THE SESSION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 271, 10 August 1920, Page 4

THE SESSION

GOOD PROGRESS MADE

THE BILLS IN HAND

The work of the session is now mucn further advanced than might have been expected, and members are beginning to talk of getting away from Wellington before the end of October. The session commenced at the usual time, lale m June. The Budget usually is not brought down until the end of the firet wci;tc in August, but this year the Prime Minister had it ready at an early date. Tho Budget has made its appearance, and tho financial debate, which might havo been expected to occupy the House for a fortnight'or more, is ended. The House already has made some progress with the Estimates. Since the commencement of the session the Leader of the House has gained between a fortnight and three weeks, as compared with an average session.

"We arc now getting into the import' ant Government business of tho session, especially measures dealing with finance." said the Prime Minister yesterday. "The proposals of the Government with regard to land and income tax are before what used to bo called the Public [ Accounts Committee, but which is now known as the Finance Committee. It it amusing to note the objections of some people to this procedure—people who are supposed to know something of Parliamentary procedure. As far back as i can remember in the history of Parliament, until the war broke out, a PublicAccounts Committee was set up every session, and all matters connected with finance were referred to it. That practice was only dropped during war tiroa i because there was so much else to do and |so little time in which to do it. Tho Government, therefore, was not able to tako members into their confidence in the way tfoey formerly did, but personally i am of 'opinion that the more members are taken into the confidence of the Government the better for all concerned." lo the measures to be dealt with by Parliament during the session, Jlr. Massey said that there would be an amending Bill dealing with the death duties, a Loan Bill, and the usual Finance Bill, all of which would go to tho Finance Committee for consideration before being dealt with bv tho House in detail, Details of Bilfs of this kind were never given in the, Budget. They were given when tho Bills were circulated and noi earlier.

Mr. Massey mentioned that lies expected this week to have the Immigration Restriction Bill ready. A Bill dealing tvith hospital and charitable aid matters was approaching completion. The House would have enough to occupy it tlm week in the ordinary business and the Bills already on the Order Paper, such as the Crimes Amendment Bill, the Civil List Bill, and the Wcstport- Harbour Bill.

The Public Works Statement may not be expected for at least two months yet. Mr. Massey is of opinion that Parliament has three months' solid wA'-k ahead of it.