(Cavan): I do not want to take anybody by surprise. Perhaps Deputy Colley did not expect this to be reached again until 4 o'clock. I did not, but I am here.
Business of Dáil.
I think there is some misunderstanding.
The position was very clear, as far as we were concerned. We understood the Wealth Tax Bill would be resumed at 4 o'clock.
(Cavan): The order was that business be interrupted, as I understand it, to take the Local Authorities Bill and it was implied that on the completion of the Traffic Wardens Bill the order would be resumed.
No, but——
(Cavan): I can understand the misunderstanding but do not say that that is not the position. I can quite understand the misunderstanding.
What we understood was that the Wealth Tax Bill would not commence until 4 o'clock. We can certainly have a break.
(Cavan): Surely the Deputy knows what the order is. I am agreeable to a break to facilitate the Opposition.
Acting Chairman
The order was that 11 and 12 (resumed) be taken between 1.30 and 3 p.m., Private Members' Business at 6 p.m.
The Chair would suggest that the business of the House be now suspended until 3 o'clock.
I should like an interpretation of that. It is not the interpretation given by the Minister for Lands.
My office was responsible for the wording of the Order of Business. I must admit that the wording of that order is ambiguous enough to justify misunderstanding. I had intended that the expression "between 1.30 and 3 p.m." would mean that when 3 o'clock came the business which began at 1.30 would not be resumed. But I also intended that if it finished before 3 o'clock the order would be resumed.
(Cavan): I am quite agreeable to a break.
I will accept that interpretation but it is not the same as the interpretation given by the Minister for Lands. We will accept the interpretation given by the Parliamentary Secretary.
Business suspended at 2.50 p.m. and resumed at 3 p.m.