PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE HOUSE. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) WELLINGTON,, July 10. .Again yesterday the main business before the House of Representatives was consideration of the Unemployment. Amendment Act in Oommittge.

During the afternoon, numerous Labour amendments calling lor a graduated levy or exemption from the levy al ogether of those in rece pt of comparatively small earnings were dealt with, arid without exception defcated| piembers of United and Reform parties- voting against the amendments. Hie Prime Minister, referring to the appeal for exemptions, stated if these were madt in certain cases, the Gove nment would find its If in the very difficult position of having to dscrinnnate in'the matter of unemployment. It was of grave concern to all lower paid workers as well as higher paid. With regard to the Labour amendments, he contended that these had been prepared uith a view to obstruction, and the amendments were designed to do eveiything possible to stop the measure go.ng through. Mr H. E. Holland stated the amendments did not aim at obstruction. The Prime Minister himself had stated he would receive amendments and those submitted by the Labour Party wei’fe all of a practical nature. Eventually, during the evening session, the Prime Minister, when it Labour amendment proposing to exempt relief workers from the levy and tax, was being considered, said H? would hold clause four of the Bill over for further consideration.

Numerous Labour amendments kept the Bill dragging on till 2.45 a.m., when the Minister of Labour moved that pro gress be reported, a course which was adopted. The Reprint of Statutes Bill was received from the Legislative Council, the Bill being read a first time. The House adjourned at 2.50 till 10.50 a.m. to-day. WELLINGTON, July 10. The House of Representatives nut at 10.30 a.m.

Urgency was accorded the passage of the Unemployment Amendment Bill and consideration in committee was resumed. ' Mr Forbes said the Government now proposed to exempt relief workers under the No. 5 Scheme from payment of the wages tax but not from payment of the levy. Mr S. G. Smith explained that the exemption would only apply in cases where the only remuneration received was that from the fund. Labour members urged a wider range of exemption.

THE COUNCIL. The Legislative Council diet at 2.30 p.ni., wheri the Reprint of Statutes Bill was read a second thtie and put through tile remaining Stages -and passed: *The Council then adjourned till JLa.m. next day,