QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE

Evening Star, Issue 21991, 29 March 1935, Page 9

QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE

THE CANBERRA INCIDENT Press Association—By Telegraph-Copyright CANBERRA,March 28. When Mr Blain’s motion came before the House of Representatives today the Acting Prime Minister (Dr Earle Page) moved an amendment that Mr Blackmorc’s action did not amount to a breach of parliamentary privilege. Mr Blain expressed willingness to withdraw the motion and said that, having directed attention to the seriousness of an attempt to undermine parliamentary privilege, ho was satisfied to allow the matter to rest there. Labour members shouted their opposition to the withdrawal of the motion. Dr Page emphasised that Mr Blackmore had erred in addressing a letter of protest against Mr Blain’s remarks to the Speaker of the House. Otherwise he had not infringed parliamentary privilege. Mr Page’s amendment was agreed to on. the voices. [There was a sensation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday when the member for the Northern Territory (Mr Blain) read letters concerning tho bona fiaes of the Anheim Land Development Company, which had passed between himself and Mr E. G. Blackmore, chairman of the Sydney _ Stock Exchange, after which Mr Blain moved that Mr Blackmore be adjudged guilty of contempt ]