CLOSE OF SESSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26619, 15 November 1947, Page 8

CLOSE OF SESSION

“ CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND IF NECESSARY " NOVEMBER A TARGET ONLY Parliamentary Reporter WELLINGTON, Nov. 14. Parliament could sit until Christmas and beyond if that were necessary to conduct the country’s business properly, stated the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in the House of Representatives to-day. He added that, although he had stated that he would like the House to aim at finishing the session on November 26, that was merely a target at whith he wanted the Government and the House to aim. The actual termination of the session was the day on which the House itself felt it had given adequate attention to the country’s business, said the Prime Minister. They were not in the dying hours of the session at the present time. If it were necessary in the country’s interest they could go on to Christmas and beyond. It was entirely a matter for the House to decide. There had been excellent co-opera-tion in the House this session and he would like to express his appreciation to the Opposition for the manner in which, while discharging the duties of an Opposition in the proper parliamentary manner, it had co-operated in carrying through the legislative programme. The closure had not been moved once this session and he hoped that the position would continue. Mr Fraser said it would be a reflection on the House if any opportunities for a discussion on public prolems were denied. He hoped the co-opera-tive spirit which so far had been evident would continue. He would not like any member on either side of the House to feel that there was any subject which had not been adequately discussed. If important legislation were rushed through merely because the Leader of the House had announced a certain date as the date when the session should end that would be superseding the prerogative of Parliament and he had no wish to do that. Parliament would do its job as it felt proper. ~ „ , Later the Prime Minister said that it might be necessary for the House to meet on Monday the week after next.