FORESTS BILL IS AMENDED TO SHOW FINANCIAL SIDE

Grey River Argus, 30 September 1949, Page 8

FORESTS BILL IS AMENDED TO SHOW FINANCIAL SIDE

WELLINGTON, September 28 There was no desire on the part of the Government or of the Forestry Department to cover up any item ol expenditure on utilisation projects at present being undertaken, said Hon. C. F. Skinner, Minister of 'Forests, when consideration was given in the House of Representatives tonight to the Forests Bill. It would not b G possible to present a financial statement to cover trading activities of the department. He would, however, be prepared to have inserted elsewhere in the Bill, provision for the preparation, in such form as the Minister of Finance might direct, a statement of accounts showing the income and expenditure profit and loss account, and balance sheet for each years.

Speaking earlier on the Bill, Mr. M. Bowden (Nat., Karori)' raised objection to the fact that the name of the State Forest Service is changed by the Bill to “New Zealand Forest Service.” He contended that in fairness to private forestry concerns, the service should be clearly identified by rhe name of “New' Zealand State Forest Service.” He moved an amendment to that effect .

The motion was defeated by 36 to 34. Mr. Bowden with the support oi Messrs M. Oram (Nat., Manawatu) and G. H. Mackley (Nat., Wairarapa) moved a further amendment which sought the setting up of a Timber Advisory Council to replace the present Timber Production Council. This amendment was defeated by' 37 to 34 votes.

Still another amendment was moved, Mr. R, M. Algie (Nat., Remuera) requesting that it be made obligatory for the service to produce a balance sheet and profit and loss account at th e end of each year’s working.

Mr. Algie said that in view of the Minister’s offer, he would withdraw the amendment he moved earlier in the debate. ~

That was done and the Bill w'as further amended to incorporate an additional provision agreed to by the Minister.