WORK THAT MUST BE DONE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 105, 30 October 1931, Page 6

WORK THAT MUST BE DONE

There is business before Parliament which must be done this session, and there are opponents of that business who hope it can be deferred on the plea of "no time." The House of Representatives yesterday wasted the greater part of four hours on one item of the Estimates. The Opposition was quite within its rights in seeking an explanation of the grant to the former Under-Secre-tary of Lands; and it was equally entitled to record its protest on a division if. the explanation were deemed unsatisfactory. But this could have been done in half an hour at the most. The rest of the time was wasted. Such 'waste is unjustifiable at this stage of the session, and it may become most expensive for the country. The Leader of the Opposition, who joined in the protest on the Estimates, had earlier emphasised the importance of passing the Transport Licensing and Broadcasting Bills this session. Unintentionally he and his followers, by wasting time later, were helping the opponents of these measures who are hoping for delay. Neither the Transport Licensing nor the Broadcasting Bill can be classified as a minor measure of no immediate importance. Transport control has been under investigation and consideration for years. If Parliament now postpones action on the plea that the measure requires "further consideration" it demonstrates its own incapacity. Minister after Minister of Finance, Transport, Railways, and Public Works has stated the urgent need for action. A House which is not ready to legislate now will never be ready. The Broadcasting Bill is also necessary. The present contract expires with the end of the year. < Legislation must be passed either to renew it or to authorise a new control. So far as the time of Parliament is concerned we are sure that legislation providing for a new arrangement could be passed with. much greater case than a Bill extending the present control. But with both measures there are opponents who, knowing the Bills cannot be defeated on their merits, hope to see. the same end attained by .delay. Those members who waste time on the Estimates are merely helping the'opponents of these urgent essential measures.