PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL. (By Telegraph — L‘er L’ress Association) WELLINGTON, July 30. In the Legislative Comic 1 yesterday, the Local Authorities Loans (rates of interest) Bill and Bent Bestiction Extension Li.ils were received from the House and read a first t.nie. Captive Birds Shooting Prohibition Bill was put through the remain,ng stages and passed without amendment. THE HOUSE. IMPREST SUPPLY. WELLINGTON, July 31. In the House of Representatives He Imprest Supply Bill number two, allocating £3,082,500 for currrent accounts and public works was introduced by Governor-General’s message and accorded urgency. Labour members criticised the Government’s attitude towards unemployment, suggesting directions in which they contended men could be employed in production industry Mr Parry moved:—“That this House much regrets the failure of the Government to bring forward a policy 7 o<f industrial development, based on extension existing industries and the creation of new industries related to natural resources of the country with a view to promoting - permanent employment ■of the people , now engaged in relief works at low wages. Mr Forbes said the motion was of course one of “No confidence’’. He could only reaffirm that Government was doing its best in the face of many difficulties. Labour members had cited a large number of cases where they c-ntsi - red men could he employed in profitable enterprises, and after listening to them all one wondered why private enterprises had not sought to exploit these possioilit.es. Experience had .'■■fiown that pr vate enterprise in this country was no* behind hand in taking advantage of the Dominions resources and one wondered how many tf the schemes put forward would produce material results when the test came. ■Tli. utmost that could be expected from the Government was that it should encourage private enterprise to undertake work. It should not be exp.cted t otake money out of the pocktt of the tax payers to put into operation, schemes that might eventually becomes an even greater burden.

The Leader of the Labour Party accused the Government of complete lack of policy in facing the unemployment situation.

Mr Parry’s motion was defeated by 47 to 23. Messrs Fletcher, W. W. Massey, and J. N. Massey voting with Labour in support of it. After a further debate the Bill was: put through all stages an passed. BUDGET TO-NIGHT. WELLINGTON, July 30. Mr Forbes stated the Budget will be brought down to-night. The House rose at 2,10 a.m.