PERSONNEL OF WAR COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23051, 20 June 1940, Page 8

PERSONNEL OF WAR COUNCIL

* AN OBJECTION BY MR LEE WELLINGTON, June 19. Objection to the inclusion among the members of the newly appointed War Council of a man who he said was a conscientious objector in the last war, was taken by Mr J. A. Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) during the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill in the House of Representatives to-night. ~ Mr Lee also contended that if the Emergency Regulations were going to be administered, action under them should be referred to committees of the House. “I see that the War Council has been set up,” Mr Lee said. “I had experience of a war council, and one of the greatest disabilities one can have for membership ■ of any council is a desire to know. If one is prepared to join a ‘yesmen’s’ chorus, all right; but if one wants to know, then the council simply does not meet.”

An Opposition member: Are you talking about the last War Council set up by this Government?

# Mr Lee: Yes. “Some of these regulations are going to deal with manpower,” Mr Lee said. He saw the name of Mr R. Eddy, representing the New Zealand Workers’ Union. He was perfectly sincere, and would give a good account of himself; but he was a conscientious objector in the last war. “I tell you, it cannot be done,” he continued. “He is perfectly sincere; but any person - who was a conscientious objector in the last war should not be on the War Council with power to determine whether anyone else should be conscripted or not. I tell, you that, conscientiously, he cannot keep the position. Put him on a committee to deal with labour conditions.” Mr Lee said that if the maximum effect was wanted, it was necessary to pay heed to the 100,000 men who went away last time. There were splendid, men on the council. Sir Andrew Russell, and others; but if tine same regulations were to be administered. action under them should be referred to committees of the House.