HOSPITAL RATING

Chronicle (Levin), 19 July 1946, Page 8

HOSPITAL RATING

-Press Association

QUESTION ASKED IN HOUSE

By Tetecjraph—

WELLINGTON, July 18. I11 a notice of question to the Almister of Finance, Jlr. J. T. Watts (Riccarton) asked in the House 'W'hether, 111 view of Mr. Fraser 's recent announcement that tlie Labour Party's policy was not to interfere with the present systeni of hospital rating, the Alinister would consider the possiliility in the fortliconiing Budget, of removing att tlie saies tax and customs duty from maeliinery and appliances imported into New Zealand for hospitals and used 111 tlie alleviation of suffering, and so make some attempt to redpce the burden of liospital rating from all ratepayers. Mr. Watts said he had seen a bill rendered to a. Hospital Board for importing theatre operating lights, which showeci the cost of the appliance at £399 19s 6cl and duty and saies tax an additional £215 14s 4d, an increase of 54 per cent. on the cost. Alr. J. B. F. Cotterill (Wanganui) gave notice to ask the Minister of Finance whether, in view of tlie heavy interest burden 011 local body loans, he would give consideration to linding ways and means of Jinancing such loans at nominal rates of interest. M r. Cotterill said in a recent referendum conducted by postal ballot by the Wanganui Electors Association, 6000 ballot papers were issued. Of tlie replies, 2304 favoured the city debt being taken over by the Bank oi' New ZealaifcL at oue per cent., and 118 were against tlie proposal.