AN INVITATION

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1931, Page 5

AN INVITATION

BY MR SCULLIN' FOR CONFERENCE OF ALL PARTIES. (Australian Press Association.) CANBERRA, May 15. The Prime Minister in the House of Representatives to-day earnestly invited the Opposition to join the Government in a frank discussion on economic and financial problems, not as members of this or that party, but as responsible representatives of the people, anxious to find a solution of the grave unemployment and human distress as well, as helping the man on the land. He. was prepared to devote the whole of next week, and would suspend.lhe standing orders of Parliament for such a conference.

Mr Gagg:— Will the Federal Executive of tile Labour Party agree to your suggestion. Mr Scullin:— I have not consulted it.

Mr Corser: Will the decisions he binding on the Government? Mr Scullin: I prefer that there be no decisions, simply a desire for a general discussion in order to receive helpful suggestions for the guidance of the Government. I am quite sure all the wisdom is not on one side of the Bouse,

Mr Parkhill: Why not let the people decided these issues?

Mr Scullin; 1 do not wish member!? to think that my Government is itv competent to deal with these problems. Mr Morgan ; That has already been proved,

Mr Beasley : Your statement proves that the Government is not governing at all. It would certainly appear that the Government has failed and is now allowing the white flag. 1 am not prepared to support such a conference. Mr Lyons (leader of the Opposition), said the Prime Minister’s invitation was of the utmost importance. Be would invite his colleagues to give the proposal their fullest consideration.