WAR PROBLEMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20067, 13 October 1939, Page 2

WAR PROBLEMS

WORK FOR MEMBERS RECESS COMMITTEES REPORT FOR CABINET EXPANDING PRODUCTION (3pecinl to the Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day. Members of the 'House of Representatives are to be given opportunities of 'usefully co-operating with the OlOVefhment in forwarding New Zealand's war effort, as it bas been arranged that iflve Parliamentaij Select Committees have power to sit during the recess, and to make interim reports to the Cabinet. Normally, a Select Committee must first submit its report to the House of Representatives, but the five working in recess may report direct to the Government, and submit their formal recommendations to the House of Representatives within 28 days oi the opening of next session. Three of the 'Select Committees to undertake' recess duties are those which 'function normally in connection with Parliament, but they have been given a more extended order oi reference so that they may deal with any matter associated .with war effort which may be referred to them by the Government Two New Committees The nr>rn««tment of two new committees the nature of the co-operation with the Cabinet which private members can give wnen Parliament is not sitting. Although there is a standing committee to deal with industries arid commerce—and lt.wjn have power to sit in recess—one of the . new Parliamentary organisations covers a wider phase of these subiects. It is the Industrial Development Committee, having power to consider all matters which may be referred to it toy the House or the Government affecting industrial conditions ana relationships, including those of workers and employers; the operation of industrial awards and agreements, the organisation, training and effective utilisation of workers for industry generally, the health, amenities and general advancement-of such workers: the promotion of industrial co-opera-tion in the industry of the country during the present crisis; and the general efficiency of the operation of industrial processes. This committee comprises the Hon. P. C. 'Webb, Minister of Labour, Mrs. C. C. S. Stewart, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, and Messrs. H. Atmore, W. -A. Bodkin, C. H. Chapman, W. P. Endean. W S. Goosmian, R. M. MadFarlane. R.’ McKeen, J. W. Munro, A. H. Nordmeyer, and J. Thorn. Primary Production Questions associated with the expansion of the country’s primary production may be investigated by a new committee, the Primary Proauction Committee, of which the Hon. W. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, is chairman, with a membership representative of Harming interests, comprising Messrs. C, A. Boswell. W. M. C. Denham, E. B. K. Gordon, A. N. Grigg, H. S. S. Kyle, T H McCombs, J N. Massey, P. Neilson, W. J. Poison, B. Roberts, and Morgan Williams. The committee may consider all matters referred to it by the House or Government relating •to primary production, Such as such increases as may be possible; the organisation, training and effective utilisation of the workers required on .farms and other branches of primary production; the conditions of employment and opportunities of advancement of such workers, arid any matters relating to the efficiency of primary producers generally. Defence Committees’ Duties The usual duties of the standing Committee on Defence have been extended for purposes of recess activity ifCmay consider, if requested toy the Government, matters relating to camp accommodation, amenities, comfort, recreation and general welfare of the men of the special force; and in addition, any matters affecting defence measures of the ‘Dominion that may be referred to it; with power to report from time to time to the Government. The usual chainrian of the Defence Committee, Mr. W. J. Lyon, is nowserving with the Special Force, and another member Mr. J. M. Allen, is also on duty. The comtnittee now available comprises the Minister of Defence, the Hon,' F. 'Jones, the <Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Messrs. J. Hargest, W. T. Andertbn, J. G. Barclay, E. L. Cullen, F. L. Frost, J. 'A: Lee, L. G. Lowry, and J. A. Roy Industries and Commerce The JncliiStrles and Commerce Committee also has recess duties allocated to it, the new order of reference empowering it St the request of the Governirieht, to consider any subject relating to factory and secondary production, the establishment of new industries, ihe best means by which production may be increased, and the welfare of, those engaged in the secondly ihdiisiries. The members are the Hon, D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Messrs. J. Hodgens,, chairman, C. S. Barrell, F. W. Doidge. S. G. Holland, T. L. Macdonald, C. R, Petrie, A. S. Richards, J. Robertson, C. 'F. Skinner, and C. A. Wilkinsdn. The interests of the native race are dealt with in Parliament by a large committed, including all the representatives, of the native race, and this body i 3 also empowered to sit in recess if required toy the Government to investigate any matter included in its normal sphere, which Is thoroughly comprehensive in relation to Maori matters.