PARLIAMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 May 1943, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS

WELLINGTON, May 20. The House of Representatives met at 7.30 this evening. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Nat., Waitomo), gave notice to ask the Minister of Finance if he would consider allowing a considerable increase in the amount of money that could be sent to soldiers overseas, to enable them to make full use of their leave. Mr. W. M. Denham (Govt., Invercargill), gave notice to ask the Prime Minister if he would look into the question of civil servants remaining in their positions after reaching retiring age. This matter, he said, was causing dissatisfaction, not only among those who should retire, but also among those who had their promotion retarded by the men being kept on. Mr. W. J. Polson (Nat., Stratford), asked the Prime Minister if he was aware that the. gang system on the waterfront led to six out of the gang of twelve working, while the other six stood by and all were paid in full. Did the Prime Minister consider that such a system was conducive to a full war effort and, if not, what steps would be taken to return to a method that, without being unfair to the men would ensure, at least, a full eight-hour effort in loading and unloading of cargo. Mr. F. W. Schramm (Govt., Auckland East) on behalf of Hon. W. E. Barnard, asked the Minister of Justice whether the sentence of imprisonment for life operated, until the death of the prisoner, or whether the prisoner was released after a period of years. If he were released, would that apply to Crawford, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of two United States Marines. The Prime Minister, replying to an urgent Question asked by Mr. Gordon, said that the question of allowing returned airmen the right to wear a badge indicating overseas service, was under consideration. The Napier Borough Empowering Bill, introduced by Mr. E. L. Cullen (Labour, Hawke’s Bay), on behalf of Hon. W. E. Barnard and the Wellington City and Empowering Amendment Bill, Mr. R. McKeen (Labour, Wellington South), were read for the first time and referred to the Local Bills Committee. The External Affairs Bill and the Island Territories Bill were introduced by the Governor-General’s message, and were read for the first time. On the suggestion of the Prime Minister, it was decided that the House should consider arranging for a supper adjournment, during the period of the nightly broadcast to the Forces in the South Pacific, to leave the radio station free for that broadcast.

On a motion of the Prime Minister the House went into a secret sitting. The House remained in secret session until 10.20 p.m., when it rose until 10.30 a.m. to-morrow. It will then resume in secret.