asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the scarcity of cement in recent months, he will extend the qualifying time for payment of house grants under the old scheme.
Written Answers. - Cement Scarcity.
231.
Applicants for new house grants under the old scheme were informed by press notices as far back as July 1977 that the grants will be payable only if the work is completed before 1 January 1979. In December 1977 applicants for reconstruction grants under the old scheme were also informed by press notices that such grants will be payable only in similar circumstances. A further press notice in respect of both schemes was published on 1 September 1978.
As I am satisfied that applicants have had sufficient time to complete the work in order to obtain payment, regardless of any scarcity of materials, I do not propose to extend the time for completion of work.