PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1922, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 'PROGRESS OK THE MEAT POOL. THE INSURANCE LAW. By Telegraph—-Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Ebuse of Representatives met at 7.30 p.m. Replying to Mr. W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) Mr. Massey said there was no foundation in the rumor that the meat pool was going to be abandoned. Judging by appearances, viz., the rise in the price of meat and the drop in freights, he thought the meat pool was making considerable progress. Any legislation necessary would be introduced this session and the financial arrangements would be made as soon as possible. Replying to Mr. J. McCombs (Lyttelton), Mr. Massey said the difference between financing returned soldiers and financing the meat pool was considerable. In one case cash was required and in the other it was not. As soon rs an opportunity offered he proposed to borrow sufficient money to complete financial arrangements for returned soldiers.

Replying to Mr. J. V. Brown (Napier), Mr. Massey said he was awaiting information from experts at Home as to whether there were any unfair influences at work in connection with the butter market-.

The Dentists Amendment Bill was, on the motion of the Hon. C. J. Parr, road a second time pro forma in order that it may be sent to the Public Health Committee, which sits to-morrow and will take evidence on the Bill. The Hon. J. G. Coates moved the second reading of the Insurance Companies’ Deposits Bill, which provided that British companies carrying on business in New Zealand should pay deposits as follows: Fire insurance £15,000, all other insurance £5OOO. Foreign companies should .pay £35,000. / The Bill was asked for by the companies. Dr. A. K. Newman (Wellington South) complained that while British companies were given three months to find deposits foreign companies were given six, which was unfair. Mr. R. McCallum (Wairau) thought the Minister for Finance would not get much money out of this proposal. The effect would be to shut out foreign companies. He' asked the Government to revise the accident insurance law, under which £BO of every £lOO paid by the insurers goes into the pocket of the companies. AU the work done by the 28 companies carrying on business in the Dominion should be done by the State Department. Mr. S. G. Smith (Taranaki) criticised the methods employed by some companies in getting business and which he thought was a fit subject for inquiry. Mr. W. T. Jennings (Waitomo) gave instances in which he considered insurers were victimised by life insurance companies, and he asked that the Government should afford some protection in such cases. Mr. E. J. Howard (Christchurch (South) suggested that the Government should take over the whole of the accident insurance business. Mr. G. Witty (Ricc'air’ton) urged that if the Government did all accident insurance business it must result in great economy, which would enable the public to enjoy Cheaper insurance. Mr. McCombs and Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central) urged State control of the insurance business. The Minister, in reply, said Mr. McCallum was mistaken in the percentage on premiums collected and claims paid. (This Mr. McCallum admitted). If particulars were supplied him of cases of victimisation by insurance agents he would be pleased to make representation to the insurance companies. Personally, he did not think any company would' continue to employ an unscrupulous agent. . , 4 The Bill was read a third time and passed. , x , The Hon. J. G. Coates moved the second reading of the Life Insurance Amendment Bill, which he said partly consolidated the existing law, and clause three dealt with the repayment of preiniums paid on the lives of young children on death. Mr. T. M. Wilford (Leader or the Opposition) thought the Bill went in the right direction, but it did not go far enough. Instead of the clause being made permissive it should be mandatory. Mr. F. N. Bartram (Grey Lynn) contended the Bill should be retrospective, because there were hundreds of policies in force which were unfair to the parents who insured their ehildrh and these should be covered by the Bill. The Bill was read a third time and Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor’s message, read a second time pro forma and referred to the Labor Bills Committee. The Country Telephone Lines Am endip ent Bill was also introduced by Governor** message. The House rose at 10.44 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. to morrow.