I move for leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to enable certain local authorities to execute works affording relief or protection from flooding, landside, subsidence and similar ocurrences and to provide for matters connected with the matters aforesaid.
Local Authorities (Works) Bill, 1949—First Stage.
Leave granted.
When is it proposed to take the Second Stage?
Mr. Murphy
This day week.
When are we going to have the Bill?
Mr. Murphy
Before the end of the week, if possible.
Is this a three line Bill?
Mr. Murphy
The Deputy will see it shortly.
How can we consider it until we see it?
Shall we say this day week, provisionally?
I was caught out that way before. If the Minister will indicate whether it is a complicated Bill or not, we can decide whether that is a reasonable time to allow Deputies to study it. We have facilitated the Government by taking Bills at short notice, but, normally, the House is entitled to get any Bill that requires study at least a fortnight before the debate on it takes place. Unless this is a simple Bill, I think we should not agree to take it this day week.
Mr. Murphy
I can only say that I hope the Bill will be in the hands of Deputies within the next few days—at least by Saturday.
Can the Minister say how many clauses are in it?
Mr. Murphy
I am aware that it is not usual to discuss what is in a Bill on this stage.
Is it a long Bill or a short Bill?
Mr. Murphy
A short Bill.
With how many sections?
Mr. Murphy
Two or three.
That is all we want to know.
Second Stage ordered for Wednesday, 30th March, 1949.