I want to raise a question with regard to Section 10 of this Bill, which, I think, is of some importance, and which was referred to at least on the Second Reading Stage in the other House. Sub-section (2) of Section 10 says:—
"In this part of this Act, other than this Section, the expression ‘measuring instrument' shall not include any instrument for the measurement and determination of electrical quantities."
At the present time the inspection of electrical meters is done by inspectors appointed by the Government. Under this new section that arrangement evidently is going to lapse, and it is rendered rather serious because of the fact that by Section 107 of the Electricity (Supply) Act of 1927 it is provided that
"The Minister may by order confer and impose on the Board and upon such order being made the Board shall exercise and perform the powers, functions and duties relating to meters or other electrical apparatus or appliances used or intended to be used for the measurement or determination of electrical quantities conferred and imposed on the Minister by the Weights and Measures Acts, 1878 to 1904, or by any other Act passed before or after the passing of this Act."
In other words, the Shannon Electricity Supply Board is the seller. It has the right to fix the price and to supply the quantity, but evidently it is also to be the body to test its own measuring instruments. I think that is a very serious state of affairs and one that could hardly be tolerated. It is to be presumed that the consumption of electricity will increase enormously during the next ten years, that it will be the principal illuminant, and be used for power and heating purposes, yet the body that is selling it is to be the body that will appoint inspectors to inspect their own measuring instruments. I would like to know if that is the position? If so, I think that sub-section (2) of Section 10 should be deleted, because otherwise there is no protection. Who is to protect the interests of the public and the interests of the consumers? Are we to believe that the Shannon Supply Board is infallible, is incapable of making a mistake or of doing an injustice? I would like to know from the Minister if we are to take it that the public are to entrust their rights to the people from whom they purchase the electricity?