asked the Minister for Local Government the number of projects submitted by local authorities which are held up awaiting sanction by his Department at present; and the total amount of money involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Projects.
32.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 32 together.
As regards local authority housing schemes and sanitary services works, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 19 of the 28th April last. Since then seven housing schemes involving ten or more dwellings and 38 rural cottages estimated, in all, to cost £317,120, have been approved, while proposals involving one further housing scheme and 47 rural cottages, together with one sanitary services scheme have been received. The aggregate value of all housing and sanitary services schemes now awaiting sanction is approximately £5¼ million, of which £2.16 million relates to local authority housing.
As regards the other information requested by the Deputy, its compilation would involve detailed examination of a large number of applications for both loan and overdraft accommodation which would involve serious disruption of current work in my Department. Applications for loans to finance house purchasing and supplementary grants are being recommended and sanctioned without undue delay, within the limits of the appropriate capital allocation.
On the general questions of expediting house building and financing operations, I would refer the Deputy to my reply on the Adjournment Debate on 18th May, 1966.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give us any indication when money will be available, or is he aware that house building is slowly grinding to a halt, that machinery is rusting in builders' yards and that tradesmen are packing their bags and emigrating? Can he give us any indication when the Government's long-promised housing programme will begin?
It is on.
It is what?
It is on.
On where?
Could the Parliamentary Secretary let us know how we can recognise it?