asked the Minister for Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the latest survey carried out by local authorities to determine the number of houses required gives an accurate estimate of houses required at the present time; and, if not, if he will request local authorities to make an up-to-date survey.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Requirements.
The present local authority housing programme is based generally on housing needs as estimated at the 1st April, 1947. It is possible that these estimates, taking into account the number of houses completed since 1947, do not accurately represent the present needs in all local authority areas. In cases where such a course is clearly necessary I have drawn the attention of local authorities to the desirability of making fresh surveys. I consider, however, that a general resurvey of housing needs in every local authority area would be premature until the current programme has reached a more advanced stage.