GETTING READY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 280, 26 November 1938, Page 10

GETTING READY.

SOCIAL SECURITY. PRACTITIONER SERVICE. WILL, IT BE DELATED ? (By Telegrnpli.—Own Correspondent.) WKLLINGTON, this day. The absence of information regarding the practical organisation of tlie (Jovernnient's comprehensive social security scheme ha® suggested in some quarters that it cannot he fully operative on the daUv suggested in the Statute. There is no reason, however, why all the pensions henelits should not tijierale from April I next, an fact, the law expressly stipulates that ttiis sliall lie done.

However, the organisation of the medical practitioner service was recognised as lici i_' 1.10 involving much prelliiiiuary work, ami the Act. although -fating that these benefits shall be payable from April 1. IfKltl, covers the possibility of delay by a further pro-vi-ion that if the effective administration of the lienetits cannot be provided for on that d.ite. a later date may Ih> prescribed by the Minister, being the earliest one on which etfective arrangements can be made. Cabinet is almost ready to consider the a p|Miinimeiit of the Social Security Com m i-i-ion. which will lie comprised of principal ollicers of the new Department. This announcement should be made within a few days. Another important decision mint also lie made before much practical progress is seen, this being the appointment of a Minister of Social Security. It w assumed with confidence that the Hon. W. Nash. Minister of Finance, will add this to his already heavy responsibilities, lie will, however, receive assistance from the Minister of Health, the Hon. I*. Kinser. who in that capacity is charged with the administration of the part of the Act dealing with medical, hospital and other related benefits.

Thin the feature involving the most important innovation* will come under Mr. l'raser's direction, this including the arrangement.* with the medical profession. lie is authorised by the Statute to delegate any of his powers to the Director-*Jeneral of Health,

There has been no suggestion in official circles that the practitioner setvice cannot he arranged by due date, but negotiations have not yet been oj>ened with the representative® of the medical profession.