DRASTIC MODIFICATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18546, 5 November 1934, Page 8

DRASTIC MODIFICATION

THE AGRICULTURE BILL RESTRICTION OF POWERS PROBLEM FOR CABINET (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The biggest problem before the Government before the session can end is the necessary modification of the Agricultural (Emergency Bowers) Bill, which it is generally conceded could not he passedYs it. stands, despite, the Government's majority for the second reading. Only one Government supporter changed sides on that occasion, hut the majority would be much narrower but for the understanding that the Cabinet was considering a complete revision of the section constituting the Agricultural Executive Commission, and that a further party caucus would be held to consider the final proposals. This is- expected to take place to-night. While the Cabinet still has the troublesome section under review, there, is a general understanding that one important modification is to be a definite provision that the existing powers of control boards will not be restricted. The bill itself greatly widens the powers of the Dairy Board, and its reconstitution carries a solid body of support in Parliament. As for the Executive Commission, it is confidently assumed that the Government has dropped the idea o'f placing its powers in the hands of throe nominees from outside Parliament. Several alternatives arc being discussed, lucre is a possibility of including the chairmen of the meat and dairy hoards, with another outside nominee, but the plan meeting most favor is to secure direct Parliamentary representation by including the Minister of Trade and Ciunmeree and the Minister of Agriculture.

The most important function ol the new body will he trade extension, particularly' through the negotiation _of trade agreements with other countries. Therefore, a prominent part will be played by ihe Hon. R. Masters, who has shown great activity in tliese respects as Minister of Trade and Commerce.

At the present stage it is difficult to forecast tho final shape of the provisions, though it, is clear that they will constitute an important departure from the original form in which they were presented to a highly critical House.