PARLIAMENT Public’s Views Wanted On Voluntary Unionism

Press, Volume C, Issue 29625, 22 September 1961, Page 12

PARLIAMENT Public’s Views Wanted On Voluntary Unionism

(NJ!. Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 21. Government and Opposition speakers in the House of Representatives today urged members of the public to make submissions to the Parliamentary Labour Bills Committee on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill.

The bill, which removes the present compulsory union provisions in the I.C. and A. Act, was read a second time pro forma today and referred to the committee.

The Opposition called for a division on the motion to read the bill a second time pro forma, but the Government carried the motion by 38 votes to 30.

The Opposition did not oppose the motion to refer the bill to the committee. Eleven divisions have already been taken since the bill was first presented to the House a week ago.

The Opposition’s industrial spokesman, Mr F. Hackett 'Grey Lynn), said his party agreed the bill should go to the committee.

"But we feel we should have had the full second reading debate first." he added.

The Speaker (Mr Algie): Order. The honourable member can't say that. The

bill has already had a second reading pro forma. The only question now is whether it should go to a committee or what committee it should go to. Mr Hackett said the Opposition believed as many people as possible should make submissions and give evidence to the committee. “We believe the Government should take notice of these submissions.” he said.

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash), said many people did not realise they could make submissions to the committee and they should be encouraged to. The Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine), agreed.

“I am not so worried about the organised unions which know what their rights are in making submissions on the bill But it is important that ordinary members of the public should know that they can make submissions to the committee, too." Mr McAlpine said.