This is just a simple Bill. Its purpose is to extend for 12 months the provisions of Section 2 of the Trade Union Act, 1947. That section of the 1947 Act continued the power which was given to the Minister under the 1941 Act to authorise the acceptance, in certain cases and due to the abnormal circumstances of the time, of a lower sum by way of deposit than was laid down in the original Act. As Senators are probably aware, in order to obtain a negotiating licence, trade unions, whether of employees or employers, had to make and maintain a deposit of anything from £1,000 to £10,000. It was foreseen in 1941 that, owing to abnormal circumstances, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for certain trade unions to make and maintain the full deposit, and the Minister was given power to authorise a reduced sum up to a maximum of 75 per cent. It is thought desirable that that should be continued for another 12 months.
Trade Union Bill, 1948—Second and Subsequent Stages.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Question put and agreed to.
Agreed to take remaining stages to-day.
Bill passed through Committee, received for final consideration and passed.