Secret Session Asked For

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29859, 27 June 1962, Page 14

Secret Session Asked For

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. June 26 The Government was tonight urged to hold a secret session of Parliament on the EEC when final proposals become known Previous secret sessions have been held only in war time Mr W W Freer (Opposition. Mount Albert) asked for arrangements to be made for such a session before the Prime Ministers’ Conference in London in September He was speaking during a debate on New Zealand’s attitude to Britain’s application to join the Common Market.

“Parliament has met in secret only in war time when we had our backs to the wall,” he said. “It is exactly the same today. Our backs are to the wall “It’s not a military issue, but an economic fight It’s very difficult and very involved.’’ Mr Freer claimed the House had not been sufficiently informed on Government action over the EEC At a secret session all known facts could be put before the whole chamber.

“I believe the whole economic structure of Britain will be weakened if she joins the E.L.C.—although by staying out she will have a period of great difficulty for some years.” It was time some way was found to pool Commonwealth resources. Mr Freer said Underprivileged parts of the Commonwealth would benefit. They would then be able to purchase Britain's manufactured goods. Eventually the Commonwealth would be able to absorb all the productive capacity of Britain.