WAR POLICY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 June 1941, Page 5

WAR POLICY

QUESTIONS BY MR BARNARD. ANSWERS IN PARLIAMENT DESIRED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) PALMERSTON N„ June 9. Unable to take 'part in any debate in Parliament, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Barnard, when speaking on behalf of the Democratic Labour Party tonight, said he must make use of the public platform to ask questions of the Government, and he hoped they would be answered in open Parliament and not in secret session, as the people of New Zealand were entitled to the information. He wanted to know: (1) What method was u’sed in reporting casualties to New Zealand and could it be improved so that the time of anxious waiting would ,be reduced? (2) Was the Government consulted when the decision was made to send New Zealand troops to Greece and Crete? (3) In view of the fact that the New Zealand Division, during seven or eight weeks, lost half its strength, is not the division due for a rest? (4) Will the Government ask for some assurance from Britain that more adequate air support will be afforded New Zealand troops when in action? (5) Does the Government intend to hold a general election at the usual time this year? If the answer is “No.” will the Government give the people the opportunity, to decide by referendum whether married men be conscripted for service overseas?