PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20272, 25 June 1931, Page 8

PARLIAMENT.

SESSION OPENS TO-DAY. CONTENTIOUS LEGISLATION. [From Ouk Parliamentary Reporter, j WELLINGTON, June 24. With the exception of a busy day on Friday upon urgent measures, Parliament will not be asked to sit for long hours during the first part of the session, which opens to-morrow. "I have no intention of forcing the paco at the beginning," declared the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes this evening, when outlining his pjans for the introduction of legislation. After the opening ceremony to-morrow the Houso will hold a short session, during which it is possible a number of questions may be addressed to members of the Ministry. It is likely that an all-night sitting will be held on Friday, for the Prime Minister said to-day that both the First Imprest Supply Bill and the Local Authorities (Relief of Unemployment) Amendment Bill would be brought down and put through before the Houso rose. Supply must be granted before next Tuesday, and Mr Forbes does not propose that there should be a sitting on Monday. Ho will seek urgency for the measure. Ho also pointed out that local bodies' powers for raising money for unemployment relief would expire on Tuesday, and it was essential that some other measure should also be put through. Unemployment Relief. The work of the House next week will commence with the introduction of tliQ Government's proposals for providing the Unemployment Board with extra funds. It is understood that after considering several alternatives, including a wages tax along the lines of tl t' operating .in Now South Wales, and the raising of an unemployment relief loan, the Government lias decided to increase the present unemployment levy of 30s por year. It is believed a graduated levy system will bo introduced. Should this be so, there is every possibility that in spite of the Prime Minister's hope of a swift passago being accorded this legislation, the Bill will have a stormy reception. Transport BUI. Widespread proposals are to be incorporated in the Transport Bill to be introduced by the Hon. W. A. Veitch during the session. The main object of the Bill will be to bring about the economic conduct of all - land transport. It is believed that although the control of the railways has passed into the hands of the new Board, the statement made by tho Prime Minister last session that the Government would reserve tho right of maintaining n broad railway policy still contains some significance, and that the Transport Bill will bo framed with this end in view. In addition to tho bringing about of general co-ordination, it is understood that a reclassification of the highways will be made, involving a revision of the weights to be carried by different roads. The licensing authorities will also probably be given extended powers to. restrict unnecessary competition in their areas, and this will lead to the curtailment ®f motor services, although it is anticipated the interests of the travelling public will be conserved. Addr®ss-in-B,eply. The Address-in-Reply debate is to be postponed until tho unemployment legislation is disposed of, and it will not start until some time next week. Mr F. Lye (Waikato) will move the motion and Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Waitomo) will socond it.