I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time. The object of the Bill is to continue the Rent Acts in operation for a further year pending the enactment of whatever legislation may be necessary as a result of the recommendations in the Report on Rent Control presented to my predecessor by the Rents and Leaseholds Commission. At present the main recommendations in the report (including recommendations for the continuance and extension of the present controls) are being considered at Government level. When the Government have made decisions on the major issues, the drafting of the amending legislation can be proceeded with.
I think that the period of one year for which the Acts are being extended is not too long having regard to the importance of the recommendations and the technical difficulties of this kind of legislation. In fact, it may prove to be too short. There will be no avoidable delay in pressing the matter forward, however. And if, in the meantime, it becomes necessary to legislate for some particularly urgent problem—as it did earlier this year during my predecessor's term of office —I shall not hesitate to bring in an amending Bill.
The Bill is on the lines of the Continuation Bills which have been passed in previous years by the House. I think the necessity for it will be recognised by all Parties and I ask that it be given a Second Reading.
Notice taken that 20 Deputies were not present; House counted, and 20 Deputies being present,