PETROL USED BY LORD NATHAN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 28, 13 November 1947, Page 3

PETROL USED BY LORD NATHAN

QUESTION RAISED IN HOUSE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 12. Objection to an Opposition notice of question about tlie use of petrol for Lord Nathan’s visit to New Zealand and other Pacific countries was expressed by the Leader of the House (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) in the House of Representatives to-day, and Mr Speaker '(Mr R. McKeen) said the question would “come under revision” before it was placed on the order paper.

Mr J. R. Hanau (Opposition, Invercargill) gave notice to 'ask Mr Fraser whether he had read a recent cabled report that Lord Nathan.and his party used 31,600 gallons of petrol during a G7-da.y air trip to New Zealand and elsewhere. Mr Hanan asked if the New Zealand Government requested Lord Nathan to visit this country and whether it approved of his bringing with him members of his family in a special chartered aircraft. Mr Hanan said it had been suggested that the voluntary saving of petrol to aid Britain was discouraged by such extravagance, and the repetition of similar incidents should be avoided. Mr Fraser protested that the question Avas a reflection on a member of the British Government. “It is not my business to interfere between a British Cabinet Minister and his colleagues,” said Mr Fraser. “I think the question is improper.” Mr Speaker said he thought the question did not relate to the Government of Noav Zealand. Aliy arrangements for the trip Avere not made by this Government or in this country. Opposition voices: That is the question.