, and whether the increase in the number of licences in recent years warrants a reduction in the present cost of a licence.

The number of wireless licences in force on the 30th April, 1955, was 434,149.

There can be no question of reducing the amount of the licence fee. It had to be increased as recently as 1st April, 1953, to provide for the considerable expansion that has since taken place in broadcasting activities and hours. I should mention that the licence fee here is still one of the lowest in Europe.

Is the Minister aware that a reduction in the cost of wireless broadcastings licences was one of the promises made by the Coalition Parties during the last general election campaign?

This is another election promise gone up the spout. Are there any of them left?

The Deputy seems to be in better humour than he has been in for a long time, but he will be in a worse humour in another month.

We will expose the political jobbery this evening.

Deputy Boland should not take that line. Would the Deputy like to inquire about the cars, about the 3/- difference in the cars?

Yes.

When all this is over, might I call on the Minister for Social Welfare? Might I suggest that the Minister be allowed to reply to the question addressed to him?