“LOBBYING” COMPLAINT

Wairarapa Daily Times, 21 July 1934, Page 4

“LOBBYING” COMPLAINT

STATEMENT RESENTED. “I have heard nothing but. complaints from your people: I do hot think it is quite right,” said the Minister of Customs, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, to Mr A. W. Hawley in the course of a deputation yesterday on behalf of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., London. Mr , Coates said that British motor im-f ports had a preference of 58 per cent, over those of foreign manufacture, and if that did not satisfy, he did not know what would.

“I know this,” Mr Coates said, “instead of talking about it and jne when the tariff came down, Mr Hurley, you have been actively lobbying, and I am quite prepared to. leave the matter to the House to decide.” Mr Hawley replied that he resented that statement, becaustfßMr Coates knew quite well, even L-he liked to call it active lobbying, that he had been talking on the subject, to Ministers, including Mr Coates . himself, for months before the bringing down of the resolutions, and never on anv occasion had he been rebuked. Mr Coates: I am juot rebuking you. Mr Hawley said if members of Parliament inquired from him for. information, it was his duty to give it to them. He never saw a member without being approached first, and wliat the Minister apparently called active lobbying, was round-table informal discussion called at the instigation .of members. If he were not here to give information, what was his job? “I ask you, in all sincerity, is there anything wrong in discussing the matter with private members any more than discussing it with Ministers?” Mr Coates: I must leave that to your good judgment. Mr Hawley: There has definitely been nothing underhand or unconstitutional in the matter. a Mr Coates: I am not saying Jmi, but I have had private members ■Pouring into my room, and I have not had a moment’s peace.