PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1929, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

THE HOUSE.

WELLINGTON, August 22. The House of Representatives met at 2.80 p.m. .Ministerial replies to questions were submitted * and discussed. Tne financial debate was continued by Messrs hen ley, how.rd and Coates. Air Coates moved ,an. amendment relating to the taxation propjsals. Air Coates’s amendment attacked the imposition of an increased primage duty, tlie increased land taxation, the educt/on ol mortgage exemption, and the proposal to take portion of the lighways revenue for the'.general purposes of the Consolidated Fund. Sir Joseph Ward stated he could inly accept the amendment as a motion of no-confidence. That was the attitude which lie would adopt and it only remained ‘for 'him to suggest the adjournment of the House. The House rose at 9.45 p.m.

Replying to questions b} r Air J. O’Brien (Westland), Sir Joseph Ward stated:—“The Government does not propose to set up a Commission lor similar purposes to that set up ill 1912 for the following reasons: (1) That data with respect to living costs is now ••egulnrly collected by the Govermrient statistician; (2) that the Department of Industries and Commerce has been established, with statutory powers to deal with trusts and combines, and - to "heck unreasonable prices being charged for commodities; , (3) that the Health Department has power to deal with the adulteration of foods and the use of preservatives. If the honourable member will produce evidence on the above matters, prompt investigation will be made by the Departments concerned. In regard to items (4) and (5), there does not appear to be sufficient justification, in the Government’s oninion, to set up a. commission. All tlie evidence available points to the fact that there is competition, both Governmental and private, to keep interest charges down to a reasonable level. .Similar- competition nlso exists in the freight charges made by the various shipping' companies operating between New Zealand ports, and for the overseas’’trade.”