QUESTIONS

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1945, Page 3

QUESTIONS

IN PARLIAMENT P.fi. WELLINGTON, August 23 In the House of Representatives, Mr. McCombs (Government, Lyttelton) gave notice to ask the Prime Minister if, as the Ross Sea is administered by the New Zealand Government, would the Government endeavour to arrange for a New Zea-land-owned whaling factory to operate in that area. He said: Limitation of such .factories was under consideration, and New Zealand’s right to one unit should be asked for. Replying to questions Ministers stated: — The question of introducing legislation making it mandatory for Ml political parties to disclose the source of all contributions to party funds, and the way in which such funds

were disbursed, was receiving favourable consideration. That consideration would be given to introduction of legislation making it an offence for daily newspapers to publish “factory-made” letters prepared in a newspaper’s own office, and inserted to deceive readers into believing it was from an outside source. That in view of the alleged practice of auctioneers buying on tneir own behalf, he would consider setting up a commission to inquire into what way justice could be done to those who had been wronged over a period of years, said that as the result of a Wellington case an inquiry had been instituted, and when it was completed consideration would be given to the course of action which might be necessary to protect growers against such buying in of produce. That the penal provisions -of the Servicemen’s Settlement and Land Sales Act would be invoked in every case where the evidence was sufficient to warrant a prosecution agains a land agent or any other person who defeated the purposes of the act. That the Government has recently sent an officer to London to organise suitable publicity and to re-establish pre-war "contacts with travel agencies in anticipation of the resumption of tourist travelling. That a comprehensive review the salaries of non-permanent postmasters and post-mistresses is oemg made. That the difficulties Of widows with young children were fully appreciated by the Government, and that full consideration would be given them ih plans for the minimum family income. ‘That no privately endowed bursaries and scholarships at New Zealand secondary schools was subsidised by the Government, but a number of agricultural bursaries were provided for those taking degree courses at Canterbury Agricultural College or Massey College. That the New Zealand Government was not consulted before the Potsdam peace ultimatum was issued to Japan, and it shared the regret of the Commonwealth Government, as expressed by Dr. Evatt, that the proclamation was issued without previous consultation with Australia ’and New Zealand, who had actively participated in the war in the Far East, and who were vitally interested in the nature of the peace settlement with Japan. Mr. J. T. Watts (Nat. Riccarton) gave notice to ask the Minister of Supolv if he would consider the immediate release of Army blankets f6r sale to civilians. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Nat. Wai--1omo) gave notice to ask the Minister of Defence if, in view of the fact that there appeared to be no further need for secrecy, and having regard to the fact that relatives were naturally consumed with anxiety, would the Minister make an announcement regarding the location and movements of members of the forces overseas, and announce expected dates of arrivals of returning drafts,