Investigations Into Mr Batt’s Charge

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30530, 27 August 1964, Page 3

Investigations Into Mr Batt’s Charge

(from Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, August 26. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told Parliament today he would have further investigations made into allegations by the retiring president of the Public Service Association, Mi' E. J. Batt, that he had been discriminated against in his Public Service career because of his association activities.

Replying to a question from Mr H. J. Walker (Govt., St. Albans), Mr Holyoake first said there was no substance in the allegations. He had been assured by the chairman of the State Services Commission (Mr L. A. Atkinson) that there had been no discrimination against Mr Batt. Mr N. E. Kirk (Opp., Lyttelton): What inquiries were made of Mr Batt about this matter? The State Services Commission has only been, in existence for about two years. Mr Holyoake: The chairman of the commission told me there was no discrimination. The State Services commission has only been in existence for two years, but, before that. Mr Atkinson was chairman of the Public Services Commis-

sion, and a member of it for many years before that. Mr W. A. Fox (Opp., Miramar): Did not the Prime Minister think this warranted a throrough investigation, as in many cases it is impossible for the victim to prove he has been discriminated against? Mr Holyoake: I don’t know who else could prove discrimination if the victim could not. There are all sorts of right of appeal, you know. Mr Fox: I’ll have more to say about that later, too. . Mr Kirk: Would you ask the chairman of the commission to invite Mr Batt to instance the circumstances of which he complains? Mr Holyoake: I will take the matter a little further.