SOCIAL SECURITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 87, 13 April 1938, Page 12

SOCIAL SECURITY

ACTION ENDORSED

COMMERCIAL VIEW

ANSWERS WANTED

"I suggest that this chamber will wish to endorse the action of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand in going before the Parliamentary Committee which is considering the social insurance plan of the Government and making a statement setting out the points concerning which public information is required," stated the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (Mr. P. E. Pattrick) at last night's meeting of the chamber.

"Apart from the information that the present proposal is to finance the scheme by a general tax of Is in the £ on all personal incomes, aided by a pound for pound subsidy from the Government, we have been given very little information. It is/impossible to criticise constructively unless the Government explains its proposals fully and provides information on the many relevant questions which arise. Since the Government has, for 'some time past, had two previous committees working on the subject of social insurance, and since these committees must have presented reports to the Government, why cannot the text of such reports be published?

"However, in the meantime, I suggest that we can say that the scheme, in so far as it has been outlined, seems to be pregnant with injustices, is calculated to put thrift at a discount, and to militate against national efficiency.

"I think all members of this chamber will agree that if a formula can be found for introducing a scheme of social - insurance which -will give social security to a degree that is reasonable, equitable, and practicable, and which can be both launched and sustained without injury to the economy of the country in both good times and bad, such is to be highly commended and heartily supported." Mr. A. L. Wall said he felt that at this juncture, when the Associated Chambers had so ably stated what was in most of their minds, it was not fitting or proper, that they should criticise the Government for the manner in which the questions were received. DOES MR. SAVAGE KNOW? "I take it, Mr. President, that you wish to emphasise that this chamber thinks along the same lines as the Associated Chambers," said Mr. Wall. "It is deplorable that we have not got some information from the Government that it 'is their intention to reply fully to the questions put to them toy the Associated Chambers. The remark attributed to the Prime Minister that the statement was like jin election manifesto seemed to indicate that he himself did not have the answers to the questions in his own mind. We hope that the answers will be forthThe action of the Associated Chambers was endorsed.