WAR MINISTERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 9, 10 July 1942, Page 4

WAR MINISTERS

NO SUPERIORITY

NONE IN ABSOLUTE CONTROL

Quoting from a newspaper report of a speech made by the Leader, of the Opposition (Mr. Holland) in Christchurch, Mr. SL Atmore (Independent, Nelson) gave notice in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon to ask the Prime Minister whether certain of these reported statements were correct. He wanted

to know particularly whether Mr.

Holland, as reported, "was in absolute control of all war expenditure," and whether Mr. Coates occupies a position "superimposed over the whole of New Zealand's defence

forces throughout the Pacific area."

[ The Prime Minister smilingly asked leave to make ah immediate answer to the question. He said that, of course, he could not assume responsibility for any remarks made by any Minister. , He could only state that the constitutional position pertained to the War Administration, and that nobody was in absolute control. He doubted if the Leader of the Opposition used the words quoted, but that was a matter between Mr. Holland and the Press, and he was not going to assume that he did make those statements. Mr. Fraser reiterated that nobody was in absolute control of anything, not even. the Prime Minister. IMPORTANT TASK. They were all subject to the War Administration in: regard to all matters, including war expenditure. The Leader of the Opposition had been appointed to a very important task, the superintendence of war expenditure subject to the control and direction of the War Cabinet arid War Administration. | Mr. Holland: And he made that i abundantly clear, too. j The Prime Minister went on to say in regard to Mr. Coates's position as Minister of Defence Co-ordination that he had a very important job, but there was no Minister superior to any other Minister, constitutionally or otherwise. The position required relationship with many other Ministers and institutions and our Allies, as well as our own forces, and that work must be carried out in the spirit of co-operation and good will. "And," concluded the Prime Minister, "if any difference should arise, the War Cabinet and War Administration decide the matter."