asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when he proposes to introduce legislation to put the law affecting friendly societies on a modern basis by amendment of the Trade Union Act, 1871, the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, the Building Society Act, 1894, and the Friendly Societies Act, 1896.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Friendly Societies Legislation.
54.
The modernisation of the law relating to co-operative societies was initiated by the enactment of the Credit Union Act, 1966 which provided for the regulation and registration of Credit Unions under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts and for some amendment of these Acts and the Friendly Societies Acts. I propose to introduce further amending legislation in relation to societies as soon as possible.
Is the Minister following that with a consolidation?
That is going a little far ahead. I did not say that, but it might be contemplated.
Might I put this to the Minister? Is it not a fact that if he is going to introduce any amending legislation a consolidation is highly desirable and that either he should make his amending legislation the virtual consolidation or introduce his amending legislation now and follow it later with consolidation?
The Deputy will appreciate that in very many fields consolidation is desirable——
And here it is particularly desirable.
——and, I would agree here, but whether it should be done by way of consolidation at this stage or amending legislation and then consolidation is not a matter on which I could express an opinion.
Can the Minister say when he thinks he will have amending legislation for production to the House?
I should not like to forecast the date at this stage but it is under active consideration at present.
May I ask the Minister to avoid this pitfall at least, into which several of his colleagues have fallen already, and that is, will he be sure not to attempt amending and consolidation in the one Bill? Either consolidate it as it now stands, with all its imperfections, and then amend, or else amend first and then consolidate, but to do the two in the one Bill leads to endless confusion.
I am aware of the confusion that arises in those circumstances.