asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the number of men employed by all local authorities on house building at the latest date available and at a similar date last year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment on House Building.
The number of men employed by local authorities on house building at 31st January, 1958, was 2,604. The number of men employed at 31st January, 1957, was 4,580.
Can the Minister reconcile those figures of substantially reduced unemployment with the statement by the Minister for Finance last week that the Government have provided much more money this year for housing as against last year?
Yes, I think that can be reconciled. The fact is that much more money was provided.
It was not taken up then?
Possibly it was taken up to pay some of the debts already incurred.
That looks well, coming well from a company director.
Will the Deputy dry up?
To pay for the spree of the boys.
It was not to pay for any spree.
Order!