“I AM ASKING THAT QUESTION.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 185, 6 August 1931, Page 5

“I AM ASKING THAT QUESTION.”

MR COATES FAILS TO GIVE DEFINITE REPLY. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 5. Mr Coates: Is the leader of the Labour Party in favour of forming a National Government? Mr Holland: What does the Reform Party say ? Both questions were asked in the House of Representatives towards the end of the financial debate, but neither was answered and members were left in the dark, despite other lively sallies on the topic. It was an amusing debate. The Prime Minister said that he had not heard the Labour Party say it was in favour of a National Government. A Labour member: We were not asked to join in a National Government. Mr Coates: Is the Labour Party in favour of it? Mr Holland: Will the leader of the Opposition extend us an invitation on behalf of the Government? Mr Coates: Does the leader of the Labour Party say he will make one and that his party will follow him to join in forming a National Government to help to relieve the problem of the producers of the countrj'? Is it an Invitation?’ Mr Holland: Is this an invitation? Mr Coates: Would you join such a movement ? Mr Holland: Is the Reform Party joining it? Mr Coates: I am asking you that question. Mr Holland: And I am asking you. Mr Coates’s next statement raised a loud laugh. “ I hope,” he said, “ that I will always be found in this position Hear, hears and laughter from the Government and the Labour benches prevented him from proceeding further. Mr Coates was not slow to appreciate the slip and to pass it off with a cheerful, “ That was an unfortunate remark.” “Get Behind the Government.” The National Government references were revived by the Minister of Lands, the Hon E. A. Ransom, who smilingly commented on the nearer approach of the views of Mr Coates towards those of tho Government in regard to backblocks roads and expenditure for lands development. He believed that when it came to the question of National Government there would be no obstacles to crossing the floor of the House. “T am very pleased to see the Leader of the Opposition coming to our view, favouring the use of part of the petrol tax for the benefit of country ratepayers.” the Minister said. “I hope he has the backing of his party and that they would stand by this if it is recom mended by the select committee.” Air Samuel (Reform, Thames): Do you favour a National Government and would you ask the Labour Party to join? Mr Ransom: Yes, any party which will get behind the Government to push the country along. Air Parry (Labour, Auckland Cen tral): To push them out. ADVICE TO HAND FROM CANADIAN GOVERNMENT. __ AUCKLAND, August 5. The possibilit;' of a settlement be ing reached with regard to the trade situation between Canada and New Zealand is indicated in a telegram received from the Prime Minister by Mr A. J. Wilson, secretary of the Canadian British Traders’ Association. In this Mr Forbes says he has received a communication from the Canadian Government, and will make a statement on the position as soon as possible.