It is proposed to takebusiness in the following order: Nos. 7 (Vote 54 only), 6, 11, 15, 8, 5 and 9. It is proposed to interrupt business between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to take Nos. 6, 11 and 15 and to resume the order at 7.30 p.m., or earlier if Nos. 6, 11 and 15 are disposed of.
Order of Business.
I should like to ask a question with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, in connection with the subject matter of a question that was on the Order Paper yesterday. If you will recollect I had a question on the Order Paper dealing with the export of Irish whiskey. In that question I pointed out to the Government that the export of Scotch whiskey was value for £32,000,000 in the year 1952 whereas the value of Irish whiskey exported for the same year was less than £500,000. I asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps he proposed to take to expand the production of Irish whiskey. The reply which I received, drafted by a civil servant. I presume, was that this was a matter for the distillers themselves. I felt that this was an extraordinary reply, and that, under the circumstances, I should raise the matter on the Adjournment. You, however, Sir, decided that it was not a matter that could be brought up on the Adjournment. I have no criticism of your action to express because I believe you had no other alternative under the rules of procedure in operation in this House. I would, however, suggest that this matter should be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges with a view to seeing that some power should be made available to this House whereby a private Deputy would be enabled to raise a matter of urgent public importance and to bring to the attention of the Government matters such as the expansion of the production of Irish whiskey, of the development of Bord na Móna or any such matter of national importance. I think it is a tragic position to have to say that in my constituency contracts for the growing of barley for malt——
The Deputy now is endeavouring to make the case that he wanted to cover on the Adjournment.
I shall not go any further except to say that unless immediate steps are taken to solve this problem there will be less whiskey for export in seven years' time.
The Deputy is now dealing with the matter which he was not allowed to raise on the Adjournment last night. Matters raised on the Adjournment are really discussed in that way in order to give an opportunity for an extended reply more than could normally be given at Question Time. They should deal with grievances or matters of administration relating to public affairs for which a member of the Government is responsible. It is not permissible to advocate new legislation or the amendment of existing legislation on a motion on the Adjournment. In respect to the matter referred to by the Deputy, the Minister to whom the question was addressed has no statutory responsibility and therefore it could not be raised with him. So far as the other matter to which the Deputy has referred is concerned, every facility that can be given by my office will be afforded to the Deputy to frame a substantive motion on which he can raise the matter in a detailed way, which will leave it open for discussion in the House consistent with the provisions of Standing Orders.
May I point out that such a motion would take 12 months before it comes before the House?
The Chair has no responsibility for that. That is a matter that could be discussed between the Deputy and the Minister. If the Deputy wants to raise the matter with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, there is no reason why that could not be arranged.
You suggested that the Minister has no function in this matter of the export of whiskey. May I inquire whose responsibility is it?
The manufacturers possibly.
Is it not a matter that can be raised here? It is too badthat it has to be left in the hands of those who take no active steps to increase exports.
On a point of procedure. The Minister for Social Welfare informed the House some time ago that he hoped to be able to circulate the Workmen's Compensation Bill in a fortnight. So far it has not made its appearance. Will the Minister now say when he hopes to circulate the Bill?
I do not think the fortnight is up yet.
I think the Minister is suffering from amnesia. I think it is. I take it the Bill has met with an accident?
It has not met with an accident.
Will the Minister give another guess as to when it will be circulated?
I had better not. As soon as possible.