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PROGRESS REPORT Progress Report on the Regulations contained in the Schedules to the Emergency Regulations Continuance Act, 1947, and to the Supply Regulations Act, 1947 That tlie Emergency Regulations Committee appointed to sit during the recess has gone through, and carefully considered, ail the regulations contained in the Second Schedule to the Emergency Regulations Continuance Act, 1947, and heard a considerable volume of evidence from the Departments concerned and others. The Committee, in reporting progress, decided that, in order to facilitate the disposal of these regulations, they should be divided into five categories (attached), and dealt with as follows : (1) The regulations in this category stand over pending substantive legislation. The evidence presented to the Committee showed that in each case the Government had under consideration the introduction of legislation which would absorb the regulations. (2) That the regulations in this category be allowed to lapse on 31st December, 1948, unless it was found possible or desirable to revoke them at an earlier date. (3) That the regulations in this category be continued in force subject to annual review by Parliament. The evidence was that the necessity for the continuance of these regulations arose from the fact that they were required to enable the Departments to dispose of residual matters. (4) That the regulations in this category be transferred to some appropriate statute under which they would more suitably operate. (5) That the regulations under this category be dealt with in accordance with the following specific recommendations : (a) With reference to the Hides Emergency Regulations 1940 (No. 2), the Pickled Sheep and Lamb Pelt Emergency Regulations 1947, and the Sheep-skin Emergency Regulations 1947, the Committee received a considerable amount of evidence (some of it of a contradictory nature) from the Director-General of Agriculture, the Stabilization Commission, the freezing companies, primary producers, tanners and footwear manufacturers. The Committee is of the opinion that these regulations should be allowed to lapse as at 31st December, 1948. The situation should be kept under close observation, and if the Government considers it necessary, in view of its stabilization policy, to continue to regulate the cost of the leather content in boots, shoes, and other leather goods, and to ensure local supply, then steps should be taken to see that the position of primary producers who supply the local market is not prejudiced. (b) The Committee is of the opinion that the matter dealt with in the Strike and Lock-out Emergency Regulations 1939 should be the subject of legislation, and recommends the Government to introduce a Bill as soon as possible to replace them. With reference to the regulations under the Supply Regulations Act, 1947, the Committee resolved that, as further evidence was necessary, the leave of the House be sought for an extension of time to present the report of the Committee on these regulations to 15th September, 1948. 16th July.. 1948. Clyde Carr, Chairman.

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