Lively Exchange In Parliament

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1943, Page 2

Lively Exchange In Parliament

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Another lively interchange of opinions between members of the Government and the Opposition took place shortly after the House met yesterday afternoon. A dispute arose regarding a question by Mr. E. B. K. Gordon (Oppn., Rangitiker* to the Minister for National Service (Mr. Semple) concerning living conditions at certain girls’ hostels in Wellington district, where girls directed into industry are residing. In a lengthy note to the question, Mr. Gordon drew attention to complaints regarding meals and accommodation. The Prime Minister intervened, drawing Mr. Speaker’s attention to some of the statements in Mr. Gordon’s question, and contended tiiat he considered they were a reflection upon people who were doing their best. The Speaker (Mr. Barnard) said that he understood that Mr. Gordon had made some investigation into the matter, and had reported that one of his constituents was a girl living at the hostel. Mr. Fraser: Surely you are not accepting hearsay in notes to this House. I shall be compelled to make a motion of the matter. . Tile Speaker (Mr. Barnard): The right lion, gentleman should refrain himself a;;u allow me to explain. There is no need for heat in the matter. Mr. Barnard added ihat members knew quite well that when they framed questions they had to accept responsibility for statements they made. If the onus were placed on the Speaker to interrogate every member as tc whether statements contained in questions were true, then it would be placing a new duty on the Speaker. Point of Order Mr. Fraser said it would not be fair to place such a duty on the Speaker, but he considered a note should bo lor the purpose' of elucidating questions, not for making charges against people. He then read a lengthy reply on behalf oi the Minister for National Service, replying m del ail. to complaints contained in Mr. Gordon’s question. At Ihe conclusion, Mr. W. J. Poison iOpun.. Strafford) rose to a point of order.’ saying that there had been a suggestion that the Speaker had not done the right: thing. The Speaker had the confidence of every member of the Opposition for his impartiality, and Mr Poison said that he did not consider that the Prime Minister’s attitude was worliy oi the House. . . . . . Mr. Fraser said that if Ihoro Le construed any reflection on the Speaker, he withdrew it. He added that he wou.c. suggest that the member for Rangitikei and other members should visit the hostel and inspect it for themselves. The Minister for Education (Mi. Mason): Thov will get a shock. This rcmaik was greeted with laughter, which ended the incident.