Behaviour mars important foreign affairs debate

Press, 5 August 1978, Page 2

Behaviour mars important foreign affairs debate

By

CEDRIC MENTIPLAY

The Parliamentary week just past was not one of the better ones. First, individual members have degraded the delicate art of interjection to the level of name-calling. Second, what could have been a highly informative and pertinent foreign affairs debate was made too often the vehicle for party-politi-cking. The recent death of Sir Ronald Algie must have caused older members to regret nostalgically the loss of the rapier-point of his wit. During the last decade the interjection has degenerated to a meaningless babble and name-calling. In the interests of order alone it would be wiser if mem-

bers kept their silence until they had something cogent to say. On Tuesday evening the House adjourned quite noisily. The word “traitor” was flung across the floor of the House. Mr C. R. Marshall (Lab., Wanganui) had just spoken. Various newspapers attributed the word to the Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs (Mr K. M. Comber)

him — which suggests that firmer measures will be laid down.

During the debate on foreign affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Taiboys) gave a summary of his recent travels. He stated what most people know, that New Zealand is fighting for its economic life. But even Mr Taiboys coulr’ not refrain from party

the Voting Rights Protection Bill, a private members’ measure promoted by Dr G. A. Wall (Lab., Porirua).

The coming week will be much like the last one, with legislation on Tuesday, private members’ questions and motions on Wednesday, local bills and estimates on Thursday, and legislation on Friday. It seems, however, that the possibility of a “working recess” of up to a fortnight has grown. The Order Paper is still quite light, and there is evidence that tie Public Expenditure Committee is not getting enough time to examine estimates properly. This must be done before Parliament can proceed with them.

The primary schools are due to take their winter break from August 18, and it would not surprise if Parliament follows their example.