POLITICAL POINTS

Evening Star, Issue 20943, 6 November 1931, Page 2

POLITICAL POINTS

SPECIAL RESEARCH BODIES [Fkom Cue Parliamentary Keportxe,] WELLINGTON. November 5. An amendment of the Scientific and Industrial Research Act was introduced in the House of Representatives tonight. The main purpose is to constitute special divisions of the Council of Scientific Research, One will be called the industrial division and wit bo set up forthwith on the passing ox the Bill for the purpose of investigating matters relating particularly to. research in industry. ~ , The Bill provides for an agricultural division or council to investigate matters relating to research in agriculture. It is provided that while no advisory board is established under the Board of Trade Act the industrial division of the Research Council shall act in that capacity. The number of members of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is to be increased from six to eight, including not more than two Government officers, though this limitation will not apply to officers already holding positions on the council. « * •* * members' become restive. “ I am beginning to think the Leader of the Opposition is the only member who is anxious over the question of the exact date of the General Election, ' commented Mr Forbes in the House tonight when Mr Holland inquired whether the introduction daily of fresh legislation meant that the length of the session would be prolonged, resulting in a postponement of the election until early in the New Year. The Labour Leader asked the Prime Minister whether he intended to proceed with all the new Bills introduced. It had been anticipated that the House might rise ou Saturday, but the continued presentation of new legislation made that impossible. Surely by this time Mr Forbes knew the date of the election, and, if it were made public it would be convenient to members and satisfy the public. Mr Forbes repeated his earlier statement that, until the closing date_ of the session were known it was impossible to say when the election would b'e held. Mr Holland: Why?

Mr Forbes: 1 have no control over the closing down of the session. • It all depends on members. If they talk it will be drawn out longer than might be expected. I cannot say at present when the session will close down, but I am hoping that it will end early next week. He mentioned that most of the legislation being introduced was of a machinery character, and did not involve new principles, and there could always be a “ slaughter of the innocents.” The principal legislation to be dealt with was the Finance Bill, the Mortgagors’ Relief Amendment, the Chattels Transfer Amendment, the Washing-up Bills, and the Supplementary Estimates. Mr Martin: Wo could clean the whole lot up by Saturday night I believe it can be dealt with in reasonable time. Mr Parry: Do you think we might finish by Saturday night?