WORK OF THE SESSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21386, 14 July 1931, Page 8

WORK OF THE SESSION

THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME TAXATION PROPOSALS REAL TEST OF CONFIDENCE. (From Oub Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 13. If Parliament is in talking mood the greater part of this week will probably be devoted 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 Bill. The Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) expects the debate to finish on Thursday evening, so the remaining afternoon may be devoted to a discussion of the report tipon the Imperial Conference, which Mr Forbes promised the House ever since his return from London early this year. On account of the importance of this subject and the fact that New Zealand is vitally interested in the postponement of the Ottawa Economic Conference, some members might seek more time than Mr Forbes is prepared to give to this debate. It is possible, moreover, that the Address-in-Reply will not be finished until the end of the week, necessitating another fixture for the Imperial Conference discussion.

The Transport Licensing Bill, which was introduced last week, will be read a second time pro forma to-morrow, and referred to a special select committee for taking evidence and the adjustment of any controversial clauses contained in . the original form. The representations of local bodies and licensing authorities will be 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-Replyand the appearance of the Budget the House will probably have the Trading Coupons Bill, which is now in the law draughtsman’s hands- for clarification, and also the Building Regulations and Maori Land Jjaws Consolidation Bills.

Departmental reports, which constitute a great part of the ordinary working session, should begin to appear shortly. Mr Forbes said hie had instructed the departments to prepare these documents as soon as possible, and some of the minor .ones will provide a usefuL legislative stop-gap between consideration of the current Bills. These reports are usually discussed during the afternoons, and may not, unless specially ordered, be considered in the eVenings, leaving the evening sittings free for consideration of the Bills.

During this session the Railways Board will report upon the lines under construction, so Parliament may discuss the various projects. Mr Forbes expects this report to be presented to the House before the Public Works report, which usually appears late in the session. This document is eagerly awaited, as the railways, particularly the South Trunk, are a most contentious subject. There is a possibility of a Labour no-confidence motion to the Address-in-Reply. The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr H. E. Holland) has not yet spoken, hut he will probably speak to-morrow. Mr Holland stated to-day that the question of a no-confidencq motion would he considered early by a caucus of the party. He,has little to gain by such a gesture, however, as the real test of confidence must be centred in the taxation proposals later in the session.