PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 22458, 1 October 1936, Page 15

PARLIAMENT

YESTERDAY'S SITTING TAXING BILLS PASSED [Pei: U.vitbo Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, September 30

Tim House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr Poison asked the Minister of Agriculture whether lie was aware of tlio serious position which has arisen duo to delay in the Industries and Commerce Department, which has not so far fixed the price of butler boxes, ami unless .something was done immediately it was feared that some box factories would have to close down, and there would bo an insullieieni number of boxes available. Mr Nash, on behalf of Mr l.ee Martin, said the matter was being considered by the Executive Commission of Agriculture, and it was probable a decision would ho available to-day or within the next few days.

Air Conifer was granted one day’s leave of absence on account of urgent public business. The Ashburton County River District Bill was read a first time and referred to the Local Bills Committee. ■

Amendments to the Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill were introduced by Governor-General’s message. Mr Nash explained that’ the amendment provided that exemption of £2lO should not apply to a public authority such as the Public Trustee. A second amendment made it optional on the part of the Government to demand income tax by instalments.

The House devoted a large part of the afternoon to discussion of written answers to questions (given elsewhere) .

At the conclusion .of the discussion Mr Savage moved that urgency bo accorded tho passing of the Land and income Tax (Annual) Bill, and tho Laud and Income Tax Amendment Bill. This was challenged by tlio Opposition, but was carried by 44-1.7, and the House went into committee to consider the clauses of the Bills.

Several amendments to the Mortgagors’ and Lessees’ Rehabilitation Bill, most of which were recommended by the Legislative Council, were introduced and were agreed to. A new amendment, Mr Nash explained, was protection against fraud, and provided that, if, while an application for relief was pending, an applicant borrowed further money, the court had power to declare chat transaction wholly or partly void. Tho House resumed consideration of the taxing Bills in committee. After considerable debate a division was called for on clause 2, which fixed the rates of land tax, but the clause was retained by 39-13.

The clause fixing the rates of income tax was also challenged, but was passed by 37-15. The schedule was also carried by 36-14. Tho Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill was then considered. The Short Title was covered after about an hour’s discussion.

Clause 7, which provided that unemployment tax should not be deducted from income was challenged, but was_ retained by 33-15. A division was also called for on the Minister’s amendment providing that income tax may he made payable in instalments, but the clause was passed y 38-15.

Mr Coates then moved an amendment to provide that a commission should be set up to inquire and report as to any cases of hardship that may arise from the imposition of the land tax, and giving the Commissioner of Taxes power to refund the whole or any portion of the tax if tho commission reports that hardship is entailed.

Tho amendment was defeated bv 3S-15. J

Tho Minister’s amendments were agreed to, and both Bills were read a third time and passed. Air Nash said the House could rest assured that if hardship were entailed through payment of the tax. pressure would not be exercised. The tax due in February next would not bo asked for before February.

The House rose at 11.30 p.m,