WAR PROPOSALS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21449, 13 September 1939, Page 6

WAR PROPOSALS

Government’s Plans Statement On Friday Opposition Seeks Fuller Information Bv lelegrapn—Press Association WELLINGTON. September 12. After a week's recess to allow the Government to devote its attention to measures connected with the outbreak of war with Germany, the House of Representatives resumed to-day at I 2.30. The Acting-Prime Minister (Hon. P. | Fraser), in the course of a statement i before the House proceeded with l routine business, said that during last week questions arising from the war had been considered by the Govern- i ment. These involved quite a number of matters, including the financing of whatever war enterprise might be decided upon, or giving assistance to the United Kingdom during the period of hostilities. The Government at ! present, he added, was not in a position to bring down its war proposals, but it was hoped it would be able to do so by Friday next, when the House end the country would be informed of the obligations whicli had been undertaken towards the United Kingdom in connection with the war. In the | meantime it was suggested that the | House should dispose of a number of | minor matters which were on the I Order Paper It had been intended, said Mr Fraser, to deal with the Public Works estimates this evening, but as there wits some doubt on the part of the Opposition regarding the passing of these estimates on the same day as the Public Works Statement was presented. it had been decided to postpone consideration of them until to- . morrow or perhaps later this week. It was the Government’s intention, he said, to explain fully the nature of New 7 Zealand’s obligations in connection w’ith the war. and also the Government’s opinion ot the financial position. Criticism Desirable Mr Fraser said that he could not presume to say that the major measures which would be brought down later during the session in connection with the war would be non-conten-tious. and the Government did not wish to prevent their full discussion by members of the Opposition. In fact, the Opposition would not be doing its duty to the country if it stifled criticism. He did not think even in this hour of crisis that anybody could | be expected to sink their honest ccn- | fictions, but he did hope that such »' criticism would be confined to reason--1 able length, and that discussion would proceed in the spirit that each Party held its own convictions and agreed to differ. He hoped that discussion on controversial matters would be conducted in as fair and frank a manner as possible. The Leader ot the Opposition (Hon Adam Hamilton) considered that the Opposition was within its rights in expecting that Mr Fraser would have . made a fuller statement on the pre- , sent occasion than had actually been : the case. The Government Had had a week to make its plans for the coni duct oi the war It was only fair that ■ this time should be given it—more if necessary The Opposition had offered its full co-operation. but it wanted that co-operation to be reciprocated. It saould be more fully i informed of what was taking place . or at any rate informed earlier than had been the case The Opposition i represented a large section of electors and had a big responsibility to speak i on their behalf. It did not wish tc embarrass the Government, but the country was calling for a leac. in the conduct of the war Other countries in the Empire had already moved intc line, and there was public at the lack of information as to whai New Zealand was doing. The countn I was calling tor action. ' Mr Fraser suggested that controver- - sia] aspects at present snould be deferred It the Leader ot the Opposiiioi developed his present line of argument he <Mr Fraser) would have t< .say what New Zealand had done compared with other Dominions. 'Hear hear, frcin Government benches.) Mr Speaker intervened, asking Mi Hamilton to defer raising of coniroversial matters until a later occasion. Country Becoming Restless Mr Hamilton continuing, said tin Opposition had no objection to i 1 further adjournment to give th* '• Government more time to considei ‘ matters. The Government was en s titled to it if it were required, hut h< ' also considered that the Oppositioi p was entitled to know how the Govern f ment proposed to conduct the war. H " was glad it was proposed to postpom : consideration oi the Public Work estimates totalling £15.000.000 Thi expenditure might be found perhaps t< ’ be linked up with war expenditure The country was becoming restless, hfl continued, and was not in a mood ti ' discuss transport and hire pUrchas- ! agreements until the major legisiatioi was out of the 7 ay. Everybody want ed to know how to organise thei efforts towards the capacity in wnicl they might serve Mr Fraser said that an adjournmen at this stage would not assist th Government Matters were at such point regarding the country’s obliga tions that provided certain Informa tion was to hand they could ver rapidly be completed without en croaching for one moment on the tim , r of the House. He would be ver e pleased to take Mr Hamilton, M e Forbes and Mr Coates into his con e fidence and show them informatio s received from the British Govern q ment, because on these matters the L t were fully entitled to be informed n The Government would ot be helpe n but rather hindered by an adjourn o ment, and cbncerniiig Mr Hamilton statement about uneasiness in tb i, country, he considered tin t the be; d way to restore confidence would be ft d Parliaineiit to go bn with its ordinal job.