asked the Minister for Local Government the total number of private dwellings under construction at 31st December 1975 and at 31st December 1976.

This information is not available in my Department. However, I understand that the feasibility of measuring work in progress in the private house building sector is one of the matters which have been under consideration by a working party comprising officials of my Department and representatives of the building and construction industry. I expect the report of the working party to be available to me very shortly.

Did the Minister say that figures are not available in his Department?

No, not at present; they are not available. Apparently the system which was in operation did not allow that but there were long discussions between the CIF and my Department. The report should be with me within days and it is hoped to get an agreed formula.

Is it true to say that the figure as to the total number of houses under construction was available?

The total number completed was easy enough to get.

But not those under construction?

No, not those under construction but we hope to be able to do so from this year onwards.

16.