BIG PROBLEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 290, 5 November 1934, Page 7

BIG PROBLEM

MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY

BILL,

IMPORTANT DEPARTURE EXPECTED.

[By Telegraph—Special to Standard.) AVELLINGTOON, Nov. 5.

The biggest problem before the Government before the session can end is the necessary modification of the Agricultural (Emergency Powers) Bill, which, it is generally conceded, could not be passed as it stands despite the Government majority for the second reading. Only one Government supporter changed sides on that occasion, but the majority would be much narrower but for the understanding that Cabinet was considering a complete revision of the section constituting the Agricultural Executive Commission and that a further party caucus -would be held to consider the final proposals. _ This is expected to take place to-night. While Cabinet still has the troublesome section under review, there is a general understanding that one important modification is to be a definite provision that the existing powers of the control boards will not be restricted. The Bill itself greatly widens the powers of the Dairy Board and its reconstitution carries a solid body of support in Parliament. As for the Executive Commission, it is confidently assumed that the Government has dropped the idea of placing its powers in the hands of three nominees from outside Parliament. Several alternatives are being discussed and thesis a possibility of including the chairmen of the Meat and Dairy Boards with another outside nominee, but the plan meeting with most favour is to secure direct Parliamentary representation bv including the Minister of Trade and Commerce and the Minister of Agriculture. The most important function of the new body will be trade extension, particularly through the negotiation of trade agreements with other countries. Therefore, a prominent part will he played by Hon. R. Masters, who has shown great activity in these respects as Minister of Trade and Commerce. At the present stage it is difficult to forecast the final shape of the provisions, though it is clear they will constitute an important departure from the original form in which they were presented to a highly critical House.