THE COMING SESSION

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVI, Issue 65, 18 February 1938, Page 3

THE COMING SESSION

NO ADJOURNMENT LIKELY. WELLINGTON, Last night. An interesting political rumor which gained strong currency as a result of the Prime Minister’s illness is that the resumption of the session, fixed for March Ist, may be delayed. There is no corroboration for this in official circles, though it can be well understood that absence of the leader for a week must retard business which by this date was expected to have been dealt with at an important series of Cabinet meetings. The position is governed by a resolution of the House of Representatives that it would adjourn until March Ist, or meet on some earlier date if Mr Speaker considered the latter course necessary in the public interest. Parliament constitutionally is dominant over the Government, and therefore its adjournment resolution must be carried out to the letter. This may handicap the Government somewhat in being fully ready for business, but the situation can be relieved by proceeding with bills already on the Order Paper, and the early introduction of some measures, though the National Superannuation and Health Services Bill may be delayed under the exceptional circumstances. As the Parliamentary reeess is simply an adjournment, no Addrcss-in-Reply debate is necessary, but a general discussion could soon occur on the first Imprest Supply Bill.