asked the Minister for Local Government the date on which the revision of rents and the differential rents scheme is due to take place.

The national differential rent scheme, which I circulated to local authorities on 3rd September last, provided for an annual review of the scheme. It also provided that local authorities should normally carry out a review of the incomes of tenants for the purpose of reassessing rents at the beginning of July each year.

No decision has been made regarding the operative date of any changes arising from the review of the scheme which is due to take place later this year. In the meantime, all rents are being reduced with effect from the first gale day in May following the Government's decision to reduce domestic rates including the rate element of local authority rents in respect of 1977 by 25 per cent.

Do I take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that the rent revision will take place from 1st July next?

That is quite correct.

That rent increases will take place on 1st July next?

No, revisions.

Will the Minister, on the next occasion, consult members of local authorities before a differential rent scheme is imposed on them?

I will certainly convey the Deputy's comments but I do believe that he did consult local authorities.

The Minister never consulted members of local authorities; he imposed a differential rent system on them without consultation.

Question, please.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that, on this occasion, elected members of local authorities will be given an opportunity of discussing rent increases with the Minister, increases that will take place as from 1st July next?

It is proposed to meet representatives of local authorities and the National Association of Tenants' Organisations.

Before the rent increases?

No, before the revision of the rents.

The same thing.

Can we take it then that, in respect of rent increases that will take place on 1st July next, members of local authorities will have an opportunity of discussing them with the Minister?

I did not say that rents were going to be increased; I said they were going to be revised.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the purpose of the revisions, in the majority of cases, is to impose increased rents?

Deputies know well that these rents are revised each year and that the differential rent system operates on the basis of the incomes of the families concerned who will certainly have the advantage of the reduction in their rates.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary not know that in the majority of cases rent increases will be imposed later this year?

Question No. 2.

Surely local authorities have adjusted rents throughout the year on the basis of increases in incomes? Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that this has been taking place, because his reply is confusing?

Order. We are having an extension of this question.

I know that differential rents will be increased as from 1st July next. Can we take it that the Parliamentary Secretary is not satisfied that local authorities have carried out their duty in relation to income increases in the intervening period?

This question is being extended.

I am quite satisfied that these rents will be reduced when the reduction in rates is taken into account.

So there will be an increase from 1st July next?

I did not say that.

On the double.

Order.

Take it off in May and put it on in July.

This is becoming disorderly. Question No. 2.