I move: That the Shop Hours (Drapery Trades, Dublin and Districts) Bill be read a Second Time. I do not know that the House will require any very great explanation of this Bill from me. It contains one effective clause, in fact really only one clause, and that is, to extend the Shop Hours Act, 1926, for three and a half years. Senators are probably aware that in 1925 a Bill was passed by the Oireachtas dealing with shop hours in the drapery trades. It met with a good deal of dissatisfaction amongst certain of the smaller shopkeepers, with the result that some members of the Dáil introduced an amending Bill in 1926. The amending Bill was discussed in a Committee of the Dáil which took evidence from the public; it was sent to this House, where some amendments were made; a conference took place, and agreement was eventually reached. It then became an Act known as the Shop Hours (Drapery Trades, Dublin and Districts) Act, 1926. It is this Act, which was the result of substantial agreement, that I propose should be extended a further three and a half years. The reason why I am proposing a short term is that I feel rather strongly—and I have reason to think that it may be the view of some members, at any rate, of the Government—that the question of shop hours generally should be considered, either by a committee or by some sort of commission, so that other trades might be dealt with at the same time. But there is a strong wish on the part of the leading drapery employers and on the part of the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks that this Act should not be allowed to lapse next July. I have introduced this Bill as a result of requests to me by both these organisations. I think that both have sent letters to members of the Seanad setting out their views. If necessary, I can explain in more detail the effect of the Act of 1926, but I think it is well known to members of this House.
Shop Hours (Drapery Trades, Dublin and Districts) Bill, 1930—Second Stage.
I formally second.
Question put and agreed to.
Committee Stage ordered for Wednesday, 9th April.