A PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1933, Page 4

A PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT.

Although its consideration led to a lot of political “hot air” entirely uncalled for, an important principle was involved in the discussion last week upon a clause in the Sales Tax Bill. It was proposed to give Cabinet power to add to the list of exempted commodities by Order-in-Council, and the point was raised that this would open the door to accusations of favouritism to those who could obtain the ear of Ministers. Fortunately the public life of the Dominion is rightly regarded as one of the highest standard, and even a fairly acrimonious discussion could reveal no charge, or sus-

picion of a charge, against present or

former Ministers that they had exercised favouritism towards their friends, political or otherwise. Nevertheless, the clause did confer the power upon Cabinet to alter a taxation measure and, in theory at all events, Parliament and Parliament alone is th® authority which can make, reduce or remove taxes. Legislation by Order-in-Council has extended in New Zealand further than is desirable, usually on the grounds of its convenience and the promptitude with which it enables an unforeseen situation to be dealt with by the Administration. The extension of such powers of taxation was certainly undesirable, at all events without the necessity of obtaining Parliamentary sanction. The Minister of Finance has agreed to amend the Bill so that any Order made will come before the House for review, and his decision is one that will be generally commended.