REPLIES TO QUESTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 167, 22 July 1946, Page 5

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS

SUBJECTS RAISED IN THE HOUSE Wellington. July 19. Ministerial replies to questions were circulated in the House of Representatives this morning. Milford Track. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry) answering Mr. T. L. MacDonald (Opp., Mataura), said it was hoped to have the Milfc?d Track open for the coming tourist season, preliminary work having started some time ago. Building Regulations. The Minister of Works (Mr. Semple) answering Mr. F. Hackett (Govt. Grey Lynn), said the question of a penalty for breaches of the build.n;.: regulations was left open to the court, which could impose a term of imprisonment up to 12 months if the circumstances warranted. Superannuation.

The Minister in Charge of the National Provident, Fund (Mr. Norci•neyer), answering Mr. W. M. C. Denham (Govt, Invercargill), said legislation was being prepared for introduction at a suitable opportunity, authorising the extension of employees of local authorities the improved superannuation conditions and benefits granted State employees. Railway Fences. Mr. Semnlp. answering Mr. W. A„ Sheat (Opp, Patea), said the Railways Department, although it had no legal responsibility for maintaining boundary fences except where fences had been proclaimed under the Public Works Act, would nevertheless honour, as far as labour and materials permitted, its undertaking given in 1935 to maintain these boundary fences as a measure of safety against straying stock.

Family Benefit. Mr. Parry, answering Mr. P. G. Connolly (Govt, Dunedin West), said it was hoped to introduce duiinj thi. session an amendment to the Social Security legislation to ensure that the payment of the universal family benefit would not reduce a father’s liability in terms of any maintenance order, and that any additional amount, payable by way of family benefit would be used in the interests of the children.