With reference to Clause 2, I desire to move an amendment at the end of sub-section 4, but as I did not receive a copy of the Bill in time I was only able to give notice to-day. As it would hardly be fair to ask the Minister to consider the amendment at such short notice, I propose, with the assent of the House, to move it—it is a very trifling one—on Report Stage. It is simply to provide that the public shall get the benefit of any saving that is effected.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY (SPECIAL POWERS) BILL, 1925—COMMITTEE.
Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CATHAOIRLEACH
Write out the amendment and hand it in. It will be considered on Report.
Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
I move the following amendment:—
To add at the end of the section a new sub-section as follows:—
"(2) Where the premises to which a supply of electricity is proposed to be given under this section are situate in the area of supply of an authorised undertaker, the Minister shall not approve of the giving of the supply under this section unless or until he is satisfied that such authorised undertaker is either unable or unwilling to give the supply."
I do not think that this Bill has been explained by any Minister during any of its stages here, so that it is difficult to explain my amendment without, to some extent, referring to the purpose of the Bill. I understand that the main object of the Bill is to facilitate existing suppliers of electricity during the period between now and the time when the Shannon scheme will be in full force and the Minister is empowered to enable present providers of electricity to supply in the area at present supplied by the Corporation and others. The object of the amendment, which has been suggested by the Law Agent of the Dublin Corporation, is to make it clear that the Minister shall not give such permission until he has ascertained from the Corporation or other suppliers that they are unable to give the supply. I believe this has been discussed with the Minister, and I think it is perfectly reasonable that, while it is necessary that the Minister should have power to give permission, he shall not do so unless present suppliers in the area are unable to supply.
This amendment has been suggested in a tentative form in the Dáil at a late stage. There is no objection to it. It is founded on suspicion, but inasmuch as it allays suspicion and does no harm, we will accept it. It protects suppliers in an area where previous legislation gives them almost monopolistic rights, and as this meets their point of view, it is quite acceptable.
Amendment put and agreed to.
Clause 3, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Bill, as amended, ordered to be reported.