asked the Minister for Local Government if he will prescribe minimum statutory conditions for the maintenance of unfurnished rooms.

I have no power to prescribe such conditions. Local authorities are empowered by section 70 of the Housing Act, 1966, to make bye-laws in relation to rented dwellings, whether furnished or unfurnished, to ensure the execution of works necessary to maintain the structure of the houses, the provision of proper water supplies, drainage, ventilation, lighting and so on, and the maintenance of an adequate standard of cleanliness.

I have had a model set of bye-laws under section 70 drafted and circulated to local authorities for their consideration and views. Revision of the draft model in the light of comments received from individual authorities is now in progress.