Before the Dáil goes into Committee I desire to allude to a certain difficulty that has arisen. On the adjournment last day I intimated that we would take the Railway Bill after the Financial Resolutions. They have, however, disappeared for the day, and although the amendment to the next section stands in the name of a member of the Labour Party, I do not feel that I am acting rightly in proceeding in the absence of the business representatives. If it would meet with the approval of the Dáil we could have a short adjournment to enable these gentlemen to be advised of the position. Otherwise I am ready to proceed with all or any of the amendments. Possibly Section 11 may be taken, as it is proposed to amend it on the part of the Labour Party.
PRIVATE BUSINESS. - RAILWAYS BILL—THIRD STAGE RESUMED).
We have disposed of the amendments up to No. 57. The business in Committee would be amendment 57 to Section 11.
My opinion in this matter is that, while it is the duty of every member to be present all the time, it is hardly to be expected that they actually are, and when Deputies who are particularly interested have been led to believe that business would come on at a certain time, and they are all not able to be here, it is not unreasonable to give such Deputies notice. I would be quite prepared to fall in with the suggestion of the Minister.
It would be rather desirable also to give Deputies notice when business is not to be taken. I thought these Resolutions were coming on to-day, and was even assured that they were very urgent. As all the Deputies having amendments down to Section 11 are here, I suggest that we proceed with that section, and then adjourn if necessary.
It is support in the Lobby that we are looking for.
As Deputy Hewat has just arrived, perhaps I had better explain the position to him. The Order Paper for to-day has been altered owing to the fact that the Minister for Finance has certain throat trouble which prevents him from speaking, and the Financial Resolutions have been postponed. The Railway Bill is next on the Paper, but the Minister for Industry and Commerce who assured the Dáil on the last day that it would not be taken until after the Financial Resolutions had been disposed of, thinks that there may be objection to taking it in the absence of a certain party. The proposal was to go on with Section 11. If Deputy Hewat is agreeable, we can go on with that section.
I am in your hands. I would like to apologise for being late, but I thought the Financial Resolutions were being taken.
Would Deputy Hewat go on with Section 11 now, and decide later whether he would like an adjournment?
Yes.