FORM OF QUESTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 127, 24 February 1944, Page 6

FORM OF QUESTION

Exchanges In House

The first exchanges in the new House ol: Representatives occurred yesterday afternoon, when the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, took exception to the form in which a question was put by Mr. Smith (Opposition, Bay of Islands). He had ,-iven notice of bis intention to ask the Minister of Railways, Mr. Semple, whether in view of the explicit promise reported to have been made to the women at a munitions factory by the Prime Minister that they would be able to travel to their homes at Easter, and also that ho probable cancellation of the Labour Party’s Easter conference hud been announced, he would make an early announcement that train travel restrictions would be lifted for all sections of the community before Easter. The Prime Minister rose immediately, suggesting that steps be taken to see that no statements were made in the form and under the excuse of asking Ques* lions that were inaccurate or were merely propaganda. Government members: Hear, hear. “It is usual for a Minister to be approached in regard to any statement accredited to him,” said Mr. Fraser. ‘The member could have had the information which he seeks right away if he had approached me on the matter. I did inform the girls that I would make representations on their behalf to the Minister of Railways to see if it were passible that those compulsorily directed into industry and living away from their hemes spread all over the country could have an opportunity of going home at Easter. Those representations were made, but the difficulties of meeting them are very great. I still think that those in industry removed from their homes should have first priority. “In regard to conferences generally there are difficulties, but obviously all conferences must be treated alike. I qualify that, however, in case it may be necessary to call conferences of those people concerned in primary and,secondary industries with a view to promoting still greater production and the re-organi-zation of those engaged in that production. In that event I shall look on these conferences as entitled to priority as being absolutely essential. They may include farmers, industrial workers, employers and employees.” Mr. Doidge (Opposition, Tauranga): But not necessarily Labour Party conferences. There was a .brief hubbub of voices as members on both sides of the House carried on verbal exchanges.