asked the Minister for Local Government if he will sanction a more realistic travel allowance for road overseers than the £1.25 per week at present being paid to them; and if he will give an account of the participation of his Department since 1970 in the processing of their claim for an increase.

The grant of an increased travel allowance to road overseers is a matter for negotiation with the local authorities in the first instance. My function relates to considering any proposals which might be submitted for my approval arising from agreement reached in the negotiations or following the acceptance by the local authorities of the terms of a Labour Court recommendation in the matter. So far no such proposals have been received in my Department. I understand, however, that a claim for an increased allowance is at present being processed through the Labour Court.

In view of my function in relation to the claim my Department has not been involved in the relevant negotiations.