MANPOWER POSITION

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 247, 20 October 1942, Page 2

MANPOWER POSITION

DISCU SSION TO BE SECRET. , CHANGE IN WAR SITUATION.

P.A. WELLINGTON, Oct. 20.

The desirability of having a discussion in open on the manpower position in view of the present situation in the Pacific was questioned by the Prime Minister Mr Fraser, in the House yesterday. An inquiry as to the business to be done before the finish of the session had been made by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, who had suggested that statistical information relating to manpower resources should be circulated to members before the actual debate on manpower took place. Mr Fraser said it was obvious that the position in the Pacific had altered very considerably since he had stated a few days ago that the discussion on manpower might well be taken in open session. At the present moment things were very much in the balance and it was well to face up to that. He had thought the discussion could very well be taken in open session, but he now doubted very much if that could be done. It could be held in secret with the Press present, but no reports could be taken. Then, in view of certain other matters which would be explained in secret, he doubted if it would be beneficial to have a discussion on manpower in open session at all. The Prime Minister said he intended to work toward Thursday evening or afternoon for the secret session. He was not certain that the session could finish on Thursday. Apart from a Fair Rents Amendment Bill, none of the other legislation was very important. "The whole manpower position is important and requires careful consideration," said Mr Fraser. "All the information possible will be given to the House. I can say that the question is receiving very careful consideration for reasons that must be obvious to everyone. "