I move that leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to alter the times for holding elections of members of certain local authorities and to make provisions consequential on or incidental to such alteration.

For the purpose of getting a statement from the Minister for Local Government as to the Government's intentions in relation to No. 7 on the Order Paper, I oppose this Bill.

This Bill is intended to replace a Bill which, it is hoped, will be discharged as a result of the consideration of No. 7. The principle of the Bill which will be the subject of discussion on No. 7 is not acceptable to me nor to the members of the Government. It is proposed, therefore, to drop that Bill and to introduce this Bill, which becomes necessary in view of the arrangements to be made in connection with the local elections.

I do not propose at this stage to press the matter, but I must say that I do not think the Government have the power to drop the Bill, as the Minister says.