When is it proposed to take the Second Stage?
Public Health (Special Expenses) Bill, 1930—First Stage.
Leave granted to introduce a "Bill entitled an Act to enable county councils to contribute to the cost of certain classes of works executed by boards of public health and boards of health and public assistance and to amend the law relating to the area of charge of special expenses incurred by such boards."—Minister for Local Government and Public Health (General Mulcahy).
Bill read a First Time.
I should like to have the Second Stage taken to-morrow. I referred to this Bill when discussing the Relief Vote, and in reply to points made by some Deputies with regard to difficulties in the matter of area of charge for water and sewerage schemes, I said I intended bringing forward some proposals which would ease the situation from that point of view for the provision of water and sewerage schemes in small local places—a Bill that would enable local authorities, if they so desired, to help in a way in which they have not power at present. The Bill will be in the hands of Deputies, I think, before six o'clock this evening, with an explanatory memorandum, and, in view of the desirability of getting the Bill before the Christmas adjournment, so that such schemes as it might help could be brought forward and get a grant from the Relief Vote, I should like to have the Second Stage taken to-morrow.
I got a proof copy of the Bill when I came into this building, with the explanatory statement by the Minister, but I have not had time to look at it, and I am sure nobody else has had time, and I do not suppose there will be much time during the course of the ordinary business to-day to examine it. I do not think, from the cursory glance I had had at it, that it will take a great deal of time, but, nevertheless, it does not seem to be reasonable that we should take the Second Reading of this Bill to-morrow, as the House has not yet got the Bill. I got this copy, but I have not had an opportunity of more than glancing at it during the progress of questions. I do not want to be unreasonable or to block this Bill in any way by anything I might do. But if, when we have time to look through it, we find nothing in it, I would agree to have the Second Reading taken to-morrow, but only on the understanding that if we find anything contentious in the Bill we shall be entitled to ask to have the Second Reading adjourned.
My idea in seeking to put down the Second Reading for to-morrow was merely precautionary. If objection is taken to-morrow to the Second Reading I shall leave the matter in the hands of the House.
Therefore we may order the Second Reading for to-morrow.
Ordered accordingly.