STABILISATION BILL

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25638, 29 October 1948, Page 8

STABILISATION BILL

Clauses Lifted From Regulations POWERS GIVEN TO MINISTER

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. October 28. The establishment of an Economic Stabilisation Commission and the continuation of stabilisation in New Zealand is provided for in the Economic Stabilisation Bill introduced in the House of Representatives this evening. The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr A. H. Nordmeycr) said the bill contained clauses lifted from the regulations that been in operation for six years. The principle of stabilisation, he added, was approved by all sections of the community, including the Opposition. Under the bill the commission is to consist of such persons '(not exceeding six in number) as the Minister of Industries and Commerce from time to time appoints to be members. The powers of the commission shall not be affected by any vacancy in membership. The commission shall be deemed to be a commission of inquiry. There shall be appointed as an officer of the Public Service a Director of Stabilisation.

A section dealing with functions of the Minister says that he shall be charged with the general function of doing all things that he deems necessary or expedient for the general purpose of the bill and in oarticular for stabilisation control and the adjustment of prices of goods and services, rents, other costs, and rates of wages, salaries and other incomes. There is .power in the bill for the Governor-General by Order-in-Coun-cil to make regulations for giving effect to the provisions of the bill, for regulating the marketing of any goods or classes of goods for the general purpose of the bill, and for equalising as far as possible the net returns received or payable in respect of goods by imposing levies, and for the recovery of subsidies paid out of public moneys in respect of goods or classes of goods. A schedule to the bill lists a number of emergency regulations which are to continue in force as stabilisation regulations. These include the Rates of Wages Emergency Regulations, 1940, and amendments, the Hides Emergency Regulations. 1940 (No. 2), the Pickled Sheep and Lamb Pelt Emergency Regulations, 1947. and the Sheepskin Emergency Regulations, 1947. The bill contains authority for the inspection of documents and inquiries and investigations for the purpose of the bill or of any stabilisation regulations.