FAIR RENTS

Grey River Argus, 15 September 1937, Page 8

FAIR RENTS

Extension of Act LEGISLATION THIS MONTH. [Per Press Association]. WELLINGTON, September 13. The Fair Rents Act., restricting the rentals on dwelling houses, will definitely be re-enacted before the end of the present month. This was made clear by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) in an interview this evening, when he said that, a bill providing for the continuation of the existing provisions would be introduced in the House of Representatives and passed before September 30, when the present act expires. “There appears to be a real need for this legislation,” Mr. Savage said, “and it is the duty of the Government to recognise that position. It. is possible, of course, that the Ad-dress-in-Reply debate may drag on for a fairly considerable time. There seems to be a suggestion that Opposition members will have a good deal to say, and in that case I do not think our own members will be altogether silent. “If the debate shows signs of stretching over three weeks, however, we will not. hesitate to introduce a measure re-enacting the Fair Rents Act before the Address-in-Reply is completed.” The Prime Minister added that if. was still the Government’s intention to proceed with the Budget, when the Address-in-Reply debate was out of the way, and until both these items had been disposed of little in the way of new legislation would appear in the House. The industrial status of clerical workers, as defined in a recent decision by the Court, of Appeal, would certainly require action by the Government, and a bill dealing with that position would be introduced at the earliest, possible moment. Mr Savage mentioned that the entire debate on the Imprest Supply Bill, which will come before the House to-morrow afternoon, will be broadcast.