LEGISLATIVE WORK

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21176, 27 July 1940, Page 4

LEGISLATIVE WORK

WAR FINANCE MEASURES INDICATION ON TUESDAY (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Friday That such war measures as compulsory loans and excess profits tax should be introduced by legislation rather than by Orders-in-Council under the War Emergency Regulations was the view expressed by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in the House of Representatives today. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, gave an outline of the likely work of the House for next week, and asked for suggestions for the period of the adjournment. Mr Hamilton said he thought the Opposition would be prepared to meet the wishes of the Government if the House met occasionally, and the adjournments were not for too long a period. The Prime Minister said the Government hoped to present the Supplementary Estimates next week. They would not take a long time. The second reading would be taken of the two pensions bills introduced this afternoon, and there would be a number of other bills. Mr S. G. Holland (Opposition— Christchurch North): Anything about the Excess Profits Bill? Brief Adjournments Favoured Mr Fraser: There will be a Finance Bill No. 2, but I have not had an opportunity of examining it. There will also be the usual “Washing-Up” bills. I will be able to make a statement on Tuesday. “It is desirable that we should complete as much business as possible by today week, and I would like honourable members to consider what period of recess they would like,” Mr Fraser continued. “If the position is critical, my opinion, and I think it is shared by all members, is that there should not be any long adjournment of the House.” A first adjournment of a fortnight was suggested, said Mr Fraser, and the House could later adjourn for periods thought desirable by members, the understanding being that, if anything serious arose, the House would be summoned instantly. The country felt that if a crisis arose for it or the British Commonwealth, the representatives of the people should meet to consider the position.