84 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the delays of up to one year in having even minor works carried out by the health boards under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in view of the backlog of applications; and if he will have additional funding made available. [7767/97]

In recognition of the valuable work being done, funding for the special housing aid for the elderly is being maintained at a high level. The provision in 1997 is £4.132 million compared to £4 million in 1996 and £3 million in 1995, and will enable health boards to continue a high level of activity under the scheme. I am not in a position to further increase the provision for 1997.