PRIVILEGE QUESTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21325, 28 October 1932, Page 12

PRIVILEGE QUESTION

CRITICISM OF PARLIAMENT BUSINESS MEN'S PROTEST [BY TELEGRAPH —PREPS ASSOCIATION] DUNEDIN. ThUrsdny The conference of the Associated Chambers Of Commerce went into committee to-day to consider the attitude taken up by Parliament with respect to the action of Mr. A. Mcintosh, a member of the National Expenditure Commission, who presented an addendum to the commission's report, in which he made certain allegations against members of Parliament. The following resolution was adopted: — "That this conference unanimously protests against the action proposed to be taken against a member of the National Expenditure Commission, on the following grounds:—(l) That the commission was appointed by the representative of His Majesty the King for tho express purpose of reviewing and reporting on public expenditure in all its aspects, and that remarks published were undoubtedly within the terms of reference. "(2) That in the opinion of this conference it. is of the utmost importance in the public interest that where matters .'ire referred to a Boyal Commission each member of such commission should be free to express himself freely and frankly according to the evidence brought before the commission; (3) that if action is taken it will be impossible to get men of the right stamp to undertake similar work in the public interest; (4) that if criticism of Parliament is to be a breach of privilege, one of the most fundamental principles of Brit ish liberty will be violated (5) that it is also essential in the public interest that the newspapers should be free to express criticism of Parliamentary action, when necessary."