NO POSTPONEMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 8

NO POSTPONEMENT

SOCIAL SECURITY TAXATION Benefits As Quickly As Possible STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 9. The intention of the Government to make every payment possible under the Social Security Act as from April I was mentioned by the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage when his attention was drawn to a remit passed by the Hastings branch of the Farmers’ Union. The branch asked if the Government proposed to suspend the taxation necessary to meet the benefits under the Act that would not be available at the lieginning of April. “The answer is no,” said Mr. Savage. “We don’t agree that any of the benefits are going to be suspended. We are going to have them inaugurated as rapidly as we can. Every payment that can be, will be made at the appropriate time. *T am sure the great majority of farmers realise the value of the social security scheme a-nd no section of the community can say that they will never need it. The whole of the superannuation and pension payments will be paid as from April 1 and as many other payments made as possible? The few that cannot be made will follow in quick succession. “The Minister of Health has already ha.l a discussion with representatives of the medical profession and the whole question of making an arrangement with the doctors and others concerned on the health side of the scheme is going forward as rapidly’ as possible. The Government has to see that decent arrangements are made with these people as the Labour Government cannot afford to be accused of laying down conditions not fair or equitable to those giving the service.” said Mr. Savage.