POLICY ISSUES

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 169, 13 April 1932, Page 10

POLICY ISSUES

Members at Variance MODIFICATION ASKED Cuts in Wages and Pensions (By Our Parliamentary Rep.) An interesting situation has arisen in political circles owing to the freelyexpressed opposition of a number of Government members to certain proposals in the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill, notably those relating to wages and pensions reductions. The lobbies at Parliament House were alive with rumours of varying opinions all yesterday, and although many statements concerning impending trouble can be discounted, it is definitely known that a section of the Coalition Party, with a following of between 12 and 15, is endeavouring to induce the Government to modify its intentions. The more generally accepted interpretation of the situation that has arisen is that, by impressing upon the Government that they are in earnest, the malcontents will seek to secure some concessions from the Prime Minister. Should he refuse to make any amendments, those responsible for the organised opposition within the ranks of the Coalition declare openly that they will force a test of strength. Meeting of a Section. The first sign of discontent was made apparent when a number of members returned to Wellington on Monday after spending the week-end at their homes. On the same evening about 20 held a meeting at Parliament House, and the position was thoroughly discussed. The immediate concern of these members was the fact that the proposed scale of the wage cuts did not spread the burden equitably, and the alternative policy of eliminating the Public Service wage reductions and imposing a universal wage tax of between 1/3 and 1/6 in the pound was advocated. Other members present wished to have the higher-graded officials cut more heavily than the 124 per cent, provided in the Bill, and tbe lower-paid men relieved to some extent by the imposition of a cut less than the' 5 per cent, proposed. It was argued in favour of the higher wage tax that this could be removed when times improved, but that there would be little hope of wage reductions being restored to the Public Service once they were enforced. Reformers’ Gathering. Free expressions of opinion were indulged in at a meeting of some of the Reform members of the Coalition Party yesterday morning, when the proposal for the increased wage tax was put forward as an alternative to the Government’s policy. It was pointed out, however, that as workers outside tbe Public Service would be likely to receive further wage cuts through the Arbitration Court, such a course would be unjust. The Minister of Public Works, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, stated after the gathering that the spirit of the meeting had been good, although it was correct that some members had given an indication that they would have to oppose certain proposals. There were some members of the party, he said, who had pledged themselves at the election to oppose wage cuts, and they had naturally been placed in an awkward position. Seen last evening, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said he had no knowledge of any dissension in the ranks of the Government party. “If there is a ‘cave’ I have not heard of it,” he said. Several of the United members of the Coalition, however, have freely stated in the lobbies that they are dissatisfied with some of the provisions of the Bill and that they will be forced to speak against them at least. Upper House Approached. In addition to active work by those opposed to the Bill to secure the support of Government members in the House, several members of the Legislative Council have been approached by the section which held the meeting on Monday night, with a view to obtaining a measure of support in the Upper House. Those Government members opposing the Bill in the Lower House are insistent that they desire to help the Government, but they state that every opportunity will be taken to get the Government to modify its plans. • It was reported yesterday by one ot t lie members at Monday evening’s meeting that several of those present had taken a deputation to an influential member of Cabinet and that they had received a favourable hearing. From there they had gone to the Prime Minister, who, however, had not been so ready to receive the views advanced, with the result that no satisfaction was obtained from that source. This member also added that tbe meeting on Monday was perfectly open and that of the 15 or 20 present there were sonic who later found they were not in agreement with the proposals. Too'much significance could not bo attached to the move generally, he added, the only thing of note being that some Government members were anxious to see certain parts of the Bill amended. He said the alternatives' placed before the Prime Minister were a 1/6 wage tax and no Public Service wage cuts, or a 1/3 wage tax and half the proposed cuts.

MEMBERS’ REFERENCE Statement in House An indication that members generally, were ' aware of the 1 attitude ot certain Government supporters was given by Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Lab., Avon) m speaking on the second reading of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill in the House of Representatives yesterday. He referred to lobby statements immediately after tlie Minister of Agriculture had finished speaking. Mr. Sullivan said the Minister had been almost apologetic concerning the proposals in the Bill, and one could understand from his attitude that were he not a member of Cabinet he might be one of tlie "gallant twelve” who had indicated that they were not prepared to support the legislation. Mr. W. E. Barnard (Lab., Napier): Twelve already? Mr. Sullivan: Yes, twelve already. I understand a good dozen or the gentlemen on the Governmeir benches are feeling very nervy about the Bill, and they are very concerned about the injustice this Bill represents, and that they have made no secret of their intention to oppose this Bill as far as some of the clauses are concerned. I understand they have absented themselves from caucus meetings. ~ . The Hon. A. D. McLeod (Govt., Mairarupa) : Missed again. , Mr. Sullivan said the Minister could have made his .speech by.giving the names of tlie “gallant twelve,” those who had told the Prime Minister they did not like the Bill and that they wanted to see it modified. He hoped the twelve would undertake some propaganda among their colleagues nnd that their number would increase to 20. Government Members: Preposterous. “If they do, we will then be able lo send the Prime Minister and his Government about its business nnd put somebody on the Treasury benches who will get Hie country out of its difficulties,” Mr. Sullivan added.