PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE HOUSE. (By Telegraph—Per Tress Association) The Hou.se of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Notice was given of the intention to introduce the following Bills—Defence Amen.j.nent (Minister of Defence), Deaths By Accident _ Compensation Amendment (Mr Stewart), Bank of New Zealand Amendment (Mr Langstone).

in further reference to the breach of •privilege question Mr Lye handed in a copy of the New, Zealand “Herald” ot 10th duly, containing a full page advertisement which he contended challenged his rights as a member of Parliament.

The Clerk read the heading of the advertisement, beginning “Thousands of fools.”

The Prime Minister moved that the publication of the advertisement was a breach of the privileges of the House and that the matter be referred to the Committee of privilege set up previously. The, motion was adopted. Replying to Mr Semple, Hon Donald said broadcasting legislation was at pre* sent before Cabinet. He hoped to make a statement shortly, The Unemployment Amendment Act was returned tc the House by Governor General’s message with minor , amendments intended to express more ocloarly the intention' of clause twelve The amendments were approved. IMPERIAL AFFAIRS DEBATE, The Prime Minister opened the Imperial Affairs debate. Opening the debate on Imperial Affairs in the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr Forbes said he thought it not an exaggeration to say that the Imperial Conference on the economic side' had been very largely a failure. The Dominion Governments had favoured increasing inter-imperial trade by means of a general protective policy, but this was unacceptable to the British Government, .elected on a free; trade policy. The Dominion Governments had been unable to accept i the British proposals, including quota and bulk purchase systems, and it had been decided to postpone consideration of economic questions, ... . “In my judgment,” "Mr Forbes' added, “there was .some indication' of- a change of opinion in Britain’, " atid I am inclined to believe that the people of United Kingdom are in the course of altering their traditional policy.” Referring to nationality, ' Mr Forbes sa.id he held the view that any alteration in the laws should be uniform throughout- the . British Commonwealth and it would be recognised that the adoption of this principle would necessarily delay the alterations suggested ill our nationality law. For example, the nationality o'f married wometi. Referring to the Statute of Westminster, Mir Forbes said its effect was to implement -the' situation established :«t the 1320 Conference, under which a Dominion recognised autonomous communities within the Empire, equal in status though connected by a common allegiance to the Crown. It was agreed by the Conference that the statute should be introduced, into the British Parliament on the request of the Parliaments of each Dominion and lie would present to the House a resolution to that effect. A saving provision had been inserted at the request of New Zealand, that notwithstanding the approval of the resolution he was about to move, and notwithstanding the operation of the statute the position in New Zealand would not be affected unless the New Zealand Parliament decided to apply the statute to the Dominion. He then moved a formal resolution on those lines. Mr 'Stewart said Britain’s foreign trade was of enormous importance to her and she had naturally to move with great caution, when considering the placing of tariff barriers against foreign imports for the advantage of the dominions. Referring to the proposed adoption of the Statute of Westminister by. tlie Dominions, Mr Stewart said the Prime Minister’s action in not seeking to bind New Zealand by such wide powers was a proper one. Mr Savage said Britain had her rights and it appeared an astonishing thing to him that the Dominion Premiers had not realised it. The Prime Minister had said the Dominions would not get anywhere unless Britain altered her views. Mr Forbes.—On free trade, Mr Savage.—Well, hasn’t Britain the right to her own views on free trade or any other fiscal policy. How could Britain give absolute preference to New Zealand beef for instance, when she had a great deal of money invested in Argentine where only beef was grown. It was asking Britain to erect tariff barriers against herself. The debate was interrupted by the rising of the House al 10.30. The Prime Minister intimated it would he continued to-morrow and if it were unfinished by 7.30 to-morrow evening an opportunity would be given private members for their bills to be taken on Friday.