asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

Between 16th October, 1964 and 15th April, 1966 the number of staff in the Department increased by 313.During the next six months the number of staff is bound to increase, with increasing functions to be performed but I am unable at this stage to predict by how much.