RENT LEGISLATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22833, 14 September 1937, Page 10

RENT LEGISLATION

.EARLY RE-ENACTMENT CLERICAL WORKERS' STATUS BILL TO BE INTRODUCED [JIV TELEGRAPH 1 SPECIAL REPORTER] . "WELLINGTON, Monday The Fair Bents Act, restricting rentals on dwelling houses, will definitely be re-enacted before the end of the present month. This was made clear by the Prime ■ Minister, Mr. Savage, in an interview this evening when he said that a bill providing for tho continuation of the existing legislative provisions would be introduced in the House of Representatives and passed before September 30, when the present Act expires. "There appears to bo a real need for this legislation," Mr. Savage said, "and it is the duty of the Government to recognise that position. It is possible, of course, that tho Address-in-Reply debate may drag on for a fairly considerable time. There seems to be a suggestion that Opposition members will have a good deal to say, and in that case I do not think our own members will be altogether silent. However, if the debate shows signs of stretching over three weeks or more we will not hesitate to introduce a measure re-enacting the Fair Rents Act before the Address-in-Reply is completed." Tho Prime Minister added that it was still tho Government's intention to proceed with the Budget when tho Address-in-Reply debate was out of tho way, and until both these items had been disposed of little in the way of new legislation would appear in the House.

The industrial status of clerical workers, as defined in the recent decision by the Court of Appeal, would certainly require action by the Government, and a bill dealing with that position would bo introduced at the earliest possible moment. Mr. Savage mentioned that the entire debate on the Imprest Supply Bill, which will come before the House to-morrow afternoon, will be broadcast up to 11 p.m. The opening of the Address-in-Reply debate on Wednesday night would also be broadcast.