asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of a press report on 25th May, 1972, to the effect that a building society has stopped accepting applications for loans from house purchasers for at least the next two months; if he is aware of the hardship and distress this will cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Loans.
120.
I am aware of the press report, which indicated that the society in question had found it necessary to curtail temporarily the acceptance of loan applications because of a need to up-date records, which had fallen into arrears as a result of a recent strike. The society's decision in this instance is not a matter in which I am empowered to intervene. I appreciate, however—as, I am sure, the society do—that the closure may cause problems for some house-purchasers and builders and I would be glad, therefore, to see its duration kept to a minimum.