asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government will support the case for a common EEC policy of housing grants which is now being prepared by the Regional Policy Committee of the European Parliament for submission to the Parliament and eventually to the EEC Commission.

I have not seen any proposals from the Regional Policy Committee of the European Parliament in relation to housing grants and I cannot comment until I have had an opportunity of considering any such proposals.

Can the Minister say if the Irish Government would have any input in the preparation of the document referred to?

I do not have any information on the document from the European Parliament and, as far as I know, the Department of Foreign Affairs do not have any information on it.

If such a document is being prepared the Irish Government do not know anything about it?

It has not come to us in our Department yet.

That is typical.

If such a request is made to his Department, would it be the intention of the Minister of State to advise the European Parliament that grants for the installation of solid fuel heating systems or fireplaces and chimneys in houses which do not have them ought to be abolished in line with the decision of his Government?

I have no comment to make on that until I know what proposals the European Commission have.

They are looking for the Minister's proposals.

They are not looking for any proposals from me.