QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20308, 6 August 1931, Page 15

QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED.

FORMATION OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. REFORM AND LABOUR LEADERS. [Fuoir Ouit PAIU.TAMENTAIir li.EPOP.TKK. ] WELLINGTON, August 5. A few minutes of sparring without much tangible result, were occupied by the Et. Hon. J. G. Coates and the Leader and members of the Labour Party in the llouso this evening upon tho proposal of tlio Primo Minister to form a National Government. Neither Mr Coates nor Mr Holland would give a direct answer to tho other's question, "Do you favour tho formation of a National Government.?" much to tho edification and delight of Government members who supplied a fow goodhumoured interjections. The question was raised suddenly by Mr A. M. Samuel (R., Thames), who asked towards the end of Mr Coates 'a speech, Was the position serious enough to warrant a National Government?' Mr Coates replied that he had never hoard Labour Party members say they favoured a National Government. He thought, however, that the serious economic state of tho country called for unity and the co-operation of every member of tho House. Tho position during tho next year or two, he believed, was going to bo exceptionally severe. Mr T. W. McDonald (U., Wairarapa): The Labour Party has not said it does not favour a National Government. Labour chorus: Wo have not been invited. .

Mr P. Langstone (Lab., Waimarino): We were not offered the cake. Another Labour interjector: We might take it if we were. Question for Question. Mr -Holland to Mr Coates: Are you extending an invitation on belialf of the Government? Mr Coates: Does tlio lion, gentleman says he will make one to join in forming a National Government and assist in dealing with tho pressing problems of tho primary producers? Mr McDonald: If ho does, will you do so? Mr Coates to Mr Holland: Will the hon. gentleman and Party join in such a movement? Mr Holland: Is the Eeform Party willing to join in? Mr Coates: I am asking the hon. gentleman. (Loud laughter.) Mr Langstone: Your sins are big onough. Mr Coateß raised a storm of amusement by proceeding: I hope I will always be in this position. Labour members called: "We hope so," clearly referring to Mr Coates's position as the Leader of the Opposition* " . ~ j Mr W. E. Parry (Lab., Auckland Central): What's tho use of duckshoving. Mr Coates: It is easy to turn tho scale these days. .Mr Parry: The scale turned easily last time. Mr Coates (replying to Mr Hoiland): So long as I am on my feet on this or'any other side of tho House, it can be taken for granted that no Sndivdiual consideration will stand in the way of tho country's interest. (Heform and United hear, hears). Mr Langstone: Not more than any other Party. . Mr Holland: We might remind you of that at the election. Mr Coates: This Party places the interests of tho country before Party advantago. You arc not in tho same Po Mr°j! A. Nash (R., Palmerston): They aro cross-bonchors. Mr Langstone: Wo are not members of Parliament like you.

An Invitation. Mr Coates: If the Loader of the Labour Party is prepared to meet and discuss the problems that lie ahead, I will meet him or anybody else. (Hear, hear.) , ~ Mr Langstone: Tell na when the wedding takes place. We will come 31 Mr' Coates: I understand tho Labour Party will not answer n direct question. Mr Holland: If the hon. gentleman says he is extending an invitation we will answer it in double quick time. Mr J. O'Brien (Lab., Westland): New Zealand has been asking you that question for six months. You . have not answered it yourself yet. Mr Coates: If you say you are prepared to discuss the question we will be qU A° reference to those pleasantries was made by the Hon. E. A. Ransom a little later. "We were not invited either," he said, "bitfc everyone knows where the Government stands on the formation of a National Government. f Mr Samuel: Do you favour a National Government? ,- a Mr Ransom: Before this debate is fit ,, hpd the people of the country and the members of this House ivill realise that we cannot hope to pass through this crisis unless every member of the House puts his shoulder to the wheel leaves nobody pullmg back on the bf Mr ] Samuel Would you ask the Lab--oMfßansomriiyone who will come in behind the Government. Mr Samuel: But why behind the rtnvnmmentP (Laughter.)