asked the Minister for Local Government if he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to ensure a reduction of 50 per cent. in the rents to tenants of labourers' cottages.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Labourers' Cottages.
Mr. Murphy
Rents of labourers' cottages are fixed by county councils and require my approval only in the case of cottages subsidised under the Housing Act of 1932. Any reduction of the rents would involve an increase in the charges at present falling on the local authorities in respect of the cottages, some of which under the Act of 1936 have been vested in the tenants who are liable for annuities about 25 per cent. lower than the former rents. If the Deputy has in mind the charge on vested cottages, I am afraid that I can hold out no immediate hope in this direction.