Money For Urgent Backblocks Roods

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1949, Page 5

Money For Urgent Backblocks Roods

WELLINGTON, Fri. (F.A.)—Speaking to the vote for the Ministry of WPrks, when the Supplementary estimates were before the House of Representatives last night, Mr A. J. Murdoch (O—Marsden) complained of the lack of a vote for country roads. He moved that the vote of £5450 be reduced by £450 to show the Opposition's “surprise and disappointment” at the tack Of appropriation for backblocks roads. The Minister of Finance (Mr Nash> said the roading vote had been in the main estimates and was £900,000 more than in the previous year. Mr Murdoch’s amendment was debated for some time, but he finally withdrew it after Mr Nash and the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) had given assurances that funds would be made available tor urgent cases.

The debate would take place on a Government motion.

Events moved fast today towards the austerity zero hour which everyone expects to usher in the iciest era of hard living in Britain's history, says Reuters political correspondent. Mr Attlee reported to the King on the slashing post-devaluation economies which he will announce to Parliament and the nation on Monday. Mr Attlee’s visit to the King was taken to mean that Cabinet had resolved any remain ng difficulties and disagreements over the plan,-and was ready to give it final shape at tomorrow’s special meeting. Monday’s Official announcement will be a test not only of the discipline of 50,000,000 Britons, but of the Government’s prestige with its 392 Parliamentary following. ,