PRICE TRIBUNALS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 269, 7 August 1920, Page 8

PRICE TRIBUNALS

UNHELPFUL CRITICISM DEPRECATED THE LASH FOR PROFITEERS Derogatory references by -Mr. P. Fraser (Wellington Central) to. tho activities of the Price Investigation tribunals formed a part of the debate on the Industries and Commerce vote. Mr. Fraser wished to know whether the "present farce" was. to bo continued or whether the Government was going to strengthen its measures for the prevention of profiteering. The lash for profiteers was advocated by Mr. T. M. Wilford, who said /that fines of thousands of pounds and the prospect of imprisonment or tho lash were, needed ,as a deterrent. - , The Hon. E. P. Leo (Minister in Charge of Industries and Commerce) informed tho House that probably legislation to amend the Board of Trade Act. would be brought down this session. Tho Government had nob, however, decided yet what form the proposed amendments should take. - It did not help the $qimnittees T men who were not paid for their services— to have members getting up and merely belittling their endenvoura. Mr. Lee proceeded. The very fact that the committees were making inquiries helped to keep prices down to n reasonable level. It did not matter that some of the questions investigated were small. All the small things helped to raise the cost of living. There was provision in tho New Zealand Act for substantial fines and- imprisonment, i Tho Board of Trade had certainly checked profiteering to a great extent. Mr. Fraser wished to know whether tho payment of the subsidy on 11 our was so carefully administered that it would be impossible for the subsidy to be paid twice cm the some Hour P . THo Hon. W. Nosworthy (Minister ot Agriculture) said that the Government had been compelled by the rise in tho price of wheat to pny a. greater subsidy this year than formerly in order to 'keep down tho price of bread. Mr. Fraser: How is it paid? Mr Noswcrrthv replied there was no chance that what Mr. Fraser had Bug- ( gested as possiblo would occur. All the wheat , that went into tho hands of tlio millers was checked by the Government. The Government knew how much wheat tiiere was in the country, and every ton of flour turned out by any Mrticumr miller was checked And the Board 01 Trado had full particulars. From what lie had seen the Ward was doing its work efficiently and well. FREE STEAMETPASSAGES FOR MEMBERS PRIME MINISTER'S EXPLANATION. Tho Union Company's concession' of free passages to southern memburs travelling between Lyttclton and Wellington was yesterday referred to in the House bv Mr: T. K. Sidey (Duncdin South), who said that a sensitive member availing' himself of tho privilege was apt to feel that he was placing-.himself under an obligation to the company. He hoped that tho Prime Minister would explain why an obligation that might have been discharged by tho Government had been left to a private concern to discharge. Mr. Massey said that for years it had been tho practico of the Union Company to grant southern members a return ticket for singlo fare. # A large deputation of members had waited upon him last session to advocate increases in members' salaries and the removal of various disabilities. It was suggested at the time that some arrangement should be mado wi'-li the Union Company so that members might obtain free passages. Nothing,was done in this particular matter for quite a long time. In Februnry or March last, however, he happened to meet the manager of tho Union Conipauy on other business, and to remark upon the intention of the Government to do something in regard to salaries. The malinger said he thought tho company would grant tho members freo passages if Mr. Massey felt inclined to suggest it. Tho speaker replied that "!io would suggest it, all right," and that the only question was whether a permanent arrangement would bo mado this session. That was all that was said. 'He proposed (o nsk tho House in the very near future to mako provision for the matter.- Then members would- get out of '.he difficulty in which some felt they had been placed. Ho believed that tho fares ot members should be paid out of-tho public moneys. nolTllay A SUGGESTION FROM RICCARTON. A suggestion by tlio member for Riccarton (Mr. Witty) that as the Financial Debate had .ended suddenly, and tho Government seemed to be-short of business Parliament should adjonrn for a week, caused laughter in tlir- House of Representatives yesterday aticrnoon. Members appeared to trace a connection between the suggestion and the impending Grand National meeting at luccarton. Mr. Witty retorted that he was wnug to the meeting anyway. Mr. Massey said he could not consent to the proposed holiday. Tho House had plenty of business requiring its attention. Two Bills would be introduces on Tuesday. Ho did not propose to take Intimates more than once a week at present;. MUNICIPAL RATING LIMITS A proposal that borough councils bo given power to strike higher rates is likely to bo debated in the Houso. shortly, The I'rimo Minister yesterday stated that a Bill at present being considered bv a committee was likely to como back with a clauso in it providing for an extension of tho present limit. It has frequently been statod that a -number of local bodies havo found It rather difficult, by reason of increased wages and other factors, to keep within the ■.limit imposed by tho existing law.