HINTS GIVEN OF LEGISLATION FOR THIS SESSION

Evening Star, Issue 26136, 25 June 1947, Page 6

HINTS GIVEN OF LEGISLATION FOR THIS SESSION

“ My Ministers are convinced that the Crown should take such steps as are necessary to conserve the coal resources of the country and to ensure of their planned working, and to this end it is proposed by legislation to be introduced at the present session of Parliament to nationalise the coal,” His Excellency continued. “ The Department of Labour and the National Employment Service have been amalgamated, and legislation to •give effect to this merger will be introduced. The reorganised department is giving constant attention to the improvement of industrial relations and the health, safety, and welfare of workers in industry. " As the speedy settlement of industrial disputes is an important factor in maintaining good industrial relations, legislation will be introduced for the purpose of providing assistance for the Court of Arbitration in carrying on its greatly-increased duties. Amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act to provide for considerable improvement in the compensation benefits will be placed before you.

“ My Government has tpade arrangements with the United Kingdom Government for a scheme of assisted immigration, the limiting factor in which is the amount of shipping available. “ Schedules of works to be constructed during the next 10 years have been announced by my Government as part of their policy of coordinating the development of national resources. In the consideration of these proposals for the forward development of all districts, full regard for the views and interests of the local communities is ensured by the machinery for joint review between my Government and regional councils representing the local authorities. This close collaboration that local needs are best served in the determination of priorities made necessary by the present shortage of man power and materials, PRIORITIES FOR HOUSING*. “ Tli* highest priorities have been given to housing and electricity works. Notwithstanding the difficulties in obtaining supplies of materials, the total number of new dwellings erected last vear reached the record total of 9.463. For the purpose of producing’a supply of electricity adequate to meet the everincreasing demand, every possible action is being taken to hasten the construction of the major hydro-electric schemes. A constant search is being made throughout the world for evailable generating plants of a suitable type. “ Economic stabilisation continues to be a basic consideration of my Government’s policy. Although there have been slight improvements during the past year in the availiability of certain commodities, there remains a wide discrepancy between supply and demand for goods. In the interests of all sections of the community the continuation of an effective stabilisation policy is essential to prevent inflationary increases in prices. ’ ' “ It is proposed to introduce a Bill consolidating the present legislation relating to tuberculosis, and to make additional provision for the effective control of the . disease!. The merging of the Mental Hospitals and Health Departments will also be the subject of legislation. EDUCATIONAL ADVANCES. “ In the field of education my Government’s activities will be, devoted to consolidating advances made in recent years and to providing additional teachers, buildings, equipment, and special services necessary for carrying out the Government’s policy of giving full and free education to every child. Two• consultative committees have reported in recent months—the Committee on Preschool Education Services and the Committee on Adult Education. “ Last year a Royal Commission on Licensing completed its task and presented a most comprehensive report, in which the social and economic aspects of the licensings laws are closely and critically examined. It recommended many reforms in the law relating to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of intoxicating liquors. Parliament will be given an opportunity to examine and discuss the report and its proposals. “ With the termination of war-time activities, my advisers have deemed it necessary to review all war regulations, and appropriate measures for dealing with them will be placed he-

fore Parliament. It is also proposed to lay before you legislation to consolidate the laws relating respectively to the sale of foods and drugs and to magistrates’ courts. Legislation will also.be formulated to provide for social security reciprocity with Australia and lor better protection against forest and rural fires. “ 1 commend all these matters to your careful consideration, and I pray for Divine guidance in your deliberations,” His Excellency concluded.