Section 47 sets out the statutory obligation on a wildlife dealer to have a licence and to trade in accordance with its terms and conditions. The inter regnum provisions in subsection (2) are designed to give reasonable breathing-space to enable existing businesses or businesses which are in process of changing hands to comply with the new law.
SECTION 47.
Question proposed: "That section 47 stand part of the Bill."
In respect of subsection (2) (a):
in relation to a person who immediately prior to the commencement of this section was carrying on business as a wildlife dealer, during the period of three months beginning on the commencement of this section,
will be automatically qualify for a licence?
No. The intention behind that is that when the Act comes into operation a person who has been carrying on the business of wildlife dealer will have three months in which to apply for a licence.
He does not automatically qualify by the fact that he is already a wildlife dealer. He is under the obligation to make a formal application within three months?
Mr. Kitt
Is there any question of a limit being put to the number of licences?
I would say that within reason there will be a limitation on the number of licences issued. It is not the intention to limit the number; the intention would be to limit the type of person.
I could see a situation where every hotelier would apply for a licence.
It would not be worth their while.
Question put and agreed to.