WIDE RANGE OF QUESTIONS ASKED IN PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 26138, 27 June 1947, Page 4

WIDE RANGE OF QUESTIONS ASKED IN PARLIAMENT

(Spec-in 1.) WELLINGTON, June 27

Eleven members scrambled excitedly to their feet calling “ Mr Speaker ” when the House had its first general opportunity to address questions to Ministers this*morning. Sixteen questions were asked, ranging from a suggested increase in the price of white oats to an inquiry about the work of the New Zealand delegation at Moscow. One or two new members were on their feet for the first time, among them being Mr J. K. McAlpine (N., ■Selwyn), who asked the Minister of Lands whether he would expedite the setting up iof a Royal Commission whitih the Government had agreed-to appoint to go into the serious question of hill country farming. Mr A. S. Sutherland (N., Liauraki) asked the Prime Minister, Mr Eraser, why it was considered necessary to wait three years before giving the public of New Zealand, through the newspapers, any information of the activities of the' New Zealand delegation in Moscow.

Mr E. P. Aderman (N., New. Plymouth), who was the most consistent questioner of the last Parliament, was early in the fieid with an inquiry of the Minister in Charge of Civil Aviation, Mr .Jones, about the prospects of Government assistance for aero clubs. Another new member on his feet for the first time was (Mr J. R. Hanan (N., Invercargill), who asked the Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, whether the Government would bring down legislation to provide that .those in receipt of the age benefit of £2 a week and were allowed to earn £1 a week should be permitted to earn, say, £2 a week without reduction of the age benefit, pointing out, the present shortage of labour and essential goods and services.