PARLIAMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24632, 13 June 1941, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

DOMINION AND THE WAR MANY PHASES DISCUSSED HOUSE TO RESUME ON JULY 15 (O.C;) WELIiNGTbN/ JUhe 12. ■ Many subjefcts'were ’ discussed in the debate on the Irtiprest Supply Bill, which was introduced in the* House of Representatives to-day. They included various phases of New Zealand’s war effort, taxation and finance, the totalisator investments and racing, the 40-hour week, conscientious objectors, and the question of a National Government. Urgency; was taken for the Bill; which provides for an expenditure of £ Il;954,000. The action of the New * Zealand Government in .approving ,: of the despatch ..’of New Zealand troops to Greece and Crete was defended by the Acting Prime Minister, Mr Nash. Several" other Ministers and the Leadeiv of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, also took part in the discussion. Mr Holland said that, if the Government would not form a National Government, it should say there would be an election, and take away the veil of. .seCrecy. - The' time was long past for the formation of a National Government; He saw no reason for the postponement of the election. -Mr Nash replied to the debate shortly after midnight, contending that the whole case made out by the Opposition ■ and the press -for an extension of the 40-hour week was not so much for extra hours to be worked as for a reduction in pay for those hours worked.

The Imprest Supply Bill was then passed, through the remaining stages without further discussion.

Before the House rose at 0,57 a.m., Mr .Nash stated that the session would resume on July, 15, subject to, no emergency occurring in the meantime. The Budget would be introduced on the day following the'opening and the legislative programme would include a Finance Bill, a War. ’Damages Bill, a Land and Income ; Tax Airiendment Bill, a River Erosion Bill, and Annual Taxing Bills. ’ ...Mr Lee asked when Mr Fraser was likely to return, Mr Nash replying that it all depended on how long the Prime Minster was wanted in England, which he had not yet reached.