QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1930, Page 11

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE

REPLIES FROM MINISTERS

DISTRESS FOR RENT POSITION.

SUPERANNUATION PROPOSALS.

By Telegraph.—-Press Association. Wellington, Last Night.

Ministerial replies to questions were circulated in the House of Representatives to-day. The‘Hon. E. A. Ransom, replying to Mr. D. McDougall, said that since the performance in full of the Union Steam Ship Company’s contract in connection with the Melbourne-South Island shipping service had been interrupted by the" wreck of the Manuka every effort had been made by the company to obtain a suitable vessel to replace her. The Government was anxious that a full service by two vessels should be resumed as soon as possible, and the company had assured him that it would continue its efforts to procure another vessel. Mr. W. E. Barnard asked whether during the recess inquiries would be made°into the question of a universal superannuation scheme. Mr. Ransom replied that considerable inquiry had been made into the compulsory contributory' pension scheme which, on account of the costs and other - matters involved, .had not at present reached the stage where practical measures could be taken. The proposal to submit a special report on the question to Parliament next session would receive caretui consideration. The Hon. S. G. Smith informed Mr. Barnard that it was not intended this session to bring down a Bill which, inter alia, . would provide the House with an opportunity of discussing the question of a universal Saturday halfholiday. <Mr; D. Jones asked whether it was ‘.intended to introduce legislation this session giving effect to the recommendation of the Railway Commission to appoint a board of directors for the management of the railways. Mr. Hansom said it was not' proposed to deal piecemeal with- the recommendations. Other aspects of the railway problem were under investigation by the' select committee which had not reported to the, House. The drift in railway finance apparent when the Government assumed office had been largely arrested. Replying to Mr. C. H. Chapman, Mr. Ransom said no expression had been made Of the intention, to give effect to “wholesale dismissals from the public service shortly after Parliament adjourns.” ' ’ Mr. P. Fraser asked the Minister of Justice whether he would take the necessary steps in the interests of justice and law to notify the public that in all cases of distress for rent an amount not exceeding £5O of personal and family clothing, bed clothes, bedding,, furniture and tools of trade were absolutely exempted from being sold or disposed of under any distress for rent, and that persons whose goods had been illegally seized and sold could take legal proceedings to recover them, together with costs for injury received. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe in reply’ said .the law/wais clearly stated by Mr.’.Fraser and the publicity given to the matter would doubtless achieve the object desired.

Replying to Mr. W. Nash, Mr. Ransom said a committee of five members consisting of the Public Service Commissioner (chairman), the financial adviser to the Government, and a representative from each of the three Government superannuation funds had been set up to consider’ the position of these funds. A considerable amount of investigation was required and it was not expected the inquiries could b-e completed and the report available before next session.

The Hon. W. A. Veitch in answer to a question submitted by Mr. T, D. But--nett r said that in view of the present financial position of the Railway Department he regretted he could not hold out any hope of a reduction in freight on wool. .