FINANCE BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1933, Page 6

FINANCE BILL

TO-DAY’S DEBATE IN THE HOUSE

WORKERS COMPENSATION CASES

(Per Pre ss Association, Copyright)

WELLINGTON, December 19.

The Hon. J. G. Coates moved the second reading of the Finance Bill (Number Two) in the House of Representatives this morning. The Minister said the clause dealing with exemption of earthquake risks in connection with workers’ compesation was probably the most important in the bill. It had been rendered necessary by the recent Privv Council decision.

The position was that the contingent liability was so immeasurable that insurance companies had stated ijheir inability to undertake it. If private companies withdrew from insuring against workers' compensation claims, the whole burden would fall on the State Office, which might be unable to meet the liability. It was useless to expect employers themselves to , take the risk that was considered beyond the resources of insurance companies, Mr W. E. Parry (Lab., Auckland Central): “This provision is not retrospective”? ■Ulr Coates: “No. It is \pot We-, trospective.” The Minister said it had been made quite clear that, if the Privy Council's decsion was to apply to The ifiiture, thV' insurance .. comp-pltes would, "--definitely.. withdraw from this class of "biisness. .

A labour amendment

WELLINGTON, December 19

In the House of Representatives. Mr Lee moved the following amendment-- “This House declines to give the second reading to the bill which while! proposing to legalise irregular and illegal reductions of widows’, old age, miners', and soldiers’ pensions, and while proposing to destroy important legal rights of wage earners under the Workers Compensation Act, makes no provision for, improving the position of unemployed workers and their dependants, or for reducing, in any way the prevalent destitution and distress.” Ilie- debate was • proceeding : when the House adjourned at 1 p.m.