QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2493, 14 October 1922, Page 4

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE.

REPLIES BY MINISTERS.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 11

In reply to questions in the House today Ministers gave the following answers: That it is not possible at present, owing to the many demands made on the funds of the State Advances Department,, to increase the amount that may be lent to a local authority in any one. financial year. 'that as a strong reserve has now been built up in connection with the Government- accident insurance branch, it is proposed in future to apply the profits towards bonuses for the policyholders, lhc next triennial period, however, does not end until December, 1923, and the matter will then be attended to. That inquiries are being made into the alleged excessive interest charges on small loans on furniture on chattel?, and when the reports have been received the introduction of legislation to deal with the position will be considered. In reply to a question whether he could devise any system by which residents in this Dominion and the Commonwealth could pay reciprocal visits at more reasonable passenger rates than prevail at present, the Minister of Marine said that was a matter in which the Government cannot interfere. The shipping companies trading between the Dominion and Australia doubtless gave full consideration to the cost of the services provided and the amount of business offering when fixing the passenger rate. That the Government has no intention of placing under the Public Service Commissioners’ control the Railway Department’s employees and those of all other departments not at present under that control.