SITTING IN CAMERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19806, 29 November 1927, Page 13

SITTING IN CAMERA.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ADDRESS BY MR. L. S. AMERY. FOREIGN POLICY DISCUSSED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 WELLINGTON. Monday A private sitting of the Mouse of Repre sonfatives was held this afternoon to hear an address by the Secretary of the Do minions. Mr L S Amery. The members '? rhe press gallery were excluded. When the House met at 2.30 p.m., the Prime Mimstei Mi Coates, said he would like to have the opinion of members w-hether they were prepared to go into secret or private session for the purpose of hearing an address from Mr. Amery on foreign topics and policy The difference betweei, a secret and a private session might be hichi\ technical but there was a difference.

The reason for such a session was that many members had expressed a de sire to hear ai address from Mi Amery on foreign topics and policy Mr Amery had delivered a similar address to the Australian Parliament. and members gladly availed themselves of the opportunity to hear him It was not possible to make any other arrangement, as Mr Amery had engagements which would keep him busy fo 'he remaindei ol ins stay in Wellington and he was leaving for the South to-mor'-ow If members would like to hea Mi Amery for say, U hours, with questions for ar.othei half an hour, that coulc be done The pro ceedings would be private and confidential The Leader of the Opposition, Mr H E Holland, asked if strangers would be excluded. The Prime Minister replied in the affirmative. Mr. Holland then asked if the press would be excluded. The Prime Minister said he had left that in the hands of the Speaker In reply to question from Mr. Hoiland whether onlv members of the press gallery would be admitted, and whether representatives o* the New Zealand Worker could not be present, the Prime Minister said only members of the press gallery would be oresent. Mr. Holland: Then we won't agree to that. The Prime Minister said he thought a private sitting would be sufficient for their purpose. The proceedings would be equally private and confidential. The Speaker then ordered all strangers to withdraw, whereupon the members of the press gallery loft the chamber. The private session lasted until 5.30 p.m.