AUSTALIAN PROBLEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 115, 18 May 1931, Page 8

AUSTALIAN PROBLEMS

MR SCULLIN’S INVITATION FAILURE OF THE GOVERNMENT CANBERRA, May 16. The Prime Minister (Air J. H. Scullin) in the House of Representatives, earnestly invited the Opposition to join the Government in a frank discussion on economic and financial problems, not as members of this or that party, but as responsible representa fives of the people, anxious to find «* solution of the grave unemployment and human distress, as well as helping the man on the land. He was prepared, he said, to devote the whole of next week and would sus pend the Standing Orders of Parliament for such a conference. Air Gagg: Will the Federal Executive of the Labour Party agree to your suggestion? Air Scullin: I have not consulted it. Air Corser: Will the decisions be binding on the Government? Mr Scullin: I prefer that there should be no decisions. I simply desire a general discussion in order to receive hopeful suggestions for the guidance of tne Government. I am quite sure that all the wisdom is not one one side of the House. Air Parkhill: Why not let the people decide these issues? Air Scullin: I do not wish members to think my Government incompetent to deal with these problems. Air Al organ: That has already been proved. Air A. Beasley: Your statement proves that the Government is not governing at all. It would certainly appear that the Government has failed and is now showing the white flag. I am not prepared to support such a conference. Air J. A. Lyons (Leader of the Opposition) said that the Prime Afinister’s invitation was of the utmost importance. He would invite his colleagues to give the proposal the fullest consideration.