I move:—
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Agricultural Workers (Weekly Half-Holidays) Act, 1951.
Agricultural Workers (Weekly Half-Holidays) (Amendment) Bill, 1952—First Stage.
I intend to introduce a Bill dealing with this matter and consequently I must oppose the introduction of this Bill.
Could the Minister give us a general idea as to the nature of his Bill?
Mr. Walsh
I intend to bring in a Bill to amend the Agricultural Workers (Weekly Half-Holidays) Act.
We could not accept a mere assurance that the Bill will be brought in.
Mr. Walsh
I am bringing it in on behalf of the Government.
If this motion is opposed, it will go over to Private Deputies' time on next Wednesday.
Alternatively, would it not be the right of the proposer, under Standing Orders, to make a short statement and the right of the Minister to make a statement and that the matter would then be put to a division? Are there not two procedures?
Only two statements—one from the mover and one in reply.
And a division — that is the alternative.
Does that take place now?
No, on Wednesday next.
If it is opposed, is the proposer not entitled to make a statement?
If it is opposed, it goes over to Private Deputies' Business on Wednesday. The proposer can then make a statement and anyone objecting can make a statement.
I submit that there are two procedures under Standing Orders. One is that if a Private Deputy's Bill is proposed and opposed, the proposer may thereupon make a short statement, the opposer may do the same and then a division is taken. Or is that an old Standing Order?
The relevant Standing Order is:—
"Should motions of Private Members for leave to introduce Bills, or for returns, be opposed, the debate thereon shall be adjourned to the next day on which Private Members' Business is to be taken."
In order that the position may be considered in an atmosphere of some knowledge of what is going to happen, would the Minister say whether his Bill will provide for a weekly half-holiday and for the administration of his Bill when an Act by the Agricultural Wages Board and could he say when it is likely that the Bill will be introduced?
Mr. Walsh
About a month from now.
Will that be the object of the Bill?
Mr. Walsh
It will be a workable Bill.
There is no use in being facetious about it. Will that be its object?
It is recognised that amendment is necessary, but I do not think the Deputy should press for an indication of the nature of the Bill.
Will the Bill correct whatever deficiencies exist at the moment?
That is what it is designed for.
Why could the Minister not have said that at first?
Is it possible that, under the Bill which the Minister is to introduce, the half-holiday allowed to farm workers will be retrospective?
The Deputy is clearly seeking to discuss the matter which has to go over to Private Deputies' Business next Wednesday.