LICENSING REPORT FOR DISCUSSION IN HOUSE TO-NIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 26184, 20 August 1947, Page 6

LICENSING REPORT FOR DISCUSSION IN HOUSE TO-NIGHT

(Special.) WELLINGTON, August 20. The report of the Royal Commission on the Licensing Law seems likely to be discussed by the House of Representatives this evening. The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser)’ informed members yesterday that they could have an opportunity of discussing the report if the Imprest Supply Bill was passed. It would, he suggested, give them a chance of seeing what unanimity existed in regard to any of the questions involved. He would consult the Leader of the Opposition regarding the appointment of a Select Committee to consider what general recommendations they could make on the advisability of legislation. Probably, he added, there would be a wide range of questions on which there would be little difference of opinion, though there would be marked differences on others. Mr K. J. Holyoake (Nat., Pahiatua) asked: “Is. the Government not competent to introduce legislation itself?” The Prime Minister replied that the question had always been looked upon as non-party, but it would be a very good thing if the House could come to some general understanding as to the questions to be submitted to the people. and Mr j. iR. Hanan (Nat.. Invercargill) were associated in yet another question when they asked whether the New Zealand Government had in any way been consulted by the. Commonwealth ■Government concerning the nationalisation of the Australian banks. “ Is it the intention of the New Zealand Government to take ovpr the branches of the Australian banks trading in New Zealand, or will it permit the Australian banks in New Zealand, after hcing nationalised, to compete with the Bank of New Zealand?” the question concluded.