It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Order of Business.
In relation to No. 2, I would suggest to the Leader of the House that it is a little bit unreasonable to take it today having regard to the fact that the Bill was only circulated last Friday without an explanatory memorandum. The explanatory memorandum was circulated only yesterday. The Bill contains quite a number of matters which require consideration. By ordering it for today the time allowed for consideration is not adequate.
The position is that this is only the Second Stage with the Committee Stage coming up later on. In view of the big programme of legislation which is facing us and which we hope to get over by the end of the month, I think it would be advisable to deal with it today.
Is the Leader of the House and the Minister in a position to assure us that, if the Second Stage is to be taken to day, reasonable opportunity will be allowed for consideration of the Committee Stage? Quite frankly, we have not had an opportunity of having party consideration of this Bill. We do not want a situation arising where we are asked for the Committee Stage in a hurry.
Whatever time is required I can see no reason why it should not be given within the ambit of the period which I have mentioned, as we want to have it finished by 30th of the month.
Does the Minister want this to go through the other House before the end of the session?
I am hopeful of that.
In view of the fact that the period for making submissions on the White Paper on Local Government Reorganisation ended on 30th June, will the Leader of the House consider making time available at an early stage for discussing of Motion No. 17, thus providing an opportunity for having the view of Members of the House put on the Official Record in connection with this White Paper, as presumably it is being examined at the moment in the Department?
I will see what can be done about that.
Is the Order of Business to be Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4?
Yes.
Extraordinary !
Is the Order of Business agreed?
Certainly.