asked the Minister for Local Government the latest available estimate of the average increase in the rents of local authority dwellings which will occur during the current financial year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority House Rents.
65.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available.
Table 19 of the quarterly bulletin of housing statistics published by my Department shows that the average weekly rent of a local authority dwelling in 1970-71—the latest year for which final figures are available—was £1.22.
66.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider meeting representatives of the National Association of Tenants' Organisations for discussions with a view to averting a national rent strike.
67.
asked the Minister for Local Government the action he proposes taking to avoid rent and rates withdrawal by tenants of local authority houses to commence from 6th November, 1972; and if he has held discussions with NATO on the matter.
68.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received draft proposals from the National Association of Tenants' Organisations for an alternative differential rents scheme and house purchase scheme together with a request to discuss the draft proposals with the association's executive; if he has agreed to meet their request; and, if not, why.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, together.
I received, on the 1st November, a request from this association for a meeting to discuss their proposals for changes in the renting and sales policies applicable to local authority dwellings. I will communicate with the association shortly.
While I accept that the Minister will communicate with them shortly, the Minister will appreciate that in a matter of national concern it might be good policy for him to tell the House that he will meet these people. This would allay anxiety.
I will be communicating with this association.
The Minister has said that before.
That is the only information I have to convey to the House.
Is the Minister considering their proposals?
I have read the proposals and have considered them.