Stabilisation Bill Gives Minister Wide Powers

Northern Advocate, 29 October 1948, Page 2

Stabilisation Bill Gives Minister Wide Powers

WELLINGTON, Fri. (Sp.).—Continuation of the stabilisation policy is confirmed in the Economic Stabilisation Bill, which was introduced and read the first time in the House of Representatives last night. The bill also provides for the enactment of a number of wartime emergency regulations. General purpose of the bill is stated to be to promote the economic stability of New Zealand.

The Minister of Industries and Commerce will be charged with general administration of the bill and with doing all things which he deems expedient for the stabilisation, control and adjustment of prices of goods and services, rents, other costs and rates of wages, salaries and other incomes. Provision is made for the appointI merit as an officer of the Public Service of a Director of Stabilisation. An Economic Stabilisation Commis- | ion will be established and will consist of not more than six persons, to J be appointed by the Minister. J The members will hold office duri ing the pleasure of the Minister, j The commission’s principal function I will be to make recommendations to | the. Minister after inquiry and investi- | gation in relation to the economic , stabilisation of New Zealand and the ! functions of the Minister under this act. The bill empowers the making by Order-in-Council of stabilisation regulations. Tlie following purposes of the regulations are laid down: Regulating the marketing of any goods or classes of goods for the general purpose of this act. Equalising as far as possible the net returns received or payable in respect of any goods or classes of goods, and j lor that purpose imposing levies. | The recovery of subsidies paid out of public moneys in respect of any goods or classes of goods. Providing for the appointment of officers, committees and other bodies and defining their functions and powers. The biil provides that certain emergency regulations are to remain in i

force. They are: The Economic Stabilisation Emergency 'Regulations, 19~’2. with amendments Nos. 1 to 13 inclusive; the Rates of Wages Emergency Regulations, 1940, with amendments 1 and 2; the Hides Emergency Regulations, 1940 (No. 2); the Pickled Sheep and Lamb Pelt Emergency Regulations, 1947, with amendment No. 1; and the Sheepskin Emergency Regulations, 1947. For the purpose of obtaining information, the Minister, or any person authorised by him in writing, may inspect, examine and audit any books or documents. Various offences are listed in the bill. These include resisting, obstructing or deceiving any court, authority or authorised person, making false or misleading statements, or offering any bribe or other unlawful or improper inducement. In the case of an individual the maximum penalties are imprisonment for three months or a fine of £2OO, and a further fine of £5 a day if the offence is a continuing one. In the case of a company or other corporation, the maximum fine is £SOO. and £2O a day if the offence is a continuing one.