MR WEBB’S SPEECH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 24 October 1940, Page 4

MR WEBB’S SPEECH

PRIME MINISTER’S COMMENT [United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, 23rd October. A denial of a statement attributed to the Minister of Labour, Mr Webb, that the Attorney-General would consult with the local Labour Representation Committee before taking action under the Public Safety Regulations was mad# by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in an interview to-day. “I fail completely to understand the reference in various leading articles which is alleged to have originated in the report of a speech delivered by the Minister of Labour,” said the Prime Minister. “I feel certain that Mr Webb could not have said anything of the kind. There has obviously been some misunderstanding. “In any case, whatever is the origin of the statement, it is incorrect. It is quite true that while the Government will enforce the regulations wherever necessary without fear or favour, it has no intention of using its power in an unfair or tyrannical fashion. I have no doubt that in order to elicit the full facts concerning any case the Atorney-General or his officers would be willing to discuss matters with any individual or organisation concerned. Personally, I am always ready to do this as far as time permits, but neither the Government nor individual Ministers would ‘consult’ any non-Goverrt-ment organisation on the question of the enforcement of the law. “I cannot see, however, that there would be any reason for even discussing any proposed action concerning industrial workers or an employees’ organisation or individual members of such body with any labour representation committee. Circumstances might and probably would, arise when it would be most advisable to discuss possible action in withstanding and counteracting subversive activities with a representative organisation, but labour representative committees, being occupied with active political work, would not be involved in any way. Discussion, far less consultation, with labour representation committees on the application of the regulations has never even been thought of. The Government, and the Government alone, will be responsible for all actions in upholding and administering the Jaw, including the enforcement of the Public Safety Emergency Regulations.” had been paid in taxation by the company and its shareholders. “The Government’s dividend from the company totals £ 1259 3s 2d.” Mr Fairbairn said, “compared with the aggregate received by all shareholders in the same period—£l333 6s Bd. less £ll6 13s 4d tax, a net figure of £1216 13s 4d. The shareholders run all the risk and supply all the capital.” he concluded, “but still their aggregate return is less than the Government trkes as a first charge, regardless of pioflts. “This company and other similar companies are being bled to exhaustion at a time when gold is of great importance to the nation’s war effort. More encouragement from the State might well be expected by those engaged in the industry.”