New Clause. — (Ruler of State may exclude application of provisions as to water supply.)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 11 April 1935.

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The Attorney-General says that these Clauses were put in originally to benefit the States, but I do not think the Government have been very successful in finding out what the States think would benefit them. I submit, however, that machinery is essential for the Provinces. This important matter of irrigation, in which disputes may arise between Provinces, cannot be left without any machinery. Some machinery of this kind is absolutely indispensable for adjudicating between Provinces, and it seems to me that a very difficult situation will arise if the machinery cannot also operate for the States. The Attorney-General twitted me with having found some merit in Clauses 129 and 130, but I am not aware that I have ever expressed any opinion about them. I certainly should wish to see much more powers reserved to the centre in regard to irrigation. It is much too important a subject to be made so exclusively provincial as it is. But, if that is not to be, and the Bill does not provide for any central control of irrigation, at least this is a step in the right direction. It is obvious that between the various Provinces, and between Provinces and States, disputes may arise, and, therefore, it is essential to have some machinery which will be effective, which will be just, and which it will be possible to put into practice between all parties.