QUESTIONS FROM OPPOSITION

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27638, 20 April 1955, Page 12

QUESTIONS FROM OPPOSITION

The Prime Minister took about 10 minutes to read the statement, to which members listened with undivided attention. Toward the end of the statement, when he mentioned the question of Mr Compton’s compensation, there were muffled exclamations from the Opposition front and middlerow benches, and an exchange of but faintly heard comment among Mr F.

Hackett (Grey Lynn), Mr A. McLagan (Riccarton), and Mr A. H. Nordmeyer (Island Bay)—all Opposition front-row members on the left of the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash). As soon as the Prime Minister resumed his seat Mr McLagan asked:— “Is the £6OOO tax free?”

An Opposition voice: That’s cheap. Mr Nash: Will it come up for debate in the House?

Mr Holland said it was proposed to introduce a bill to validate the commission, which had been acting since last December. In the ordinary course the whole matter could be debated, but he would be prepared to facilitate a discussion.

Mr Hackett: During the present session? Mr Holland: Yes. Later, when the House resumed after the tea adjournment, Mr Nash asked whether the Prime Minister would have the statement printed and tabled. Mr Holland acknowledged that he had previously been informed that the question would be asked, and added th®* ho mo na nnlnl In fnlMwr.

ing the course suggested by the Leader of the Opposition. Every word of the statement would be recorded in Hansard, and some parts of it would be contained m the proposed bill. In addition he would provide every member of the House with a certified copy of the statement

Mr Nash: We will be quite happy to have a copy of the statement. It will go into Hansard, but I can give four precedents for having the statement printed.

Mr Holland: But what is the value of having it that way? Mr Nash: Because it should be a printed paper, and it is certainly the most important statement made this session.

Mr Holland said that the statement would be included in the journals of the House. It was a Ministerial statement.

Mr Nash said he could not understand any objection to following previous practice in the matter of such statements. **lt’s a special case,” he said.

Mr Speaker said that it was entirely a matter for the Minister concerned on such occasions to decide whether a statement should be printed. Mr Holland: It has always been the practice for a Minister to make the decision, but rather than let it be thought we are trying to hide something I thought I was fulfilling all requirements by providing each member with a copy. Or is it that the Opposition wants another opportunity for a debate?

Mr Nash: Oh, no. You have told us there will be a debate.

Mr Holland said the debate could be held after the bill was introduced Meanwhile every member would receive a copy of the statement, but if anyone could say that all purpose* were not being met by that procedurhe would reconsider the. course ho proposed to take. The discussion then ended.