Bill’s Second Reading Concluded

Evening Star, Issue 24006, 3 October 1941, Page 3

Bill’s Second Reading Concluded

OPPOSITION AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN

Addition To Safeguard Friendly Society Movement

(Special.) WELLINGTON, October 2. Two important developments took place during the debate on the medical practitioner amendments in the House tonight. One was the withdrawal of the Opposition amendment proposing that its passage be postponed; the other was the Prime Minister’s declaration: “ The Bill has been amended to make it as acceptable as possible, and I can only say that the Bill will go through.” The announcement regarding the Opposition amendment had been made briefly by Mr Harker (National, Hawke’s Bay), and when the Prime Minister spoke he contended that the best possible solution had been obtained to achieve the ideal of a .universal medical service, though he t still invited the medical profession to think of something better. ” Am I right ” he asked, •“ in coming to the conclusion that the House is unanimous in support of a national free medical system ? ” There were cries of “ Yes ’- from the Government and dissent from the Opposition members, from the Opposition members. Mr Holland was then heard to say that the answer to that question would take some time (Govt, laughter). “ I would say that this Bill does not give complete satisfaction by any means.-’ Mr Eraser: Are we all agreed that it is highly desirable and highly beneficial to the people of the country. Mr Holland: Northing is free—someone has to pay for it. ' Mr Eraser: I wanted information, and thank the Leader of the Opposition for not giving it to mo (laughter). “ Am I right in assuming that the amendment moved by the Leader of the Opposition is to be withdrawn?” Mr Holland replied in the affirmative, and as the Prime Minister’s speaking time was ending, moved that it be .extended. Mr Eraser thanked the House for its courtesy, and congratulated the Opposition on its decision. Mr Holland: It was made because of the amendments you introduced. They have given us what we asked for. Mr Osborne (Labour, Onehunga): You funk an election, that’s why.

The Prime Minister remarked that he did expect the Opposition to say what in the official amendments gave ground for withdrawing their amendment. The Government’s reason for introducing the amendments was that it had to find a way out of an impasse. When the original Bill was introduced it honestly thought it acceptable to the medical profession, but that was apparently a misunderstanding. There were two courses open —either to fight or find a way out. Dictators would coerce, but if any section of the community —doctors, miners or watersiders —felt that something in th.e law was onerous and unjust, and was prepared to fight it regarless of consequences, it was a position which needed thought. Though the essence of democracy was eonsulation and co-operation, not coercion, the Government could not be kicked about like a 'football by any section. But the unanimous view of the Cabinet and the caucus was that what was wanted was to give a service to the people with the least possible friction and maximum co-opera-tion from everyone. The Government, he declared, had gone far in that effort.