SHIPPING AND DEFENCE

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24368, 21 September 1944, Page 4

SHIPPING AND DEFENCE

POST WAR POLICY MINISTERS’ REPLIES TO QUESTIONS (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, September 20. Non-committal replies to four questions about future policy were given by Ministers in written replies to questions in the House of Representatives to-day. The questions concerned post-war shipping, ■ efence after the war, civil aviation, and payment of war gratuities. The subject of shipping was raised by Mr A. S. Sutherland (Opposition, Hauraki) in a question to the Minister of Transport (the Hon. J. O’Brien). Mr Sutherland asked the Minister to explain the Government’s policy, in view of the announcement that an American company proposed establishing a service to New Zealand after the war. “All that can be said at this stage is that the problem is being very carefully gone into, but no indication can be given of what steps will be taken,” said Mr O’Brien, whd commented that the safeguarding of British shipping was one' of the major post-war problems. Mr T. L. Macdonald (Opposition, Mataura), who asked whether it was the Government’s intention to announce plans for a system of universal physical and military training, said that that was of interest to young officers and n.c.o.’s, because it would widen their choice of future careers. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser),,in reply, said the Government was deeply concerned with the physical welfare of the people, and the adequate security of the country. Defence after the war would depend on the outcome of deliberations between the countries concerned, and an announcment at this stage would be premature, Any system of universal physical training would be affected by the system of defence training decided on. Mr Macdonald also asked the question about gratuities, and quoted the rates fixed in Canada ranging up to seven days’ pay and allowances for each six months’ service overseas.. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) said: “The question of payment of gratuities is receiving. attention by. the Government.” Replying to Mr M. H. Oram (Opposition; Manawatu), the Minister of Defence said; “The report of the Interdepartmental committee (inquiring into civil aviation) ..has been submitted and is at present receiving the consideration of the Government.