asked the Minister for local Government what is the maximum loan available to qualified applicants for houses under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts in each of the four county boroughs; the income limit in order to qualify for such loans; and the maximum amount of grant available from all sources for such houses.

As announced in my statement issued yesterday evening, the income limit of eligibility for house purchase loans is being increased from £1,040 to £1,200 per annum in all areas and a maximum loan limit of £2,700 will replace the previous limit of £2,250 in the four county boroughs.

The maximum State grant for new houses in county boroughs is £275. An additional £10 is payable where a house is erected by a public utility society and is occupied by one of its members. Housing authorities may at their discretion make supplementary grants up to the level of the State grant to eligible persons.

Did the societies give the Minister any indication how much this would have the effect of reducing delays that are at present operating?

These provisions here?

Yes, I gather the Minister says this is being done at the request of the societies?

Actually, it is not being done at the request of the societies.

Was this not one of the matters discussed with the societies?

Yes.

It is being done with their approval?

With their knowledge and approval, if you like.

It was stated on the radio that it was your intention to carry out the request of the societies.

This was not a request originated by the societies or anybody else.

Are these loans available immediately from local authorities?

Yes. There is no reason why they should not be.

Any young people who go to the local authorities seeking these loans will get them——

If they come within the limits.

I commend the Minister for this but I wish he had said it in the House yesterday and not in the newspapers. I should like to ask him another question. Would he consider increasing the grants? This would be good for the Minister, good for the Government and good for the country. Everybody who is laughing on the other side of the House wants him to do this also. I have something else to ask the Minister——

Question No. 13.

This is very important, Sir, because it was the best news in a dreadful week of strikes and civil commotions——

The Deputy has got in three questions already. He will please resume his seat.