THE SESSION?

Taranaki Daily News, 10 August 1920, Page 5

THE SESSION?

GOOD PROGRESS MADE. i : HINT OF FUTURE PROPOSALS. THREE MONTHS' WORK AHEAty (By Wire".—Parliamentary Reporter.); Wellington, Last Night The work of the session is now much further advanced than might have been expected, and members are beginning to talk of getting away from Wellington before the end of October. Since the commencement of the session the leader of the House has gained between a fortnight and three weeks as compared with an average session. "We now getting into the important Government business of the session, especially matters dealing with finance," said the Prime Minister to-day. "The proposals of the ■ Government with regard to land and income tax are before what used to be called the Public Accounts Committee, but which is now known as the Finance Committee. It is amusing to note the objections of some people to this procedure—people who are supposed to know something of Parliamentary procedure. As far back as I can remember in the history of Parliament, until the war broke out, a Public Accounts Committee was set up every session, and all matters connected with finance were referred to it. That practice was only dropped during war time, because there was so much else to do and so little time in which to do it. The Government, therefore, was not able to take members, into their confidence in the way they formerly did, but personally I am of opinion that the more members are taken into the confidence of the Government the better for all concerned." Referring to the measures to be dealt with by Parliament during the session, Mr. Massey said there would bo an amending Bill dealing with the death duties, a Loan Bill, and the usual Finance Bill, aU of which would go to the. Finance Committee for consideration before being dealt with by the House in detail. Details of Bills of this kind were never given in the Budget. They were given when the Bills were circulated, and not earlier. Mr. Massey mentioned that he expected this week toihave the Immigration Restriction Bill ready, and a Bill dealing with hospital and charitable aid matters was approaching completion. The House would have enough to occupy it this week in the ordinary business, and the Bills already on the. Order Paper, such as the Crimes Amendment Bill, the Civil List Bill, and the Westport Hartor Bill. The Public Works Statement may not be expected for at least two months yet. Mr. Massey is of opinion that Parliament has three solid months' wtrrfc ahead of it.