PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 3

In the Legislative Council yesterday, the debate on the Address-In-Reply was continued by Hon. Buddo and Hon. Fagan and then adjourned.

THE HOUSE.

In the House of Representatives, the Meat Export Control Bill (Mr Lysnar) and Gold Bounty Bill (Mr Black) was read a first time.

UNEAH’Ij JYAIEXT AAIENDAIENT,

TAX OF 3d IN £ ON AYAGES

The Unemployment Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message. Hon. Smith explaining the measure said the Bill reduced the flat rate of contributions from thirty shillings to twenty shillings. It had been found that the approximate revenue of the Board had been twenty-four thousand per week, but under number five scheme, the expenditure had been forty thousand per week. It was now proposed, in addition to the flap rate of one pound per year to impose, a special emergency charge on all salaries, wages and incomes of a penny in every 6s Bcl, irrespective of sex, from the first of August next to the end of July 1932. Air Parry—Relief workers end all; Hun, Smith—Everyone, Mr Barnard —With no exemptions whatever, Hon, Smith—The only exemption will be domestic servants in private homes, Mr Parry—l think it is absolutely ridiculous. Hon. Smith said another important, feature of the Bill was a ; proposal to reconstruct the Board which would then consist of a Chairman, (The Minister), the Unemployment Commission and three persons appointed bv the Governor-General. - It was intended that the Board should delegate its powers to the Unemployment Committee who would specially consider problems of land settlement, women out of work, and industries both primary and secondary.

Mr Jordan—Has - the Government subsidy been cut out. Hon. Smith—No. For every pound! collected the Consolidated Fund wilt still have to provide a subsidy of at pound. t Continuing, Hon. Smith said employers would be given power to affix special unemployment stamps' to the weekly wages sheets. Opportunity would also be provided for the payment of the quarterly levy in this manner. Hon. G. AY. Forbes said the estimated revenue for unemployment, next year would be as follows:—. Outstanding amounts on June and] July levy £36,00()i Stamps on wages and salaries £4&3,' 000, • ■ Special tax of threepence in pound on other income £292,000. Flat rate levy £285,000, Subsidy from Consolidated Fund £1,092,000, Total £2,185,000, Allowing for expenditure incurred In June this year amounting to £25,000 there would be available a sum of fifty-five thousand per week during August, till July of next year. Air H. E-. Hoilard—Will the Prime Alinister say whether he intends to make it a. party measure. Air Forbes said lie had received so many assurances from different members of the House that they were anxious to. assist in the matter of relieving unemployment that he, did not intend to make it a party measure. Mr Holland—Will you accept any amendment which a majorty of the House favours. Hon. Forbes—That would he giving an open cheque. Unless we have the amount it is proposed to raise underthe Bill, we will not be able to make adequate provision for dealing with unemployment. Replying to Afr Bitchener, Air Forbes said that small farmers would simply he required to make a declaration as to what income they had had during tbje previous year. They would not have to make otR income tax forms, Tlie special tax on .incomes would be applied in the same manner as ordinary income tax, namely on income derived up to 31st. Alar eh last. The Bill was read a first time. The debate on the Address-In-Reply-was continued till the adjournment off the House at 10.30 p.ro.