PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19162, 19 November 1927, Page 15

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

PROGRBBS WITH BILLS.

(psms imocutiox rauosiv.) WELLINGTON, November IS. In moving the second reading of the Public Service Amendment Bill in the House to-day, the Prime Minister said that that morning the Public Service Association had met the Public Service Commissioner and discussed the Bill, and it seemed as if several verbal amendment* would meet what the Association desired, and those alterations were being prepared. The Leader of the Opposition thought tho amendment to Clauso 4 might have the effect of nullifying the provision in the Act which barred any person from ondeavouring to influence tho Publiii Service Commissioner. It opened the door for any membor of Parliament to make an arrangement with the Commissioner to send for him. Mr Forbes (Hurunui) said the proposed clauso meant tho breaking down of the bar previously imposed against members of Parliament. There .was a possibility that some members might get tho entree to the Commissioners. The present provision had now been in force for some years, and it should either bo allowed to stnnd or be wiped out. He considered that tho time had arrived for anothor overhaul of the Public Servico by an outside Commission. The Bill was read a second time and the House then proceeded to the Committee stage. Political Influence? . On Clause 4, giving the Commissioner the right to consult those outside the Service about appointments within the Service, the Leader of tho Opposition asked where 'was the need for such provision, as it so'emed to him that it was getting behind the previous provision which was passed to eliminate political influence. Mr Veitch (Wanganui) asked on whnt information the Commissioner acted when an appointment was made. Did he rely entirely, as he should, on information given on the application form, or did he consult Minister* and others about the appointments?

Mr Forbes (Hurunui) said that time was when it was freely urged-against Ministers that they were making appointments on the basis of political pull. That was a greatly* exaggerated charge, but there it was, and now they were asked to go and'break down the provision that was passed to stop that sort of thing. He did not like the look of it.

Mr Veitch said he did not like the present system. He Believed in, ft Minister having charge of his Department, and being responsible for it. The Prime Minister said it might often be to the advantage of the applicant that the Commissioner should be able to get outside information regarding him. It;was not intended to open the door to political influence. The clause was. passed and the 1 Bill was reported -without .amendment, .

On the third reading, the Prime Minister said )t was quite wrong to suggest that the country, was overrun with public servants. .So long aB wo had State-owned railways the number of Civjl servante-must always appear large, but, the service was not overloaded. He agreed that a .certain process of cmo'bing out should away* * be going on, but the normal.number of Government employees was riot over large. ■■-..••.'

The Bill was read a third, time arid passed. . ~',;':.. ... Minor Bilk 'The Ashley River Improvement Amendment Bill, which amends the district of the Ashley River Trust' and the constitution of the Ashley River Trust, was, on the motion,of the Minister for Public Works, read a second time, and subsequently passed through its remaining stages. made by the Legislative Council in the . Howard Estate Amendment Bill were agreed to. The House went into Committed on the Child Welfare Amendment Bill, which wae .reported .wjth minor amendments moved by the Minister. Amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Local Legislation BMI were on the motion of Sir Maui Pomare disagreed with. : The House then proceeded to consider Local Bills, the following beijig passed: Greytown Trust Lands Trustees Empowering Bill (the Hon. Mr McLeod), the Ohriutchurch" Tramway-"District Amendment Bill (Mr Sullivan)' The House rose at 9.10 p.m. till 7.30 on Monday evening.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(VMM ASSOCIATION TBLMJUIt.)

WELLINGTON, November 18.

In the Legislative Council the Seeds Importation. Bill was put through its final stages and passed without amendment; - • ''

The Napier Foreshore Bill, and the Newmarket Borough Oil Vesting aad Empowering Bill, were also passed unamended. The Slaughtering and Inspection Amendment Bill, the Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill, and the Coal Mines Amendment Bill, r were received from the House, read a first time, and second time pro forma, and referred to the Committees.

The Council rose at 1.45 p.m. until Tuesday.