SOCIAL SERVICES LEGISLATION

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22340, 2 March 1938, Page 12

SOCIAL SERVICES LEGISLATION

REQUEST FOR ACTUARIAL REPORT DISCUSSION BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

[THE PRESS Special Service.] WELLINGTON, March 1. The desirability of having attached to the Government’s forthcoming national social service legislation an actuarial report was emphasised by Mr P. E. Patlrick at to-night's meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The scheme, which was to cover superannuation, health, and unemployment, vitally affected the commercial community, since it would involve a consideration of what contributions would be required of employers and taxpayers, said Mr Paltrick. British social services, though the health and pensions schemes were contributed to "through a common channel, the Post Office, were very different. For example, the British national health scheme embraced the schemes of approved societies, had funds, and was regulated every five years by an actuarial valuation. Th . superannuation scheme, however, was controlled by a State department, was not subject to actuarial valuation, adjustments, and emerging cost, and was met by the Government out of public funds.

“It is nevertheless obvious,” continued Mr Pattrick, “that one cannot examine the merits of the New Zealand Government’s proposals till the benefits to be offered are known and also the methods by which the scheme is to be financed.” Mr Pattrick mentioned that Mr G. H. Maddix, secretary of the British Government’s Actuaries Department, had been lent to the New Zealand Government to report on the actuarial considerations of tho scheme. It was essential for a proper examination of the Government’s proposals that a copy of Mr Maddix’s report should bo attached to the bill.

Seconding a motion by Mr Pattrick that the Government be asked, when printing the bill, to attach a copy of the actuarial report, Mr C. W. Mack said that the Government’s desire to ensure that the people would be looked after in their old age was highly commendable. There were cases where people, through no fault of their own, had been unable to save for the future, and he saw no reason why they should have to work till they dropped in harness. Mr R. H. Nimmo said that some provision should be made, but it would be prudent on the part of the chamber to withhold commendation of any scheme till the cost was known. The motion was carried.