I move that the Bill be read a Second Time. The provisions of the Local Elections Act, 1937, require that triennial elections of members of local authorities be held not later than the 30th September next. In the prevailing conditions it is considered prudent. to extend the period within which these elections are to be held to the 30th September, 1941. But for this Bill the year 1940 would be a triennial election year, and the annual or quarterly meetings of local authorities at which chairmen or mayors, as the case may be, are elected would be held after the elections of members. To remove any doubts or uncertainties as to the time for the holding of these meetings, during this month, the year 1940 is deemed to be a year in which a triennial election is not held. The Local Elections Act, 1927, accordingly, requires these meetings to be held not earlier than the 23rd instant, not later than the 1st July, and any annual or quarterly meeting held as such during that period is valid. If for any cause the meeting is not held, the Act of 1927 authorises the holding of the meeting at a convenient later date. Section 6 confers the necessary powers to resolve any difficulties that may arise.
Public Business. - Local Elections (Amendment) Bill, 1940—Second Stage.
Mr. Brennan
We have no objection to the Bill. Under existing circumstances the Bill is inevitable and we are prepared to give the Minister all the stages of the Bill to-day.
Question put and agreed to.
Agreed to take the remaining stages now.