I move amendment 70 :—
In sub-section (3) page 43, line 38, to insert after the word " regulate " the words " with the approval of the Minister."
SECTION 90.
(2) The Minister may by order make regulations in relation to the procedure of the Board.
(3) Subject to any regulations made by the Minister under the immediately preceding sub-section, the Board shall regulate by standing orders or otherwise the procedure to be observed and the business to be transacted at its meetings.
Amendments Nos. 68 and 69, in the name of the Minister for Agriculture, were agreed to :—
68. To delete sub-section (2).
69. In sub-section (3), page 43, lines 37 and 38, to delete the words " Subject to any regulations made by the Minister under the immediately preceding sub-section."
Minister for Agriculture
It appears to me that the Minister is taking back in amendment 70 what he has given the Board by deleting sub-section (2).
Minister for Agriculture
No. Sub-section (2) as it stood, provided that the Minister would make the regulations. That has now been changed to say that the Board, with the approval of the Minister, will make regulations.
The distinction, I confess, is somewhat fine. I detect the hand of an extremely astute permanent official in this because you tell them, on the one hand, that, while they can make their Standing Orders, if you do not like them you will not sanction them. The result is that you can refuse to sanction until you get the Board to adopt the particular Standing Orders that you want.
Minister for Agriculture
I recollect one Standing Order that we thought we would have to insist on the Board making. The Chairman of the Board, as Deputies know, has certain powers of allocating where the members do not agree. One recalcitrant member of the Board might go on talking for a whole day and not allow discussion to be closured, so that the Chairman could not give his decision. A Standing Order would be needed to deal with such situation should it arise. The Chairman should have the right to closure discussion. If the Board had the power to say that they would not allow that, then this measure would be rendered unworkable.
Amendment agreed to.
Section 90, as amended, agreed to.
Section 91 agreed to.