WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 118, 21 May 1943, Page 3

WORK OF PARLIAMENT

QUESTIONS AND SECRET SITTING (P.A.) Parliament May 20. When the House of Representatives met at 7.30 p.m., Mr. W. J. Broadfoot gave notice to ask the Minister of Finance if he would consider allowing a considerable increase in the amount of money that could be sent to soldiers overseas to enable them to make full use of their leave. Mr. W. M. C. Denham gave notice to ask the Prime Minister if he would look into the question of civil servants remaining in their positions after reaching retiring age. This matter, he said, was causing dissatisfaction, not only among those who should retire but also among those who had promotion retarded by men being kept on. Mr. W. J. Polson asked the Prime Minister if he was aware that the gang system on the waterfront led to six out of a gang of 12 working while the other six stood by, and all were paid in full. Did the Prime Minister consider such a system was conducive to the full war effort, and, if not, what steps would be taken to return to a method that, without being unfair to the men, would ensure at least a full eight-hour effort in the loading and unloading of cargo? Mr. F. W. Schramm, on behalf of the Hon. W. E. Barnard, asked the Minister of Justice whether sentence of imprisonment for life operated until the death of the prisoner, or whether the prisoner was released after a period of years. If he were released, would that apply to Crawford, who was sentenced ’to life for the murder of two United States Marines?

The Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, replying to an urgent question asked by Mr. E. B. Gordon, said the question of allowing returned airmen the right to wear a badge indicating overseas service was under consideration.

The Napier Borough Council Empowering Bill (introduced by Mr. E. L. Cullen on behalf of the Hon W E. Barnard) and the Wellington City and Empowering Amendment Bill (Mr. R. Keen) were read a first time and referred to the Local Bils Committee.

The External Affairs Bill and the Island Territories Bill were introduced by Governor-General’s message and read a first time.

On the suggestion of the Prime Minister, it was decided that the Hous', should consider arranging for the supper adjournment during the period of the nightly broadcast to the forces in the South Pacific in order to leave the radio station free for that broadcast.

On the motion of the Prime Minister the House went into secret sitting and remained in secret sitting until 10.20, when the House rose until 10 30 a.m. to-morrow. It will then resume in the sitting in secret.