asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to the report published in the bulletin of the Federation of Builders, Contractors and Allied Employers of Ireland, for October, 1951, in which it is stated that he received a deputation from the federation to discuss the question of the continuance of the direct labour housing activities by local authorities; that he expressed sympathy with the points of view expressed by the federation's representatives, and in conclusion said that, while he could not direct local authorities to revert to the contracting system, he promised that his Department would subject every scheme, either completed or proposed for execution, to the closest possible scrutiny, and that he would require to have substantial justification for the continuance of these activities in each particular case; and, if so, whether such report conveys an accurate summary of the views expressed by him to the deputation, and if he will state whether the policy pursued by the Department since February, 1948, in respect of direct labour housing activities by local authorities will be adhered to in the future; and, if not, if he will indicate what policy he proposes to pursue.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Activities by Local Authorities.
I have read the report quoted by the Deputy and I am satisfied that it is a reasonably accurate summary of some of the views expressed by me on the occasion mentioned. I am not aware that it involves any change in the general policy pursued heretofore.
Has it not been the policy of the Minister's predecessor to encourage as far as possible, in the interests of economic house building, building by direct labour by local authorities? Is it not plain now that the Minister intends, so far as lies in his power, to promote private initiative and private enterprise as against direct labour in these schemes?
No one in this House knows my intentions better than myself. I have stated in reply to the question what these intentions are.
I doubt if the Minister knows his own intentions.
May we take it that the answer to the last portion of the question means that the policy hitherto pursued will be continued in this respect?
The policy of providing houses at the cheapest possible rate will always continue.
And that they will continue to be erected by direct labour where that is found desirable?
To the extent that it is found to be the best method, it will be continued.
Is the Minister aware that he has already given sanction to the acceptance of a tender for the building of a number of houses in County Cork by a builder where the employment of direct labour would have been cheaper?
It is very hard to prove in advance that direct labour would be cheaper than the contract system.
It depends on the colour of his politics.