Has the Minister any evidence to confirm newspaper reports that the building societies into whose coffers the money is pouring are making it available for house building loans? Has he any evidence to suggest that the building societies are putting a lot of their cash on short-term deposit because of the crisis the lack of bridging finance has produced in the house building industry?

I have no evidence to prove that. I have seen the allegations. I have had inquiries made but, as of now, I have no evidence of that.

Can the Minister indicate to the House if the building societies have explicitly and clearly denied these allegations?

I am awaiting a report on this. I saw the allegations. This would involve my Department and also the Department of Finance. I have no evidence one way or the other at present.

The allegations are two or three weeks old.

Less.

Am I right in assuming that the Minister is still awaiting an explicit denial from building societies?

I am awaiting confirmation one way or the other from our own inquiries.

The Minister has not said yes or no.

I have no evidence.