PROMISE BY MR FORBES

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1929, Page 6

PROMISE BY MR FORBES

RAILWAYS CONSTRUCTION. GOVERNMENT HAS NOTHING TO HIDE. WELLINGTON, November 7. An assurance that all available information respecting railway lines under construction, and ' also projected works, would be laid before- Parliament next session was given in the Hon. G. W. Forbes. This promise was given following the moving of an amendment by the leader of the Opposition, Mr Coates, when the Public Works Department Supplementary Estimates were under consideration. Mr Coates said the Government must have a great deal of detailed information concerning the probable cost and earnings of lines under consideration, and also projected works. This information should be given the House and the country. For that reason be would move that there be a reduction of £lO in the vote for officers’ salaries, as an indication that this information should be tabled. When lie had moved an amendment earlier in the week in the same connection the Government had accepted it as a no-confidence amendment, and had stated that if it were carried all work would have to stop. It could not be said that the carrying of this amendment would have that effect. Tt might sound wearisome. r ’to ; reiterate this point, but the expenditure must be carefully watched.

Mr Fraser (Wellington Central) said there was no need to move for any reduction in the .vote, hut the Government should be quite ready to give the information. .

;Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, said the Government could quite well. meet the position by making all the information available. It was reasonable to suppose that this information could not be presented within a month, as a good deal < preparation was necessary, but there was no reason why it should not be ready by next session. The Hon. G. W. Forbes said there was no desire on the part of the Government to withhold any information from the House or the country. “I will, undertake to see that the fullest information in regard to lines under construction is- given to the House and the information will have reference also to lines which are contemplated,” he said. The amendment was lost on the voices,, no one voting for it.