RUSH LEGISLATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 290, 7 December 1937, Page 8

RUSH LEGISLATION.

PROTEST BY BUSINESS MEN.

MARKETING AMENDMENT BILL.

(By Telegraph—Pr«-m Asaorlntion.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce yesterday carried a resolution protesting strongly to the Government (a) against the manner in which the Primary Product* Marketing Amendment Bill, which was not justified by any state of national emergency, had been ruehed through the House of Representatives without an opportunity being given to those interested and the public generally properly to study the measure and make representations to the Government, and (l>) against the extreme powers given under the bill, which, it was contended, are eo far-reaching a* to enable complete socialisation.

"The association views with very grave concern," the resolution continued, "the authority which the measure gives to a Government Department, without further reference to Parliament, to fix prices for any and all foodstuffs, to fix profit margins, to commandeer 1 produce and to put traders out of business; also, it regards as most unfair the provision that Reserve Bank credit may be used to compete with the private trader.

"The association is of the opinion that if the power* under the bill are brought into use the effect will be disastrous, and that if the Government does not propose to use the powers in full then it should not take legislative authority for them. This association urges that the Minister of Finance give a full explanation of the marketing plan of the Government under the bill, or, if there is eo far no plan, that such plan be announced before the bill is proceeded with further."