WAR PROBLEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 243, 14 October 1939, Page 8

WAR PROBLEMS

.l • FULL CO-OPERATION MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT < FIVE RECESS COMMITTEES L Per Press Association j WELLINTGON, Oct. 13. Members of the House of Representatives are to be given opportunities of co-operating with the Government in forwarding New Zealand’s war effort, as it has been arranged that five Parliamentary Select Committees have power to sit during the recess and to make interim reports to the Cabinet. Normally, a Select Committee must first submit its report to the House of Representatives, but the five working in recess may report direct to the Government, and submit their formal . recommendations to the House of Representatives within 28 days of the opening of next session. Three of the Select Committees to undertake recess duties are those which function normally in connection with Parliament, but they have been given a more extended order of reference so that they may deal with any matter associated with war effort which may be referred to them by the Government. The appointment of two lc.v committees indicates the nature of the cooperation with Cabinet, which private members can give when Parliament is not sitting. Although there is a standing committee to deal with industries and commerce —and it will have power to sit in recess—one of the new Parliamentary organisations covers a wider phrase of these subjects. It is the Industrial Development Committee, having power to consider all matters which may he referred to it by the House or the Government affecting industrial conditions and relationships. including those of workers and employers; the operation of industrial awards and agreements, the organisation. training, and effective utilisation of workers for industry generally. the health, amenities and general advancement of such workers; the promotion of industrial co-opera-tion in the industry of the country during the present crisis; and the general efficiency of the operation of industrial processes. This committee comprises the Hoi. P. C. Webb (Minister of Labour*, Mrs Stewart, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, and ■ Messrs. H. Atmore. W. A. Bodkin. C. , H. Chapman. W. Endean, \\ . A. Goosman. R. M. Macfarlane. R. McKeen, ■J. W. Munro. A H. Nordmeyer, and ; J. Thorn. £. Primary Production ! Questions associated with the exi pansion of the country’s primary production may be investigated by a new committee, the Primary Production Committee, of which the Hon. W. Lee Martin. Minister of Agriculture, is chairman, with a membership representative of farming interests, com- ! prising Messrs. J. G. Barclay, Boswell. iW. M. C. Denham, E. B. Gordon, T. |H. Grigg. H. S. S. Kyle, A. N. McCombs. J. N. Massey. W. P. Neilson. ;W. J. Polson. B. Roberts, and C. Morgan Williams. | The committee may consider all 'matters referred to it by the House ;or Government relating to primary j production, such as increases as may i be possible: the organisation, training, and effective utilisation of the workers required on farms and other branches of primary production; the conditions of employment and opportunities of advancement of such workers, and any matters relating to the efficiency of primary producers generally. Defence Committee’s Duties I The usual duties of the standing committ *e on defence have been extended for purposes of recess activity. |lt may consider, if requested by the Government, matters relating to camp accommodation, amenities, comfort, recreation, and general welfare of ’-he men of the special force, and, in addition, any matters affecting defence measures of the Dominion that may be referred to it, with power to re- ■ port from time to time to the Government. The usual chairman of the Defence ;Committee. Mr. W. J. Lyon, is now serving with the special force, and another member, Mr. J. M. Allen, is I ialso on duty. The committee now I available comprises the Minister of i Defence < Hon. F. Jones), the Rt. Hon. ij. G. Coates, Colonel J. Hargest, and Mes W. T. Anderton, J. G. BarIrlay. in. Cullen. F. L. Frost. J. A. Lee, L. G Lowry, and J. A. M. Roy. Industries and Commerce The Industries and Commerce Com- • mittee also has recess duties allocated to it. the new Order of Reference emI powering it. at the request of the Government, to consider any subject re-i Hating to factory and secondary pro-! ! auction, the establishment of new industries. the best means by which i production may be increased, and the i welfare of those engaged in the seclondary industries. The members arc ! the Hon. D. G. Sullivan (Minister of ‘industries and Commerce), Messrs. J. ‘Hodgens (chairman), C. A. Barrel, F. i W. Doid-'e. 3. G. Holland. T. L. Macdonald, C. R. Petrie, A. S. Richards, J. Robertson, C. F. Skinner, and C. A. Wilkinson. The interests of the native race are dealt with in Parliament by a large committee, including all the representatives of the native race, and this 1 body is also empowered to sit in re- ■ cess if required by the Government to investigate any matter included in its normal sphere, which is thoroughly comprehensive in relation to Maori matters.