TASKS FOR PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20924, 14 July 1931, Page 11

TASKS FOR PARLIAMENT.

BILLS AND REPORTS. interest in railways. LINES UNDER CONSTRUCTION. [BY TELEGRAPH. SPECIAL REPORTER. J WELLINGTON. Monday. It, is likely that the greater part of the week will be devoted by Parliament to the final stages of the Address-in-Reply debate, which was interrupted more than a week ago to allow the passage of the Unemployment Amendment Bill. The Prime Minister, the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said to-day that ho expected the debate to finish on Thursday evening. It is possible, therefore, that the followmg afternoon may bo devoted to a discussion of the report upon the Imperial Conference, which the Prime Minister promised tho House ever since his return from London early this year. On account of the importance of this subject, and tho fact that New Zealand is vitally interested in the postponement of tho Ottawa Economic Conference, some members might seek more time than Mr. Forbes is prepared to givo to this debate. Transport Bill for Committee. It is possible, moreover, if members are in a talkative mood, that the Address debate may not finish until the end of the week, thus necessitating another fixture for the Imperial Conference discussion. The Transport Licensing Bill, introduced last week, will be read a second time pro forma to-morrow, and referred to a Special Select Committee for the taking of evidonce and the adjustment of any controversial clauses contained in the original form. Representations from local bodies and licensing authorities will bo received and the bill will be sent back for the consideration of the House a few weeks hence.

Between the time of the disposal of the Address-in-Reply and the appearance of the Budget,., the House will probably have the Trading Coupons Bill, which is now in the law draftsman's hands for clarification, and also tho buildings regulations and the Maori land laws consolidation.

Departmental reports, which constitute a great part of the ordinary working session, should begin to appear shortly. Mr. Forbes said he had instructed departments to prepare these documents as soon as possible and some of the minor ones will provide a useful legislative stopgap between consideration of current bills. These reports are usually discussed during the afternoons and may not, unless specially ordered, bo considered in the evenings, thus leaving the evenings free for consideration of bills. Question of No-Confidence. During this session, the Railways Board will report upon lines under construction. Mr. Forbes expects this report will be presented shortly before the Public Works Department's report, which usually appears late in the session. The board's report is being eagerly awaited, as railway matters, particularly the South Island main trunk line, form a, most contentious subject in the minds of members of the House. • •

' The possibility of a Labour no-confidence motion on the Address-in-Reply debate, in which the leader of the party, Mr. H. E„ Holland, has not yet spoken, was mentioned to Mr. Holland to-day. He said the question of confidence would be considered at an early caucus of the party. Mr. Holland, however, has little to gain by such a gesture, as the real test of confidence must be centred in the taxation proposals later in the session.