SPEEDING UP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 186, 8 August 1930, Page 7

SPEEDING UP.

TO HELP MR. FORBES-

PARLIAMENT AGREES.

BUSY FORTNIGHT AHEAD.

ONLY CONTENTIOUS MEASURES

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary EeporterJ.

WELLINGTON, this day.

As a result of a conference of party leaders the prospects of the Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, attending the Imperial Conference have improved considerably.

Mr. Forbes announced in the House of Representatives this morning that he had consulted Mr. Coates and Mr. Holland, both of whom had agreed that New Zealand should be represented at the conference, and to expedite the business of the House with the object of enabling him to leave for London they had agreed to the extension of the sitting hours for next week.

In moving that' the House next week sit on Monday, as well as on the ordinary sitting days, and that the 10.30 p.m. adjournment be- suspended, the Prime Minister expressed his thanks to JVIr. Coates and Mr. Holland for the manner in which they had met him and for their promise to assist in the acceleration of the business of the session in the coming fortnight. It was his intention to bring down all contentious legislation and leave over non-contentious measures until after his departure for London. That was • providing he did go to the conference. To enable legislation on which there was a difference of opinion to be dealt with in time it was necessary for the House to sit and work longer hours, and in that suggestion the other party leaders had concurred.

Mr. Forbes made it plain that there was 110 suggestion of using the Imperial Conference representation as a lever to force contentious policy legislation through the House. He did not think the House would have to sit after midnight on every night, but only 011 particular occasions.

Unemployment Bill Non-party. Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata): Are you going on with the Unemployment Bill?

Mr. Forbes said the Government did not stand or fall by that measure, which was now before the committee; and the answer to the member's interjection depended upon the time it would take that committee to report back to the House. The measure was largely based on the recommendations., of a commission, and it was the desire of the Government to have the assistance of the House in its endeavour to place a, workable measure on the Statute BookTherefore the bill had been referred to a committee so that the subject could be thoroughly investigated and amendments incorporated that would make the measure workable in every way.

"Not This Saturday!" The Leader of the Opposition, the Kt. Hon. J. G. Coates, declared that he did riot mind working till midnight.

Chorus of Members: Not this Satutday! Tho Opposition leader laughingly agreed, and added in regard to the Prime Minister's motion, "It means working hard for a fortnight, so that New Zealand's representative can get away to the conference. So far as this side of the House is concerned I am -roiii* definitely to commit each and every one of them to the work, and see how far we can get on."

He assured the Government that tlieie would he no unnecessary delay. If they had to object to proposals it would noo be for the purpose of unnecessarily holdin" up business, and he thought ironi previous debates the Government must have, a shrewd idea what it could put through. The Leader of the Labour party, MrHolland, said there was general recognition among all parties that New Zealand should bo represented by th<j Prime Minister at the conference. Because ot that his party was prepared to expedite business during the next fortnight without surrendering the right to take whatever action seemed, best in regard to any matter before the House, but that would not be to hold up business unnecessarily. They would assist to facilitate it.

Next Week's Business. Tho Prime Minister explained that the measures to be introduced next week would be the Customs Amendment Bill, Land and Income Tax Bills (annual and amendment) and the Finance Bill. I feel very appreciative of the spirit in which members liavo met me in regard to this matter," ho said. "There is no doubt it is a great encouragement, and everything will be done to give the fullest opportunity of discussion and expression of opinion, and for any action required to be taken."

Answering a question, Mr. Forbes said the Defence Bill would be introduced next week, and a report would be presented giving information regarding railways under construction.

The House unanimously passed the motion for longer sittings.

The Prime Minister said he hoped the financial debate would finish to-day. It was proposed to leave Monday free for debate on the Imperial Conference agenda.

Mr. Mason Protests. Mr. H. G. K. Mason (Auckland Suburbs) protested against the work of the session being rushed at the last minute in order that the Prime Minister could get away to the conference. The Prime Minister had delayed making known his wishes in respect to legislation that he wished to 'bring down, until the Leader of the Opposition had to help him in the matter. Mr. T. W. McDonald (Wairarapa): That is petty. Mr. Mason said that up to date the Prime Minister had shown very little interest in the Imperial Conference, and he did not seem to he a very satisfactory representative. They had the situation of the Prime Minister being bv the Leader of the Opposition. was that enthusiasm that oi.e e « the conference? , lnate s I hprp re OJl ]v . dilatory .ttit... three weeks left t]le Opposition Unless the p e . to t |, e boat they shepherded him o Jmd migse£ i would probabh hint nia the boat.