asked the Minister for Local Government the action he proposes to take in regard to the large increase in the price of timber particularly in relation to the report that the price of houses will increase by £200 each; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Timber Prices.
87.
Regard was had to increases in the cost of timber and other building materials when the Government raised the provisional capital allocation for local authority housing in 1973-74 by £5 million and increased the maximum loan under local authorities' house purchase schemes.
Is the Minister aware that in assessing loans a person's overtime is calculated? Would he not consider that it would be fairer to have the assessment based on a person's basic wage rather than the full amount he earns in one year?
That is a different question, but the Deputy has a point. We can have a look at it, if we find that the present arrangement is not working satisfactorily.