LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 194, 18 July 1941, Page 4

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

DR. MCMILLAN'S REQUEST.

OPPOSITION QUESTION.

(Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, July 17. The question of whether or not Dr McMillan (Lab., Dunedin West) should be granted 1J days' leave of absence from the House for urgent public business was raised in the House to-day by the Leader of the Opposition '(Mr S. G. Holland) when the Government Whip (Mr O'Brien) asked that Dr McMillan should be granted such leave.

Mr Holland said Dr McMillan had contested the Dunedin Mayoralty and had publicly stated that he had no in» tention of coming to Parliament. That seemed to be very close to a breach of privilege or something of that type. Mr Holland commented that it would be better if Dr McMillan had asked leave on the ground of urgent private business. The Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Nash) said he did not know the reason for Dr McMillan asking leave, but he did not think he would be paid if he did not attend. Knowing Dr McMillan, he had no doubt that if he had not hai urgent public business he would ha'o been present in the House. He would ascertain Dr McMillan's reasois. The Minster of Interna] Affairs (Hon. AY. I!. Parry) : This is the first time a member's wprd has been challenged. ) The Speak, r (Hon. W. E. Barnard), dealing with a point of order, said a. member had a right to seek leave of absence otheiwiso the question of the forfeiture of lis seat might arise. Even if leave were granted there was still a rule providing>;a penalty if a member were absent fir more than 14 days. He suggested it this case that leave be granted and tie Acting-Prime Minister perhaps ould look into the matter.

Mr O'Brien aid this was the first time in his menory that it had been raised. Ho hal known of members being away for nearly the whole session. : ,

Leave of absdee was granted and leave for the reiiainder of the session was also grantedto Mr A. F: Moncur (Lab., Rotorua) m account of his enlistment with the military forces. DR. McMILSAN'S REPLY. (Press Assn.) HJNEDIN, July 18 Dr. D. G. MAlillan, M.P., approached about thij question raised in the House of Parliament about his application lor of absence, said obviously there wig some misunderstanding, for referticc to his request to the GovernmenUWhip would disclose that he simfty asked for . two weeks' leave, not leiJe on the grounds of urgent public buiness. The only reason i»'r absence which automatically a Member from a fine was his ownjsickness or his family's.