Parliament CONCLUSION OF BUDGET DEBATE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 270, 11 August 1938, Page 12

Parliament CONCLUSION OF BUDGET DEBATE

Finance Minister Replies To Criticism Of Government’s Policy

OPPOSITION’S SURPRISE AMENDMENT

Discussion On Social Security Report To Commence To-night

After extending over 12 sitting days, the Financial Debate came to an end in the House of Representatives last Hight with the reply of the Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Nash. With his speech 62 contributions were made to the debate —41 by Government members, 17 by Opposition members and four by Independents. The Minister, who received an extension of speaking-time, completed his reply just before 10.30 p.m., when the -House adjourned until to-day. Opposition criticism of the Government’s financial policy was replied to by Mr. Nash. He denied that there had been any improper use of moneys from the Employment Promotion Fund to obtain an estimated surplus for the present year, and said the public debt had been reduced with the use of sinking funds. The Government, he said, claimed some credit for having reduced interest rates.

The last Opposition speaker was Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Riccarton) and there was an unexpected development during his speech. By way of amendment he sought to reopen discussion on the activities of women speakers, referring particularly to allegations made earlier in the debate by Mr. F. W. Schramm (Government. Auckland East). However, the amendment was withdrawn pending an assurance that a later opportunity would be given to ventilate the matter. The speakers yesterday included Mr. R. A. Wright (Independent, Wellington Suburbs), who suggested that the Standing Orders should be amended to protect people outside the House from defamatory statements made in Parliament. Discussion will commence to-night on the report of the special Parliamentary Committee which investigated the Government’s social security proposals, and in the afternoon answers to questions will be circulated and discussed and other business on the Order Paper dealt with. The legislation giving effect to the social security scheme will be introduced to-morrow. The Wellington City Housing Bill, which is designed to give the Wellington City Council certain powers to enable it to finance the construction of houses, was introdqced and read a first .time. The Bill was referred to the Local Bills Committee.