DEBATE ON SALES TAX

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 20 February 1933, Page 4

DEBATE ON SALES TAX

LONG SITTING OF HOUSE ADJOURNS AFTER 57 HOURS STORMY PROGRESS OF BILL. PENALTY CLAUSE DISPUTE. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, Feb. 19. The proximity of Sunday brought the iong sitting of the House of Representatives to an end at 11.47 p.m. last night. After the 53rd clause of the Sales Tax Bill was passed progress was reported , at 11.45 p.m. and the adjournment was taken after over 57 hours of continuous sitting. The Speaker asked the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) if he wished to move, a motion regarding the adjournment. Mr. Forbes replied in the negative:, whereupon the House rose until the normal time for resumption after the week-end, 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The whole of the day was spent in considering clauses relating to offences and penalties and this section of the Bili had been passed in committee when progress was reported. Labour members submitted many amendments designed to reduce the penalties but all were rejected. There was a very unusual incident early last evening when Labour members for the second time in the day showed resentment at the application of the closure. The clause providing for a fine of £SO for the offence of refusing to answer questions. when required under the legislation was being discussed. The opposition declared a wife might be penalised for refusing to give evidence against her husband., and Air. P. Fraser (Labour, Wellington- Central) moved an amendment to obviate the possibility of such a situation. arising. Mr. W. Nash. (Labqu(r, Mutt) strongly supported the amendment, stating the- clause in its operation imgiit apply to anyone. OFFERS TO LAY ODDS. The Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) jsaid it would appiy only to licenses under the legislation. Mr. J. A. Lee (Labour, Grey Lynn): 1 will lay you odds that you are wrong. „ Air. F. Langstone: 1 will lay you five to one. The Chairman of Committees (Air. S. G. Smith) : You should remember you are in Parliament. Mr. Coates then moved the closure. Labour members warmly protested, Mr. Nash declaring: “That is most unfair, the Alimster has not replied to my argument. The chairman said he would accept the motion. Mr. D. W. Cole (Labour, Gisborne) exclaimed: “This is the gag.’’ Mr. Nash declared that he had not had an opportunity of fully stating his case. Two members started ■' to count, others joining in as the counting to nin e proceeded and the word “Out!” being loudly chorussed. Tlie incident was ignored and the division, we* taken. Mr. Fraser’s amendment was defeated and the clause was carried. Speakinp- at 4.30 n.m. Air. Coates gave an indication that th e Government intended to hasten the progress of the Bill. He -said as the penal clauses of the 'Bill were all very similar in application and effect be would check the debate ;so far as the chairman would allow him by moving the closure after brief discussion on each clause. Replying to contentions that the clause relating to the penalty for evasion. was capable of too drastic interpretation because a- magistrate was given no other option than to impose a heavy fine if he found defendant guilty, Air. Coates 'said he would have provision made for recognition of a plea of inadvertency or ignorance. Mr. Coates agreed to withdraw in the meantime the clause which stated that securities by minors should have the same validity as if given by a person of, full age.