LARGER PARLIAMENT

Chronicle (Levin), 12 January 1948, Page 5

LARGER PARLIAMENT

(N.Z.P.A.-

— Reuter*

Federal Cabinet Likely To Endorse Proposal

Coniirtoht)

Received Monday, 10.55 a.m. BRISBANE, Jan. 12v. The Premier of Queensland, Mr. Hani 011, states that che Labour Government's in New South Wales and Queensland are planning an assault 011 the present taxation monopoly enjoyed by'the Federal Labour Government. Mr. Hanlon said that botl States, which are vigorous opponents of uniform taxation, would seek the restoration oi State taxation at this year's Premiers' conference* in Canberra. The Federal Cabinet b expected to decide in principle on a bigger Federal -Parliament. Sorne Labour members in the borderline seats believe that the redistribution of electoral boundaries which would («■ follow such steps would help them at the next election. Recent discussions have suggested a House oi' Representatives of about 100 members, as against 75 at present, and a Senate of about 48, as against 86. Parliament has power to increase its own numbers. If the Federal Cabinet and Federal Parliamentary Labour caucus endorse the proposed increase, as seems likely, it is certain that the necessary legislation will be brought down this year. The new boundaries would thus be ready for the elections at the end of 1049. The "chief argument in favour of a larger Parliament is that some Federal electorates have now nearly 100,000 people within their boundaries. Some opposition has developed among the smaller States, who claim that a redistribution would swing the power even more to the large eastern States.