COUNCIL’S RIGHTS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 170, 14 April 1932, Page 8

COUNCIL’S RIGHTS

Committee of Privileges MIXED LEGISLATION Motion by Sir Francis Bell As is generally known, the Legislative Council in its revisory capacity has no power to amend Bills affecting the revenues of the Crown. On many occasions, however, doubts have arisen as to just how far it can go. and in view of the conglomerate nature of the legislation likelv to come before the Council this session, some importance was attached to a motion moved by the Rt. Hon. Sir Francis Bell yesterday with the object of ascertaining the extent of the rights and privileges of the Upper House. The motion was as follows: — That a Committee of Privileges be . appointed, to which may be referred all matters which may arise concerning the privileges of the Council, the committee to consist of the Hon. the Speaker (with his consent), the Hon. Sir James Allen, the Hon. Mr. Clark, the Hon. Mr. Masters, the Hon. Sir .lames Parr, the Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, the Hon. Sir John Sinclair, the Hon. Mr. Thomson, the Hon. Sir Thomas Sidey, and the mover. Sir Francis, in moving the motion, said he took the action because of the nature of the legislation likely to come before the Council and the possibility of questions of privilege arising. He referred briefly to the prohibition by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of members of the Council to certain parts of the building, and said that the time had come when the Council must take steps to maintain the privileges enjoyed by the House of Lords at Westminster. Apart, however, from the question of social rights, it was most desirable and urgent that steps' should be taken to ascertain the exact scope of the privileges of the Council when dealing with mixed Legislation. Abnormal Times. The Hon. J. A. Hanan, who seconded the motion, said that the Council had an important duty to the country. Its responsibility had been accentuated in recent years as a result of the abnormal times through which the nation was passing. In abnormal times there was a tendency to a lack of cool and considered judgment, and the Council might well prove the bulwark of the just rights of the people. He did not believe that the Council would prove an obstacle to legislation which was necessary and in the best interests of the people. The Hon. Sir James Parr, Leader'of the Council, said he could see no objection to the motion. Indeed, it seemed that the committee was likely to prove of great assistance. The Council was under special difficulty or embarrassment at times like the present when, it had to consider composite legislation. It was well to ascertain the extent of its powers and privileges. The question was one for research. He admitted that at times one was at a loss to'know where the council stood in respect of its rights. Speaker Agrees. The Hon. Sir Walter Carncross, SpenJZJr of the Council, said he was very pleased that a committee was to be set up. He confessed that on many occasions he had found himself at a loss to know where the powers of the Council ended on certain types of legislation. He thought that the committee would be a considerable help. The motion was carried. UNEMPLOYMENT, BILL Debate in Upper House SECOND BEADING STAGE The debate on the second reading of the Unemployment Amendment Bill was opened in tlie Legislative Council yesterday afternoon. In moving the second reading, the Hon. Sir Janies Parr, Leader of the Council, said that the Bill dealt with the most seriously pressing problem of the day. He outlined the provisions under which the unemployed would be placed on the land, and said that the success of the scheme would necessarily depend upon the selection of the right type. It was the duty of the Government and the people to see that the unemployed were clothed and fed. and given reasonable shelter. The finding of employment for women was left to their own organisations, which were liberally subsidised. It was expected that under the legislation six or seven thousand men would be settled on farms. The Hon. W. H. Mclntyre said that although he had to vote for the Bill tie was far from satisfied with it. There was a feeling in the country to-day that it did not pay to be thrifty, and some colour to this was lent by the fact that, no provision was made to help people out. of work unless they were penniless. This, he contended, was a serious injustice. Sir James Parr: Well, you move an amendment. Mr. Mclntyre: “I am not a lawyer, but when the Bill is in committee I shall make a suggestion to tlie Government in an endeavour to meet tlie position.” He contended that inadequate assistance was given to women. He failed to see why they should be penalised because of their sex. They should be given cither wages or sufficient sustenance. The Hon. D. Buddo favoured the setting up of district committees to ensure that tlie money available would be spent in the most economical manner. The council adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until this afternoon.