I move that leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to suspend the operation of the Flax Act, 1936.
Flax Act, 1936 (Suspension) Bill, 1947—First Stage.
Can we have any indication as to what the Bill is supposed to do?
This Bill is very urgent. It is only a one-clause Bill and I would ask Deputies, if they have it in their hands to-morrow, to give me the Second Stage. It is very short and very urgent.
What is its purpose?
To put the matter in order, is it not correct that some Deputy should formally move the rejection of the First Stage for the purpose of enabling the Minister to make a short statement as to the nature and content of the Bill?
Unless it is opposed, it is not usual.
Is it not necessary, if the Minister wishes to give the House an outline of what the Bill is to do, for some Deputy to move the rejection of the First Stage?
Has the Deputy not got the Bill?
No; this is the First Stage. I formally oppose the introduction of the Bill for the purpose of affording the Minister an opportunity of making a short statement as to its purpose.
The Flax Act, which was passed in 1936, put two obligations on the Government: first, to fix the acreage and, secondly, to fix a minimum price up to which the Government would bring the price if the flax did not realise the minimum price on the market. Under the arrangements we are making with the British Government, it is impossible to carry out these provisions. They are not necessary, in any case, and this Bill is a Bill to suspend the 1936 Act, which was done by Emergency Power Order during the emergency, so that we may be relieved of these obligations. I am told that it must be done before 31st January, a date which is coming very close.
I withdraw my opposition.
Leave granted.
Second Stage ordered for Thursday, 23rd January.