PARLIAMENTARY PLEASANTRIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 7 August 1931, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY PLEASANTRIES

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

FORMATION OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT UEFUR.M AND LABOUR LEADERS (From “The Mail’s” Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, sth August, A few minutes of sparring without much tangible result, were occupied i>y the El. lion. J. G. Coates and the Leader and members of the Labour Party in the House this evening upon the, proposal of the Prime Minister to form a National Government (reports the “Press" correspondent). Neither Air Coates nor Mr Holland would give a direct answer to the other’s question, “Do you favour the formation of a National Government?” much to the edification and delight of Government members who supplied a lew goodhumoured interjections. The question was raised suddenly by Mr A. M. Samuel (R., Thames), who astted towards the end of Air Coates’s speech, Was tile position serious enough to warrant a National Government? Mr Coates replied that lie had never heard Labour Party members say they favoured a National Government. lie thought, however, that the serious economic state of the country called for unity and the co-operation of every member of the House. The position during the next year or two, lie believed, was going to be exceptionally severe. Mr T. \V. McDonald (IT., Wairarapa) : The Labour Party has not said it does not favour a National Government. Labour chorus: We have not been invited. Mr F. Langstonc (Lab., Waimanno): Wo were not ottered the cake. Another Labour interjector: We might take it if \vc were.

QUESTION FOR QUESTION Mr Holland to Mr Coates: Are you extending an invitation on behalf of the Government? .Mr Coates:‘Does the hem. gentleman say he will make one to ioiti in forming a National Government, and assist m dealing with the pressing problems of the primary producers? . Mr McDonald : If he does, will you no so? Mr Coates to Air Holland : AVill the lion, gentleman and Party join in such a movement? . Air Holland : Ts the Reform Party willing to join in? Mr Coates: 1 am asking the lion, gentleman. (Loud laughter.) .Mr Lnngstone: Your sins are big enough. Mr Coates raised a storm of amusement by proceeding: 1 hope 1 will always be in this position. Labour members called: “Me hope gu," clearly referring to Air Coates's position as the Leader of the Opposition. . Mr \V. E. Parry (Lab., Auckland Central): What’s the use of duckshoving. Mr Coates: If is easy to turn the scale these days. Air Parry: The scale turned easily last time. Air Coates (replying to Mr Holland): Ho long as I am on my feet on this or any other side of the House, it can be taken for granted that no individual

consideration will stand in the way of the country’s interest. (Reform and United hear, hears). Air Langstoue: Not more than any other Party. Mr Holland : We might remind you of that at the election, Mr Coates: This Party places the interests of the country before Party advantage. You arc not in tho same position. Mr J. A. .Nash (R., Palmerston): They are cross-benchers. Mh- Langstonc : M'e are not members of Parliament like you.

AN INVITATION .Mr Coates: If the Leader of the Labour Party is prepared to meet and discuss the problems that lie ahead, 1 will meet him or anybody else. (Hear, hear.) Air Langstonc: Tell us when the wedding lakes place. M'e will come along. Air Coates: 1 understand the Labour Party will not answer a direct question. Mr Holland: If the lion, gentleman pays lie is extending an invitation we will answer it in double quick time. Mr J. O’Brien (Lab., M'estland): New Zealand has been asking you that ques«Lion for six months. You have not answered it yourself yet. Mr Coates: If you say you are prepared to discuss the question we will he quite ready. A reference "to those pleasantries was made bv the Hon. E. A. Ransom a little later. “M'e were not invited either,” lie said, “but everyone knows where the Government stands on the formation of a National Government.” Mr Samuel: Do you favour a National Government? , . Mr Ransom: Before this debate is finished the people of the country and the members of this House will realise that wo cannot hope to pass through ibis crisis unless every member of the (louse (Hits his shoulder to the wheel and leaves nobody pulling back on the breeching. , , T i Afr Samuel: Would you ask the Labour Party to join? Air Ransom: Anyone who will come in behind the Government. Mr Samuel: But why behind the Government? (Laughter.)