PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 141, 16 June 1932, Page 12

PARLIAMENT

THE NEXT SESSION

MAY BE CALLED EARLIER

IF NEED ARISES

An indication that Parliament may be called together again before tho time intended when the emergency session concluded was given to-day by the Prime Minister (tho Eight Hon. G. W. Forbes).

The main working session of Parliament usually commences at the end of June, but the recent session mado it unnecessary for a resumption to be called at the ordinary time this year. A postponement also suited the convenience of the Government in view of the absence from the Dominion of Ministerial delegates to the Ottawa Conference, and in case of delay in tho proceedings at the conference Supply has been taken by the Government until October next.

Since tho session ended, however, one aspect of the financial position has changed colour, and it was being rumoured in Wellington yesterday that Parliament was to •bo called together again at th"c end of next mouth to consider new proposals. This suggestion probably arose from, the possibility, now becoming more and more, apparent, that further revenue may have to be made available to tho Unemployment Board to enable it to meet the demands being made on it. ..According to a recent statement by the Mayor of Christchurch,'he has been officially advised that at the present rate of expenditure the unemployment funds will be shortby .£900,000 at the- end of the year. It is problematical whether the present rate of expenditure will be maintained. The demand is expected to taper off as families are settled under the small farm plan and as seasonal industries rpopen in the spring, but signs are not wanting that the Government is anxious about the. amount of money available in the fund. '.'''/■

In reply to questions to-day, the Prime Minister denied that it is intended to call Parliament together as early as the end of July, but the reduc-tion-in the size of the delegation for Ottawa, he said, made it possible that Parliament might be summoned some weeks earlier than was originally intended, if the need should .rise.

Suggestions are current that consideration is beinggiven to augmenting the unemployment moneys from the Consolidated "Fund or by means of an internal loan, but Mr.' Forbes gavo a negative reply when questioned on this point; He expressed the hope that the fund would be sufficient to meet the demands for.relief.' . .'• . ■