asked the Minister for Local Government whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to extend the financial provisions of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1950, beyond the expiration of the financial year 1951-52.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing (Amendment) Act, 1950.
Mr. O'Higgins
Proposals for legislation to amend the Housing Acts are at present under consideration.
As a number of people contemplate building houses now or in the immediate future and as their financial position will be related in respect of the building of these houses to the availability of grants, would the Minister at this stage in order to assure the minds of such persons indicate that it is intended to continue at least the present grants?
The Minister can give the assurance that there will be no violent change of any kind in the legislation which will be introduced to take the place of the Act which expires on the 31st March next.
No violent change downwards at all?
No violent change. That means upwards or downwards, I suppose.
Can the Minister state any date on which he will be in a position to introduce the Bill?
The Bill must be law before 31st March. I take it that when we come back here after Christmas the Bill will be introduced. I cannot say the date, but it must be enacted before 31st March.
People may go on building?
Yes.
This is an intimation to builders that they may continue?
They have got that already—any who asked me.
Mr. Dockrell
I take it there is no serious doubt about the matter?
Seeing that these Acts have only two years' duration, there is always some speculation at this period as to what the new measure may contain and I am giving the assurance that the builders can at least go ahead with their work on the understanding that there will be no violent change upwards or downwards.