I do not think there is anything I need say in introducing this Bill. Members of the Seanad are probably familiar with this particular type of Bill. As it stands it is practically the same as that introduced this time last year. The various Acts set out in the Schedule are Acts that we find it necessary to continue for at least one year more.
Expiring Laws Bill, 1932—Second Stage.
Question proposed—"That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
The Vice-President
I wish to take advantage of this Bill to refer to the last item on it, namely the Courts of Justice Act, 1929. I am not going to go into detail as to this Bill as, probably before it comes up again, its provision will be reconsidered. But I wish to impress upon the Minister the necessity of doing something to implement the report of the Courts of Justice Committee with which this Act will probably be incorporated, with a view to doing away with a great many of the evils that have grown up under the Courts of Justice Act. This is not an occasion on which I need elaborate that matter. But the expenses, at least on appeal, are such as to amount to a denial of justice inasmuch as a great many people will not go into the courts to seek their rights because of the expense that would arise if an appeal were to be taken. I shall give just one example, and this may simply be regarded as applying to small amounts. I am connected with a company that went into litigation in connection with an item of approximately £2,000. The trial of that case occupied four days but when it went to appeal eleven days were occupied in the hearing—four days in the reading of the notes—and eventually costing more than twice the amount of the money involved. In the case of both plaintiffs and defendants they lost as much as the amount at issue so that when the decision was given both sides had lost a sum equal to the amount they went to seek.
With reference to the point made by Senator Dowdall, I am informed that the Bill is actually in preparation dealing with that matter, implementing, perhaps, if not all the recommendations, a considerable number of the recommendations of that Committee which met more than a year ago to consider the question of the Courts of Justice. I do not think there is anything more for me to say on this matter.
Question put and agreed to.
Ordered—That the Committee Stage be taken on Wednesday, 14th December.