WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 260, 31 July 1944, Page 4

WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Introduction Of Budget This Week

DEBATE ON FINANCE BILL The introduction of a Finance Bill on the second day of the resumed session of the House of Representatives last week furnished members with an opportunity for a full-dress debate covering a wide field of subjects. It was utilized to full advantage by Opposition members, but there was little disposition, particularly on the second day of the debate, for Government members to enter the lists. On that day only three Gov.erninent members spoke, as against niue speakers from the opposite benches. Tlie debate was adjourned on Friday night, and will be resumed when the House sits on Wednesday. Its continuance then will probably be more in the nature of filling in time till the major business of the session begins with the presentation of the Budget on Thursday night by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash.

Already tlie customary speculation as to the contents of the Budget is being freely indulged in, but the usual close secrecy is being maintained. Discussion on the Financial Statement and the departmental estimates will occupy the most of the time of the House in the next few weeks, but interludes of paramount interest will be the personal reports made by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, on his mission overseas, and by the Minister of Finance on the international monetary conference at Bretton Woods, United States. Other matters which may Ibe heard of in the present session are reports due from Parliamentary select committees on inquiries into the service voting at the last general election and the postal censorship. It is ptobable that a report may be tabled on tlie defective construction of the;Turakina and Fordell railway tunnels. With this comprehensive range of business to discharge, the House is generally expected to continue its session till well on in the year.