I move amendment No. 29 :—
In sub-section (1), page 25, line 30, to insert after the word " quarters " the words " training grounds, recreation grounds."
SECTION 30.
If the Deputy will look at paragraph (h) of sub-section (1) I think he will see that it is adequately covered. The things which the Deputy specifies here are actually within the precincts of the barracks and would be part of the care of the Minister.
I had the idea that in particular parts of the country training grounds and recreation grounds are under the Board of Works or somebody else. I felt that the Minister should have power to construct a recreation ground or to construct training grounds and to maintain them for the soldiers. I do not think there is power in that section to acquire grounds for that purpose. If the Committee think that paragraph (h), which is an omnibus clause, covers training grounds and recreation grounds, I will be perfectly satisfied.
It would be very much part of training. There is also in another section power to acquire land That would cover the Deputy's point.
It is desirable, and I know it is the policy of the Department of Defence and of the Army, to have recreation grounds and training grounds, and I think recreation grounds are vital.
Very vital.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
The next three amendments can be taken together.
I move amendment No. 30 :—
To delete sub-section (2).
I mentioned this already on the discussion of another section. The sub-section says :—
Where the exercise of any of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of this section involves a charge on public funds, such powers shall be exercised only with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance.
Paragraph (e) of sub-section (1) says that the Minister may lay mines. It does seem to me extraordinary that if he decides to lay mines he will have to do it with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The idea of the three amendments was (1) to delete that section altogether and say that the Minister can do these things without the authority of the Minister for Finance ; the second alternative is that if the funds are provided for in the annual estimates it should again be subject to the Department of Finance, and then there is the third question that if the Defence Forces or portion thereof are on active service then the laying of mines should not be subject to regulations to be made with the approval of the Minister for Finance. I mentioned this already on a somewhat similar section, and the view seemed to be held then that we have got into this groove or rut of control by the Department of Finance and that we cannot do anything about it. I only hope that some day somebody will have the courage to make regulations for the Department of Finance.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendments Nos. 31 and 32 not moved.
Section No. 30 agreed to.