asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange with all local authorities to implement the resolution which was passed this year at a general meeting of municipal authorities that the allowance per child in all schemes be increased by 30s for the assessment of differential rents.

I am informed that the resolution referred to by the Deputy related to a total allowance of 13/- for each child, and not an increase of 30/- 4in the allowance. Any increase in the existing allowances under a differential rent scheme is a matter, in the first instance, for the local authority who must take into account the effect of the proposals on their finances.

I may add that I would regard piecemeal amendments of schemes as highly undesirable.