APPLICATION OF CLOSURE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1932, Page 5

APPLICATION OF CLOSURE

HOSPITAL AMALGAMATION

LABOUR PARTY OPPOSITION

ft “TEDIOUS REPETITIONS”

BILL PASSES COMMITTEE

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night.

The committee stage of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Bill was resumed in the House of Representatives to-day. Discussion of the clause giving power by Order-in-Council, following a recommendation by the proposed commission, to close institutions or curtail services was continued until on the motion of the Hon. J. A. Young the closure was applied by 37 votes to • 18. The clause was passed by 34 votes to 24. Messrs. Atmore, Campbell, Hargest, Jull, Rushworth, Samuel and Wilkinson joined the Labour members in voting against it. Prior to the application of the closure Mr. S. G. Smith (Co., New Plymouth) read a list of subjects' which he ruled could not be discussed on the ground of tedious repetition. Mr. W. J. Jordan (Lab., Manakau) came in conflict with the Chair by proceeding to discuss one of these subjects, and on being called to order he declared he had as much right as the Prime Minister or the Minister in charge of the Bill to discuss any subject he wished. He said he was prepared to resign his seat and contest an election on this issue. ■ i

Labour members raised opposition to the clause giving power for hospital boards to be directed to provide- maternity hospitals. The fear was expressed that this would mean that the fate of St. Helen’s hospitals would be placed in jeopardy and the present subsidy towards their maintenance be withdrawn. It was also contended that the Government was endeavouring to transfer its responsibilities in the matter to the hospital boards. Mr. Young said’there ware seven St. Helen hospitals in the Dominion which provided 131 maternity beds, and 38 hospital boards already provided maternity services. The clause would not reduce the St. Helen’s hospital services to the people. In some cases hospital boards had questioned the legal right of the department to call upon them to provide maternity beds, and it was desired to make the position clear. The clause was passed. Labour members expressed approval of the clause in the Bill fixing a maximum for hours worked by nurses in public hospitals, but advocated that the maximum should be further reduced to 48 hours a week and that it should also apply to private institutions. The clause was passed and the Bill was put through the committee without amendment. ' , ■ ■ The committee stage .of the Urban Fann Lands Rating Bill Was commenced but the short title was still under discussion when progress was reported. The House rose at midnight.