DAY IN PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 84, 5 October 1940, Page 10

DAY IN PARLIAMENT

WAR LOAN DEFENDED

A vigorous defence of the compulsorywar loan by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) was the principal feature of the debate on war finance in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. Nasn was definite that the Government would use all of its powers in the war effort, and, while admitting that a considerable amount of money might have been subscribed to a voluntary loan, said that the present loan proposal was necessary to bring in those who otherwise would not meet their obligations to the men overseas.

The Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) cleared up the point about the War Cabinet not being consulted about the raising of the loan, stating that its origin was to be found in the Budget which came before Parliament before the War Cabinet was set up. Consequently, if the question had gone before the War Cabinet, it could not have altered the Government's policy. After the conclusion of the debate, which had extended over three sitting days, the House passed the Electoral Amendment Bill. There was Poetically no discussion, the leaders of both sides stating the approval of their followers to the measure, which enables soldiers overseas to vote or stand for Parliament. When the House resumes on Tuesday another important measure, the Excess Profits Tax Bill, will be considered. ___________