I propose to take the Finance Bill and then to deal with the Estimates, and to ask for permission about 7.30 to take the other motions on the Order Paper. The Minister for Finance will be unable to be present until then. We could suit the convenience of the House if one of the Estimates was taken after the Finance Bill.
PRIVATE BUSINESS. - PUBLIC BUSINESS.
I take it, it is the intention to take Estimates No. 62 and 63 before 56?
No. 56 is fixed for Wednesday.
First business on Wednesday.
Is it proposed to take Estimate No. 40—Local Government and Public Health—after No. 63?
Yes.
The arrangement suggested was that Estimate for the Local Government Department be taken on some Wednesday. I understand a number of Deputies want to discuss several matters in connection with the Estimate and it would be convenient for me if the Estimates for the Department of Industry and Commerce were taken on Wednesday next. The Estimate for the Local Government Department could be taken on Thursday. That would suit me as well as postponing the Estimate to a subsequent Wednesday.
If Estimates No. 62 and 63 are completed this evening I would like to know what is coming on after that.
We could not possibly do Industry and Commerce to-night.
Would it be possible to take minor Votes, the General Register Office and Dundrum Asylum in connection with the Department of Local Government to-night?
The present order is to take Estimates Nos. 62, 63, 41, 42 and 44. That is an optimistic forecast.
If there is no discussion on them, I have no objection to taking them as I have not prepared myself for them this evening.
My point is that Deputies in opposition did not expect that the Estimate for the Local Government Department would come up this evening.
We are not clear what the arrangement is as to the order of business.
There is none, except that Estimates 62 and 63 will be taken to-day.
Is the Minister for Industry and Commerce not prepared to take No. 56? Does he not feel in form?
At the request of a Committee when it was put to me that the Estimate should not be taken except on a Wednesday, I agreed. If the Committee make another request and give me twelve hours notice, I will agree to it.