DOMINION PARLIAMENT

Northern Advocate, 18 August 1931, Page 6

DOMINION PARLIAMENT

THIS WEEK IS AGENDA. , BUDGET PROPOSALS. TRADE COUPONS AND TRANSPORT. ' (From Our Parliamentary 1 Special.) WELLINGTON, This Day.

Tlio dullness of the financial debate’s final stages is not likely to be succeeded during the coming week by a political crisis, so far asm embers are able to judge. If the debate can be ended -the Government will immediately introduce financial measures for the purpose of carrying out the Budget proposals, but these will bo subject to second reading discussions. Therefore, the crucial coUihiittee stages ‘will be further delayed. It is generally considered that Cabinet will welcome, the. suggestion of both sides in the licensing issue to postpone the licensing poll for three years. An expenditure of about £BO,OOt.) is usually provided for this portion of general election expenses, but postponement will not enable the full amount to be .saved. However, if the £40,000 burden can be lifted off the taxpayers’ shoulders under the present difficult conditions it will be a welcome relief, and necessary legislation will be passed before the session ends.

There is absolutely no suggestion on any side of politics that the general election should be piit off as an economy measure. The Transport Licensing Bill Committee, having completed the hearing of evidence and deliberations on this important measure, will report the result during the week. It is stated that Labour members strongly oppose the provision removing from local authorities their present power of licensing, but as the bill is a non-par-ty measure, the only result of the defeat of the bill would be to postpone any attempt to regulate transport chaos.

The Trading Coupons Bill is also to be reported from a Select Committee this week, and a committee » to which was referred the charges of breach of privilege raised by Mr F. Lye (Government; Waikato), is ready to present its decision.