M.P.’S “ON STRIKE.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12718, 13 August 1919, Page 5

M.P.’S “ON STRIKE.”

One of the committees of the House ot Commons adjourned its proceedings recently m protest against no official epor er being -in attendance to report the proceedings, and -Mr Turton, the chairman m informing the Speaker of the fact later said it was not the intention of the committee to proceed' “ Us "otk until they were furnished Mfacial reporter. “Strike!’-' commented several memhers and Mr Tom Shaw, recalling what had been said at the time of the threatened coal strike, asked with mock giauty u the whole resources of the nation would be used to break down tins attempt to stop the country’s business. (Laughter.) . : Mr Macrnaster and Mr Wilson sun--' ported the requests for the proceeding of tlie committees to be officially reported, in view of the importance of an accurate record being kent of the ■ promises and undertakings riven bv 1 Ministers. “ ° .. The Speaker promised to see if official reports of the debates of the committees could be furnished, but complained j* le Srcat difficulty of finding an ■> adequate number of reporters sufficientlv ,skilled *°f tile wor k- Every, pos - sible source had been exhausted. [( Women P suggested members, Well, where are the women who have been trained m taking down parliamentary proceedings?” rejoined the Speak, er They don’t exist yet.’’ Un did hnd a reporter for one committee, and what was the result? , Next day the columns of the_ official report were thiefly occupied with discussions of points of order and adjournment; and the same thing happened the next time ‘ ' the committee sat. They must consider the expense of printing and bindmg these reports.