QUESTIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23351, 10 June 1941, Page 6

QUESTIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT

INFORMATION WANTED BY , MR BARNARD g .(P.A.) The Speaker of the House of Representatives (the Hon. W. B, Bernard), who is unable to take part, in any Qe ' bate in Parliament, when speaking ttt behalf of the Democratic Labour Party to-night, said he must make use of the public platform to ask questions of the Government, and he hoped that they would be answered in open Parliament, not in secret session, as the people of New Zealand were entitled to the information. He wanted to know: (1) What method was used in reporting casualties to New Zealand, ana could it be improved so that the time of anxious waiting would be reduced"; (2) was the Government consulted when the decision was made to send New Zealand, troops to Greece and Crete?; (3) as the New Zealand division, during seven or eight weeks, lost half Its strength, is not the division due for a rest?; (4) will the Government ask for some assurance from Britain that more adequate air support win be afforded New Zealand troops when in action?; (5) does the Government intend to hold a general election at the usual time this year? If the answer is no, will the Government give the people an opportunity to decide by referendum whether married men should be conscripted for services overseas*