Privileges of the Upper House

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6833, 14 April 1932, Page 6

Privileges of the Upper House

COMMITTEE OP DEFENCE SET UP Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. In the Legislative Council to-day Sir Francis Bell moved to set up a committee of privileges to which might be referred all matters affecting the privileges of the Council. He said ho took this action because of the conglomerate nature of the legislation likely to come before them, and the possibility of questions of privilege arising, Ihe time had come when the Council should take steps to maintain the privileges enjoyed by the House ■of Lords. Hon. J. A. Ilanan seconded the motion. Ho said that in abnormal times there was likely to be a lack of cool and considered judgment, and the Council might well prove to bo the bulwark of the people’s just rights.. Sir James Parr took no exception to the motion and said the committee was likely to prove of great assistance. It was "well that the Council should be jealous of its privileges.' The motion was carried, and the Speaker then expressed his satisfaction at the action of the Council. He had often been in a difficulty as to whether bills were money bills or not, and he would welcome the assistance of a committee.