I move for leave to introduce the Local Authorities (Extension of Time) Bill. The purpose of this Bill is to extend the time limited by special Acts of Parliament which have been obtained by Local Authorities enabling them to do such public works as the provision of water supplies or the carrying out of sewage works. There are several such cases through the country. A typical one is that of the Dingle Rural District Council, which in 1915 was given powers to acquire certain lands and water rights compulsorily for the purpose of supplying water for the town of Dingle and neighbourhood. The time for exercising the powers was limited to three years from the passing of the enabling Act. The old Local Government Board, on the application of the Council, extended this limit several times by Orders made under the Special Acts and the Extension of Time Act, 1915. The last extension expired on the 29th July, 1921. The Council did not then apply for any further extension as it had broken off relations with the old Local Government Board. The Council is now anxious to carry out the work, and it is not desirable that it should be put to the expense and delay which would be involved in obtaining a new Provisional Order, and having an Act passed confirming that Order. It was impossible in the circumstances of the time for the Council to carry out the work. There are other Councils in a somewhat similar position, and it is felt to be desirable that power should be taken to extend for a period the time during which Councils which have got special powers under Acts confirming Provisional Orders, or other Special Acts, should be enabled to carry out the necessary works for which these Acts were obtained.
DISTRICT JUSTICES BILL—FROM THE SEANAD. - LOCAL AUTHORITIES (EXTENSION OF TIME) BILL, 1923.—FIRST STAGE.
Question: "That leave be given to introduce the Bill," put and agreed to.
Ordered for Second Reading on Friday.