asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the alteration in money values he will consider raising the limit for applicants for housing loans from £50 to £75 valuation in the case of farmers and to an income of £1,000 in the case of salaried classes.

I have already received some general representations on these limits. I would suggest that the Deputy might send me any detailed information which he may have in support of the limits set out in this Question.

The people I have in mind are mainly small farmers in county Meath. A valuation of £30 is a pretty low valuation. The local authority builds for people up to £20 valuation. Above that they cannot build and so these small farmers fall between two stools.

Is the Deputy asking a question or making a speech? The Deputy is making a speech, and this is not the time for making it.

He does not often trouble the House.

Is he not aware that the Minister knows the situation?

41.

asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the poor housing conditions of many families of under £30 valuation, he will consider making money available to them for housebuilding on more advantageous terms than the present loan and grant basis.

The loan and grant facilities at present available enable the great majority of families coming within the class in question to meet their housing needs. There are also wide powers under the Labourers Acts, especially through the Specific Instance procedure, under which County Councils may provide housing accommodation for such persons as may be found to be unable to avail themselves of the facilities for private persons.