ACTION OPPOSED

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 103, 28 October 1932, Page 12

ACTION OPPOSED

3IR. M CINTOSH?S REPORT

ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS' RESOLUTIONS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DXJNEDIN, 27th October. The Conference of the- Associated Chambers of Commerce went into committee to-day' to answer the attitude taken up by Parliament with respect to the action of Mr. A. Mclntosh, a member of the National Expenditure Commission, who presented an addendum to the Commission's report in which he made certain allegations against members of Parliament. The following resolution was adopted: "This conference unanimously protests against the action proposed to be taken against a member of the National Expenditure Commission on the following grounds:— (1) That the Commission was appointed by the representative of His Majesty the King for the express purpose of reviewing and reporting on public expenditure in all its aspects, and that the remarks published were undoubtedly within the terms of reference. (2) That in the opinion of this conference it is of the utmost importance in the public interest that where matters are referred to a Royal Commission each member of such Commission should be free to express himself freely and frankly according to the evidence brought before the Commission. (3) That if action is taken it will be impossible to get men of the right stamp to undertake similar work in the public interest. (4) That if criticism of Parliament is to be a breach of privilege, one of the most fundamental principles of British liberty will be violated. (5) That it is also essential in the public interest that the newspapers should be free to express criticism of Parliamentary action when necessary.