asked the Minister for Social welfare whether he intends to amend the cheap fuel scheme so that it may be operated throughout the entire year.

The reply is in the negative.

In view of the fact that the staple diet o these people, butter and bread, has been so drastically increased in price as a result of the Budget, does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that now is an opportune time to do something for these peple? They are the people who are most adversely affected as result of the increased prices of bread and butter.

I did not agree with the cheap fuel scheme. It was introduced in 1943 and finished in 1952. In 1947 the number of applicants was 29,358 and in 1952 the number was 7,900.

After three years of good Government.