MR. WEBB'S MISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 57, 5 September 1945, Page 6

MR. WEBB'S MISSION

A MEMBER'S INQUIRY

Interest in whether the Minister of Mines and Labour (Mr. Webb) might eventually become New Zealand Ambassador to Paris was shown by Mr. A. J. Murdoch (National, Marsden) when he was speaking in the Budget debate in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon.* He failed to draw any Ministerial reply to his inquiry. Mr. Murdoch recalled that he had spoken on the subject of ambassadors before, and said that he did not believe in them. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (National, Waitomo): They have gone dumb. Mr. Murdoch: Some of them have disappeared and spme have just come all over silent. It has been reported recently that the Prime Minister has had an invitation to send another ambassador out, this time to Paris. Mr. Broadfoot: Who's going? Mr. Murdoch said he cauld assure Mr. Broadfoot it would not be the member for Waimarino (Mr. Langstone). It appeared'to him that the Minister of Mines and Labour, who was going to represent New Zealand at the 1.L.0. conference in Paris, would be "on a sort of try-out,"and that if he succeeded in captivating the charms of individuals in Paris probably he migbt be left there. Miss M. B. Howard (Government, Christchurch East): That's about the tallest one I've heard for a long time. Mr. Murdoch said that the Prime Minister had not responded to his request for information. "I have been advised it is corre'et," he added, "and I would like to know." Mr. A. S. Richards (Government, Roskill): Someone has been leading the hon. gentleman up the garden path. Mr. Murdoch said he thought that, after' the experience the Government haft had of sending out ambassadors, it might attempt to try it once again.