asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that it is generally accepted that the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, is not satisfactory in existing conditions, and whether he will indicate whether it is proposed to introduce amending legislation; and, if so, at what date.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial and Provident Societies.
In general, the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1893 to 1936, have not been found inadequate for their purposes. The main object of the Act of 1893 was to encourage and facilitate the spread of the co-operative movement amongst persons of limited financial resources, and if this object has not been achieved to the desired extent, it is not clear that this is due to any inherent defects in the Acts. So far as existing conditions are concerned, I would invite the Deputy's attention to the provisions of Emergency Powers (No. 256) Order, 1943, which confers additional powers of control over the establishment of industrial and provident societies.