PUBLIC WORKS VOTE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 2, 27 September 1939, Page 11

PUBLIC WORKS VOTE

Savings Urged By The Opposition

MINISTER’S REPLY

Suggestions by Opposition members that economies ought to be made in the sums voted for public works this year were referred to by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, replying to the debate ou the introduction of the War Expenses Bill in the House of Representatives last night. The Minister invited members to advise the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Semple, what works in their own electorates should not be proceeded with.

“The best way members of the Opposition can help in connexion with public works is to advise which of the works contemplated in their own electorates can best be postponed,” Mr. Nash said. “If I wanted expenditure curtailed I would go to the Minister and tell him there were works in my electorate that could be curtailed. If members send in recommendations, I am sure the Minister will be glad to get them.” Mr. Polson (Opposition, Stratford) : That is not a fair way to do it. You want everybody to be treated alike.

Mr. Nash: The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Hamilton, suggested that.public works should be cut. There are certain works that can be deferred. The man who knows best whether they can be deferred is the member for that electorate.

Mr. Polson: I have important and essential public works in my electorate. I am prepared to have them cut if everybody else is. Mr. Nash: I will be glad to take the savings. If there is any wasteful work being done, I will be keen and anxious to find where that waste is and we will try to avoid it. Mr. Hamilton: Do you think the number 13 scheme is 100 per cent, useful?

Mr. Nash: If there is waste in connexion with it I think the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, should be advised and that we ought to avoid it.