MISSED THE BUS !

Grey River Argus, 29 November 1944, Page 5

MISSED THE BUS !

FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADER. UNREADY TO PROCEED WITH CENSURE MOTION. (Rec. 10.35). CANBERRA, Nov. 28. In the Federal House of Representatives to-day the Leader of the Opposition, Mr R. G. Menzies, gave notice of a motion of censure on the Government. He gave notice that he would move on the following day a censure motion charging the Government with “undermining the authority, of the Courts and the law, and thereby injuring the -basic structure of Australian democracy.” As- soon as Mr Menzies gave notice of his motion, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr F. M. Forde, moved the suspension of the Standing Orders, so that Mr Menzies could proceed with his motion immediately. Then Mr Menzies desisted, and he said that he intended moving his motion to-morrow. Thereupon a division on Mr Forde s motion was called for. Mr Forde’s motion was carried by 44 votes to 18. The Speaker, Mr Rosevear, ruled that Mr Menzies had thus lost his opportunity to launch his cens-ure motion to-day, and the House went on with normal business. The Opposition probably will try to force a debate to-morrow on the motion. GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE. (Rec. 12.28.) CANBERRA, Nov. 28. The House of Representatives, it turns out, will debate to-morrow, the censure motion directed against the Government by Mr. Menzies; As the acting-Prime Minister, Hon. F. M. Forde, said to-night, that a debate on Mr. Menzies’ motion would be given priority, and that the debate would proceed until a vote was taken.