It is proposed to take item 3 on the Order Paper—Transport (No. 2) Bill, 1944, in Committee. With regard to Private Deputies' motions, it will be in the recollection of the House that some time ago Deputy Norton asked for time for the Labourers Bill which has been on the Order Paper for a long time. Would it be convenient for the House to agree to take the First and Second Reading of the Labourers Bill this evening?
Order of Business.
The Minister may not be aware of the fact that the new Labourers Bill has not been circulated.
I know, but perhaps the House would agree to take the First Reading of it now.
I do not think the Bill is available.
I understood that, in the time of the last Dáil, the Bill was in print. I think the terms of it are well known.
It is quite all right, if the Bill is in possession of the Deputies.
The motion that appears on the Order Paper in the name of this Party is one asking for leave to introduce the Bill. I take it that the Bill will be circulated afterwards?
Yes.
It is suggested to take the Second Stage of the Bill to-day. It has not been introduced yet.
The Labour Party have asked for time for this Bill. If the House were to give the Bill a First Reading now, the Second Stage might be taken this evening, that is if the Labour Party are ready to take it.
I appreciate the Minister's offer and will endeavour to meet him on that.
Is the Chair to understand that, if the Bill is given a First Reading, the Second Stage will be debated between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening?
Yes.
We have no objection to the Bill being given a First Reading now. I take it that if the Bill is introduced now, copies of it will be available for Deputies during the afternoon.
And if the Bill is not available, the intention is to proceed with Motion No. 3, of Private Deputies' Business.
We have no objection to the Second Reading of the Labourers Bill being taken at 6 o'clock if there are any old copies of it available for Deputies who want to make reference to it.
I now understand that there are some copies available.