Might I ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce to tell the House what are the Government's intentions with regard to Item 27 — the Auctioneers, Valuers, House and Estate Agents Bill?

The intention of the Government is to oppose the Bill. The Government is not satisfied that there is necessity for the institution of a register of auctioneers, and the establishment of a council to control auctioneers, as is proposed by the Bill. The Government, however, believes that there is need for requiring any person practising as an auctioneer to enter into a bond for the purpose of securing the due discharge of all or any obligations he may enter into with his clients in connection with the collection, custody and disposal of money or property of his clients, and, on that account, we propose to bring before the Dáil proposals for legislation to require auctioneers to enter into such bonds, but we do not consider it is necessary to go further than that in the matter of the control of persons engaged in the business of auctioneering.

Are we to go on with this Bill and to put up the arguments which we think are substantial for it in the ordinary way?

The Bill stands here until the Order of the House has been discharged. Will the Deputy go on with the Bill now or postpone it until next week?

Next week.

The House adjourned at 10.25 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday, 31st October.