SALES TAX BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1933, Page 6

SALES TAX BILL

CRITICISM OF THE OPPOSITION

TACTICS OF THE LABOUR PARTY

WELLINGTON, February 21

Labour':,s method of expressing opposition to the Government policy by holding up every clause in the .dales Tax Bill, whether the clause is merely a machinery measure .or othenvi-s, is leading member* of Cabinet to the opinion that more legislation will have to be done by Order-i-n.-Counci! and less through the ordinary channels. “The Opposition has a definite duty, and has it s part to .play in discussing logvdation, but when a .policy of blind, cTeliboratp obstruction h pursued with ,- comes reminiscent of hear girders, then it is time the Government considered tin., question of maintaining the prestige of Parliament,’' *aid one Minister ‘•The' tactics of the Opposition are such that Us members put- themxe’ves right out of court whore suggestions of improving tli,., Bill are -concerneel. If they were sensible and made real Nigger-'tie-:,is: .‘they would receive consideration, but when they endeavour to .stop everything, then the Government cannot be expected to consider them.”

(’)'he opinion was expressed that a continuance of the present Opposition policy, would lead tip, Government to adopt a course which has been pursued bv successive British Governments fm many years. In Britain little more than the principles of legislation are 1.-iid down i ) the Bi-Ds, ami provision i» mad,.. for bringing them Into operation, b’v .regulations ssued bv Order-11-. Council. “We are not anxious to ■ rlo ' Kit?.” said the Minister, “but we have .•to corisidor the .pvest!we of Parliament. Ho\v.. c'.n the people of the country j-e----snect Parliament when they read of the .stupid and dissrnicefu.l scenes taking place almost nightlv? It was pointed out Urit before a" Ordor-in-Coun-ci 1 was is.sm.fl it received cool, ' calm and collected consideration .from member* of Cabinet. There was no unseemly wrangling, but there were nin ? Ministers trying to produce .something which would be in the best interest* of Hie whole country. This wa s In contrast to the scene* which wore being witnessed in tin, House. The opinion was expressed that if shorter pensions were held ..a ,r d more busines* done by regulation tha country as a whole would be Letter off, and the dignitv of Parliament- would bo better maintained.