asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the anticipated increase in building society interest rates, he intends to maintain the existing rates by the introduction of a subsidy.

No decision on this matter has been made by my Department.

Arising out of the reply, would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that, due to the exceptional increase in living costs, large numbers of mortgage holders are finding exceptional difficulty in making repayments at present rates and that any increase in these rates would have very serious consequences?

The demand for home loans is continuing at such a high level that it is obvious that people still regard the home loans at the present rate of interest as good value.

It is very ominous.

The Parliamentary Secretary might have a look at the demand for SDA loans. But would the Parliamentary Secretary keep in mind, when considering this matter of the amount of subsidies, the fact that quite a considerable number of mortgage holders are now unemployed, and that their circumstances have greatly changed from the time these mortgages were taken out? Would he give favourable consideration to a subsidy to keep the interest rates at present levels?

I can assure the Deputy that no decision has been made by the Government in this matter.

I am aware of that, but would the Parliamentary Secretary put in a good word?

Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is stating that the demand for local authority house loans is increasing?

The demand for home loans is continuing at a very high level.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary referring to local authority home loans or building society home loans?

We must not depart from the subject matter of the question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware there is a sharp fall in the demand for local authority home loans because of interest rates?

That is a separate question.

The question deals with mortgages. If the Deputy has a separate question to put down——

Question No. 26.

The Parliamentary Secretary will give favourable consideration to the matter raised?

I assure the Deputy again that no decision in this matter has been made by the Government.

I have called the next question.