QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1920, Page 3

QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT.

.VARIED TOPICS DEALT WITH HINTS OF NEW AIOPOSALS. By Telegraph.—Fress Association. Wellington, Last Night. Ministers gave, amongst' others, the following answers to questions in the Housfe of Representatives to-day:— That a cable is awaited from the Imperial authorities in regard to the question of when free meat may be shipped, and what proportion it will bear to the Imperial Government stocks. Such shipments will be controlled by the New Zealand Overseas Shipowners' Committee, who will allot space in proportion to killings. That no special report or communication regarding railways was made by Mr. Hiley before his departure. That it is quite impossible to make arrangements with the shipping companies trading between New Zealand and the United Kingdom whereby parents and other near relatives shall be enabled to'visit, at a substantial reduction on the enormous rates for passages now ruling; the graves of soldiers who lost their lives in the war. That the House will this session have an opportunity of considering legislation making provision for the construction of. narrow-gauge railways as feeders jo harbors, etc., where existing traffic facilities are found inadequate. That the sale of tobacconists' goods on Sundays is already an offence under the Police Offences Act. The question of prohibiting the sale of, such goods by the proprietors of marble bars and refreshment rooms after the hours fixed for tlie closing of tobacconists' shops is now receiving attention. That it is not intended to remove the regulations relating to the letting of houses. The restriction of eight per cent, on the capital value does not | apply to new houses..

That it is intended to amend section 51 of the Housing Act to enable local bodies to purchase land on which to erect "buildings, or to purchase buildings already erected.

That it is not proposed to introduce legislation this session making Saturday afternoon a universal half-holiday for the Dominion. That it was intended to introduce WUintion this session giving town fioards the same powers regarding housing as other locaT bodies. I'lmt nothing definite can be. stated at, present regarding the prospects for direct shipment'; of New Zealand produce to South America. The (lovermnent has a full realisation of the desirableness of obtaining such shipping facilities, especially as regards fruit and breeding stock, and is doing all it can in this direction.

That the Government is doing its bet t,n secmv a market fur New Zealand potatoes in Australia. ■ That no complaints have been made to the fiovernment regarding live pigeon matches, but inquiry will be maJe into the matter. Tliat the conditions for the admission of probationers for midwifeiy training to the St. Helens hospitals are umlw consideration. It is not considered the present conditions are arbitrary, as they compare favorably with those in other countries, the entrance fee being £2O, against ;CSO in New South Wales, but in view of the high cost of personal necessities during training they might be made lighter, and this-view will receive consideration.

That an amendment of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act will be introduced this session. Tiiat the Government has no intention of compulsorily taking paper from newspaper firms. That if an opportunity offers a Land Agents Bill will be borught down this session.

That a full opportunity will be given members to discuss the subject of conscientious objectors when considering the estimates.

That the methods adopted while the censorship continues are such as to ensure) that the object for which it was established shall be attained. It is not advisable to make public such details of method as are sought by honorable member's.

That the question of granting pensions to the blind will receive consideration when the proposed amendments to the Pensions Act are under discussion.

That settlement of the jockeys' dispute is likely tp be reached shortly. In any case, it is not intended to allow the shipping of the Dominion to be held up on account of the dispute, and where a breach of the law takes place proceedings will be taken against the offenders.

That two new grinding plants for phosphate rock arc being established near Auckland, and one near Christchurch. The Government is not financing these in any way. That a Bill to amend the patent laws is in the hands of the law draftsman, and will be "introduced in the House as soon as the measure has been completed. That legislation in the direction of empowering municipal councils to enter into business for the purpose of supplying the public with goods at reasonable prices, and in this way assist In the direction of reducing the cost of living, will be considered when the Municipal Corporations Bill is before Parliament.