EAST GERMANY’S UPPER HOUSE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28765, 10 December 1958, Page 24

EAST GERMANY’S UPPER HOUSE

Abolition Decree Passed

(N.Z. Presn Association—Covyrioht) (Rec. 8 p.m.)

BERLIN, December 8.

The East German Volkskammer today unanimously passed a Bill abolishing the Laenderkammer (Upper House); According to the Constitution the LaCnderlCammer had the) right to initiate tegislatfon for passage by the Volkskammer and to delay legislation passed by the Volkskammer. Western observers could not recall a case of the delaying powers being used. The Laenderkammer originally represented the five East German States which were split up in 1952 into 14 administrative regions, each with a regional council. Later its representatives were drawn from the regions. The Volkskammer passed another Bill making changes in Cabinet procedure. Dr. Karl Polak, representing the legal committee of the Volkskammer, said both bills were part of developments in the organisation of the workers’ and farmers’ State, and were linked with measures to simplify the State Apparatus and give more responsibility to lower levels.

MINISTER VISITS LYTTELTON

Discussions On Fire

District

The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Anderton) visited Lyttelton yesterday morning. He was accompanied by Mr N. E. Kirk, M.P. Several matters were discussed with the Mayor (Mr F. G. Briggs) and the Deputy-Mayor (Mr W. Morris), chief of which related to Lyttelton borough and the United Urban Fire District. Mr Anderton inspected the Lyttelton fire station. Th! Minister, who arrived from Wellington yesterday morning, left again last evening for Wellington.