WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 6

WORK OF PARLIAMENT

BUSY WEEK EXPECTED OUTLINE OF PROGRAMME END OF SESSION IN SIGHT (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Sept. 13. An abundance of debating material is in prospect for the House of Representatives during the coming week, when it should be possible for the Government to make substantial progress towards the completion of its legislative programme. The Mortgagors and Lessees Rehabilitation Bill, winch was introduced over a fortnight ago and was then adjourned for a time so that the public might become familiar with its provisions, should provide a good deal of discussion before it is passed. The resumed second reading debate occupied the whole of Friday’s sitting, and as there is undoubtedly some good arguing material in the individual clauses the Bill may not be passed befoi'e the end of the week. The Public Works Statement and Estimates will probably make their appearance in the House on Tuesday, and a commencement may be made with the discussion of the Estimates later in the week. A measure to amend the Land and Income Tax Act in accordance with the Budget proposals is also likely to be introduced this week, and the House has yet to discuss the Land and Income Tax (Annual) Bill, which was introduced on Thursday night, and actually gives effect to the alterations in/the taxes. The Government’s plans for the amalgamation of local bodies and the simplification of local government generally will be revealed in a Bill which, in all probability, will be introduced this week. The measure will not be proceeded with immediately, however, as the Prime Minister, Mr M. J. Savage, has stated that it will be referred to a committee so that interested local bodies will have an opportunity to express their opinions. Since Parliament was called together in March this year for its first session under the Labour Government the House has actually been sitting for a period of close on five months, and at the moment there is not unnaturally a good deal of speculation as to when the session will end. The major portion of the Government’s legislative programme is now almost competed, and it is expected that another month will be sufficient to enable everything to be ctoS up. According to Present indications the House should rise about the middle of October.