THE MONETARY INQUIRY

Evening Star, Issue 21642, 10 February 1934, Page 12

THE MONETARY INQUIRY

LABOUR WANTS TO APPOINT ITS, REPRESENTATIVES GOVERNMENT REFUSAL [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 10. A deputation consisting of Labour members of Parliament, headed by M* Savage, waited upon the Prime Min* ister yesterday with the object of plac* ing before him the claim of the official Opposition to another representative onj the Monetary Committee - which haa been set up by the Government to in* vestigate the monetary problem, anq to be consulted as to who should bq placed upon the committee before any] appointments were made. In the matter of the order of refer* once Mr Savage pointed out that unless it included a full investigation of the existing monetary system very littlerj good could come of the inquiry. Whafc*j ever failures there had been in the past' were made under the existing system* which should bo investigated with ; thei possible alternatives. That was _ really/ the recommendation of the .Parliamen* tary Committee. Replying to the deputation, ,th# Prime Minister stated that the order, of reference did not include any investi* gation into the existing monetary sys* tern, except in the way of reference when considering alternative schemes* People had complained that they had no means of putting forward their pro* posals. This was their opportunity* The Government supported the existing! system, which it knew was , not perfect* but was the best known up to the pre* sent. A secretariat was, to be ap* pointed to the committee, and they, would be able to conduct any crossexamination of- witnesses for the benefit of the committee. _ Ho could not agree; to allow the Opposition to nominate its own members to the committee. Thej Government had to accept full responsibility in the long run. In the mattei! of the claim for another representative by the Opposition, he would discuss that with his colleagues and reply later. If the present members found it impos*. sible ,to act the committee would go oni without them.