PARLIAMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 16 July 1925, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

TARIFF PROPOSALS

(BY TELEGRAPH.-—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

WELLINGTON, July 15. The House of Representatives met at 2.b0 p.m. to-day. The afternoon sitting was taken up by members discussing answers given b,• Ministers to questions asked since tne House opened. Amongst others the following answers were given: That in April last the Prime Minister of the South African Union advised the New Zealand Government that it was proposed to review the concessions hitherto granted on certain New Zealand products. These proposals were not considered satisfactory from the Dominion’s point of view, and negotia. lions respecting the matter were now taking place between the two Governments. Man agreement is reached before the close of th e present session it will be brought before Parliament for ratification in accordance with the visions of the Customs Amendment Act of 1921.

That the Now Zealand Government is using every endeavour to establish better reciprocal trade relations with Canada. "When the terms of the proposed treaty between Canada and Austi alia were announced towards th e end of last year the Canadian Government was communicated with, and a reply was received that any tariff concessions granted to Australia would also apply to New Zealand. The full terms of the amended trade treaty between Canada, and Australia are not yet in the possession of the New Zealand Government. That the question whether any modi, fication of the tariff should he made to assist the woollen manufacturing industry is at present being inquired into. It is not expected that there will be any opportunity during the present session of considering generally the question whether or not further protection should be granted to our .ocal industries. That it is not proposed to introduce this session legislation affording Maori electors an opportunity of voting on th 6 issues submitted to European electors on the licensing question. That the Government is doing everything in its power to increase New Zealand exports to Canada. That the travelling public can rest assured that the Westinghouse brakes on the New Zealand railways are kept up-to-date and are fully sufficient for every requirement. That the question of the completion of the South Island Main Trunk railway will be considered when th e Public Works Statement is being prepared. That it is the Prime Minister’s intention to make a statement to the Rouse on the subject of the -eace pact and to lay papers on the table connected therewith. That the Government does not admit that there are large numbers of recent, v arrived immigrants appearing under barge in our criminal courts, and give s ts assurance that every precaution is taken in the selection of all migrants, oth as regards physical fitness and haracter.

That the question of herd-testing is nder consideration in all its aspects at he present time, and due weight will e given to the points raised. That it has been decided to increase he Government subsidy to the United 7 ire Brigades’ Association to £IOOO for moh demonstration year.

That consideration is being given by the Government to the question or set,ing up a special committee of tae 'douse to go into matters relating to laming. The evening sitting was occupied with the Addiess-in-Reply debate, ana the House rose at 1.30 a.m. till 2.30 >.m. Mr. M. J. Savage (Labour) moved the following amendment: “This Hous° expresses the opinion (1) that all awards of the Arbitration Court should provide for a wage at least equal in -mrchnsino- power to the 1914 standard: (2) that the wages and salaries in the public service beginning immediately '•ith salaries of £3OO and under, should be restored to at least the pre-war standard measured fn purchasing bower.” Mr. J. McCombs (Labour) seconded the amendment. A division was called for on fh« amendment, which was defeated bv 38 votes to 33. the Liberals and Labour "oting for it and Dir. At more against it.