The people I represent are in favour of a Betting Bill, but they are not in favour of giving all the powers that are to be taken under this Bill. Amendments will be proposed on the Committee Stage and I hope that the Seanad will give them favourable consideration so that this measure may be amended. I am sorry that the Finance Bill was not taken to-day because that Bill will have a material effect on these proposals.
SHOP HOURS (DRAPERY TRADES, DUBLIN AND DISTRICTS) BILL, 1926. - BETTING BILL, 1926—SECOND STAGE.
Motion made and question proposed:—"That the Bill be read a Second Time."
I support what Senator Parkinson has said and I desire to say that I have two amendments down which I will move on the Committee Stage.
I wish to say that I am strongly opposed to any tax on coursing. Coursing is followed by a class of people entirely different from the class for which Senator Parkinson and Senator Sir Bryan Mahon speak. Coursing is a sport of the people and is carried on more or less voluntarily. There are no elaborate arrangements in connection with coursing such as those connected with racing. For that reason I will strongly oppose any interference with the present arrangements under which coursing is carried on. I think coursing should be encouraged and that there should be no restrictions on it in the way of taxation.
Question put and agreed to.
Committee Stage ordered for July 8th.