This measure, as the Seanad is aware, is an annual one. The Acts specified in Parts I and II of the Schedule are due to expire in normal course on 31st December next and it will be necessary to have the Bill enacted before the end of the present calendar year. It is proposed to continue in operation for another year all the enactments which were continued in force by the Expiring Laws Act, 1946. The Combined Purchasing Act, 1925, will be replaced by the Combined Purchasing Act, 1929, when the time becomes opportune to bring the latter Act into operation. The position in regard to the replacement of the other measures in the Schedule by permanent legislation is set out in the explanatory memorandum which has been circulated to Senators. As will be apparent, each of these Acts is portion of a code scattered through many statutes and their replacement by permanent legislation must necessarily form part of the wider work of consolidation of the various statutes relating to electoral law, housing, sanitary services, or borrowing by local authorities, as the case may be. I think Senators who have read the memorandum which accompanies this Bill will find all the necessary details therein, and, as I have said, we hope to avoid repeating some of these statutes in the next Expiring Laws Bill because consolidation measures are engaging the attention of Departments in regard to a number of matters.
Expiring Laws Bill, 1947—Second and Subsequent Stages.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Question put and agreed to.
Agreed to take remaining stages to-day.
Bill passed through Committee, reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.
Ordered: That the Bill be returned to the Dáil without amendment.