DEBATES IN HOUSE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 23 December 1933, Page 11

DEBATES IN HOUSE

WILI. PROBABLY BE SHORTENED WORK OF PARLIAMENT (From “The Mail’s” Parliamentary Reporter). WELLINGTON, 22nd December. An indication that in future there might he an alteration in the conduct of Parliament’s business with a view to shortening debates early in the session, thus obviating an eleventhhour rush in. the passage of legislation at the end of the session, was made by the Prime Minister (the RtHon. G. W. Forbes) in the House of Representatives. The proposal was supported by the Leader of the Opposition (MrM.’J. Savage). The subject was mentioned by Mr Savage who said that the better planning of Parliament might be in the interests of Parliament itself. The Prime Minister said that objection was made that at the end of a session business was crammed into a very short period. It was possible that portion of the time at the commencement of the session mighty be used to more advantage. Time might be arranged in regard to the length of debates as was done in the House of Commons, the arrangement being made between the Government and the Opposition. Even the time of the session could be spaced out, as was done in Great Britain. Parliament would sit lor a certain period, and almost at the commencement of the session members would know the time at which Parliament would rise.

Mr Savage: “We could, too.’’ Mr Forbes said that owing to the necessity for urgent degislation, there had been more than one session, but at the present time one was hoping that nothing would arise that would disturb the normal practice. He could not say when the report of the far‘.it Commission would be presented, and whether it would be of such importance as to require an earlier meeting of Parliament. Members should be required to attend for only one session, and the business should be conducted in that session. ITe pointed out. also, that there was business uncertainty while' Parliament was sitting. He would be very pleased to discuss with the Leader of the Oposition matters relating to the planning of the session and the order of business with a view fo spacing it out. Mr Savage: “.We could do it all right.”