STABILISATION TO BE CONTINUED

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 October 1948, Page 4

STABILISATION TO BE CONTINUED

New Bill Provides For The Setting Up Of Commission And Director

PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Last Night (PA).—The establishment of an Economic Stabilisation Commission and continuation of stabilisation in New Zealand is provided for in the Economic Stabilisation Bill, which was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives tonight.

The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr. Nordmeyer) said the Bill contained clauses lifted from the regulations which had been in operation for six years. The principle of stabilisation, he added, was approved by all sections of the community, including the Opposition.

The commission is to consist of such persons (not exceeding six in number) as the Minister of Industries and Commerce from time to time appoints to be members. The powers of the commission shall not be affected by anv vacancy in membership. The commission shall be deemed to be a commission of inquiry. There shall be appointed as an officer of the Public Service a Director of Stabilisation. The section dealing with the functions of the Minister states that he shall be charged with the general function of doing all things that he deems necessary or expedient for the general pubpose of the Bill, and, in particular, for stabilisation, control and adjustment of prices of goods and

services, rente other costs, and the rates of wages, salaries and other incomes.

There is power in the Bill for the Go; ernor-General, by Order-in-Coun-eil, to make regulations for giving effect to the provisions of the Bill for regulating the marketing of any goods or classes of goods for the general purpose of the Bill, and for equalising, as far as possible, net returns received or payable in respect of goods by imposing levies, and for the recovery of subsidies paid out ot public moneys in respect of goods or classes of goods. A schedule to the Bill lists a number <4 emergency regulations which, are to continue in force as stabilisation regulations. These include the Rates of Wages and Emergency Regulations 1940 and amendments, the Hides Emergency Regulations, 1940 (No. 2), Pickled Sheep and Lamb Pelt Emergency Regulations 1947, and the Sheepskin' Emergency Regulations, 1947.

The Bill contains authority for the inspection of documents and inquiries and investigations for the purpose ot the Bill, or of any stabilisation regulations.