asked the Minister for Local Government whether control of the price of land for house building purposes is under consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Housing Land.
83.
A general examination of all aspects of the problem of building land prices is being undertaken in my Department. At this stage, I am not in a position to state what action it may be decided to take in the matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach, Deputy Andrews, called for action on this matter last weekend? Is he further aware of the general election call of the Labour Party in 1969 that there should be control of the price of land used for the building of houses? Could he give us any further information about the kind of examination which is going on in his Department at present in this connection?
Naturally, I am aware of the general problems created by a number of factors in the building industry—land being one of them. Land prices and other factors affecting the building programme are being very closely examined by the Department and steps are being taken——
In the Dublin area at present it is reckoned that one-third of the cost of new houses is directly attributable to the cost of the land on which these houses are built. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, if we are to build more houses, then we shall have to control the price of building land?
I am not aware that the percentage is correct
A recent study of a significant number of schemes in Dublin, both council and private, gave a figure of 37 per cent of the cost of the houses as attributable to land costs.
One Deputy says one-third and another Deputy says 37 per cent.
If I secure the report on this survey and send a copy of it to the Parliamentary Secretary will he agree to submit it to his Department?
We are aware of all the factors militating against increased house production——
When will the study come to fruition?
Next question.
This is urgent. We are entitled to particulars. The position is getting worse all the time.
A study is in progress. We do not know when it is likely to conclude.
The Deputy is not entitled to make a speech on a supplementary question.
We are entitled to have this information.
Surely we are entitled to be given the information?
There have been a good many separte questions.
The key question here is when this study is likely to be completed. The Parliamentary Secretary must have some estimate of the time. One does not have open-ended inquiries.
I cannot say when the study will be completed.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree to check up on this, and communicate with the Deputies concerned, if he has not the information with him?
Yes, I will.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, I wish to give notice that I propose to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment tonight.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy. There are already two questions before this one.