MANPOWER SITUATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 March 1943, Page 4

MANPOWER SITUATION

government policy PRIME MINISTER HINTS AT CHANGES. DISCUSSION ON WAR TO BE HELD. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The likelihood of some important announcement on the manpower position being made in the House of Reprepresentatives this week was disclosed by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, last night before the adjournment at 10.30 p.m. “I wish to ask for an adjournment till 7.30 tomorrow night to enable Cabinet and War Cabinet to come to certain conclusions in regard to the manpower situation,” said Mr Fraser. “We will meet at 7.30 to conclude the debate on the Address-in-reply. I hope to be in a position to lay certain matters before the House. I think it will be better to meet in the social hall of Parliament on Thursday so that members can meet the chiefs of staffs and also engage in a full discussion on the war situation. I want to avoid a secret session, and I wish to have as full and free discussion as possible. If we can complete that on Thursday morning we may resume in the House later in the day and then discuss the manpower situation openly, but off the air.” An Opposition member: “Does this mean the exclusion of the Press?” The Prime Minister: “No; but there will be certain supervision.” He added that he desired every member to have a full share in discussing the future of the war effort. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, said this was the first indication he had had of any change in the House’s programme. He understood that was unavoidable. The Opposition was anxious to work in closest co-oper-ation with the Government in the war effort. He would like, however, some indication as to the probable end of the session in view of travelling difficulties of South Island members. The Prime Minister replied that in addition to the Commercial Gardens Registration Bill there was a Bill providing for the Housing Construction Department to come under the Public Works Department, and also for changing the title of the Minister of Public Works to that of the Minister of Works. There was also a small taxation Bill which might prove controversial. Another concerning the rights of patentees during the war period was in sight. He thought the House should be able to conclude the session on Friday night. >