REVISION URGED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 210, 17 June 1933, Page 8

REVISION URGED

THE BOARD OF TRADE ACT.

"A VIRTUAL DICTATORSHIP."

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 1G

Pointed comment on the Board of Trade Act and its powers was made to-day by Mr A. S. Burgess (president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce) who urged that Parliament should make the measure more reasonable by revision. "Tho judgment of the Court of Appeal, invalidating regulations made under the Board of Trade Act, is of prime importance," said Mr Burgess. "For years this objectionable statute has been not only an open affront to the business community of the Dominion, but also a menace to the welfare of the country. The present case proves that actual injustice has been caused by the use of the Act. The decision of the Court of Appeal vindicates the rights and liberties of the individual, ■which regulations without proper authority sought to abolish. It also is a striking indictment qf the excesses to which the system of Orders-in-Council can'be carried. "On the, face of it the Board of Trade gives power to one man, namely the Minister of Industries and Commerce, through the Governor-General in Council to assume a virtual dictatorship over every trade, business, profession and undertaking whatsoever, carried on for purpose of profit," continued Mr Burgess. "The wording of the Act invests the Minister with power even to fix prices or rates for any classes of goods or services. The Chief Justice places a more reasonable construction on the terms of the Act than that. Parliament has surrendered the whole control and governance of private business to Cabinet, but the Crown has in this case responsibly argued in support of complete dictatorship, with Parliament possessing only a cancelling power of doubtful efficacy. This is akin to the days of the French •Revolution, or to modern Russia. ; "The action before the Court of Appeal has shown that the validity of the regulations issued under the Act, and the limits within which the powers granted in the Act may be exercised, can be determined only by resorting to tho Courts in an endeavour to preserve those liberties of which the State Avould deprive them. This is an intolerable position. The Associated Chambers of Commerce has consistently pointed out the objectionable and dangerous nature of the Board of Trade Act, and how it might be a weapon of despotism if it fell into unscrupulous hands.. It gives inquisitorial powers of action, which, although not relevant to the recent Court action, might brand the business community as criminals, while, as it stands to-day, the Act is a threat against those engaged in advancing the prosperity of the country.

"The Act is an undesirable relic of wartime legislation," concluded Mr Burgess. "If it is necessary to retain it in some form then my association again urges that it be replaced by a shorter, more reasonable and less dangerous measure."