Local Authority Housing Expenditure
Barry asked for housing expenditure figures; Barrett gave figures of over £80 million for 1978 and £86 million for 1979. Barry argued the increase lagged far behind rising building costs.
The Minister referred to the public capital programme, but can he give us the figures for this year and last year in respect of expenditure for local authority housing?
Comment on this
The Minister referred to the amount of money being an indication of increased activity.
Comment on this
If we were to allow questions on everything to which a Minister referred there would be little if any progress.
Comment on this
For the Deputy's information, the figure for 1978 was more than £80 million while for 1979 it is £86 million.
Comment on this
That is an increase of less than 7 per cent whereas, as acknowledged by the Central Bank, the cost of new houses has increased by more than 30 per cent. In those circumstances how can the Minister justify his contention that housing is continuing at the same level as in the previous year?