The Budget

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28951, 20 July 1959, Page 3

The Budget

Sir,—“The Press” today*- informs me that a member of Parliament (eminent enough to be given lots of space in large black type) endorsed the Budget and extolled the integrity of its author because he had not been led astray by' political expediency. Up to a point I would heartily endorse his sentiment—up to the point that he seems to have overlooked. The last election, its preparation, and its consequences leave the impression that the expedient does not arise until the Government has been nearly three years in office. I wonder if Lord Asquith foresaw the immortality of his simple words, “Wait and see”?— Yours, etc., A.J.B. July 17, 1959.

Sir,—Your sub-leader, “Does Anyone Understand It?,” is hardly fair criticism. I don’t think Mr Nash's statement in the Budget debate is a contradiction of Mr Nordmeyer. The latter’s statement does not preclude the possibility of a safeguard, such as Mr Nash mentioned, as being in Mr Nordmeyer’s mind. Mr Nash merely put it into words. If my memory serves me correctly Mr Nordmeyer did mention safeguards against the possibility of any taxpayers paying increased taxation. In any case. I have always considered the £2 a week exemption from social security levy as the thin edge of the wedge towards toppling the whole social security structure. I can think of more serious criticism, but on the whole the Budget is correct in the circumstances.— Yours, etc., A.F.P. July 16. 1959.

Sir.—“lnitiative” can go on wondering what the idle rich have done all their lives to accept £3 a week out of the old people's home fund without paying any extra tax. Because I fight for those over 70 on the age benefit, don’t say I belong to them.— Yours, etc., FAR BACK DAN. July 16, 1959.

Sir, —One. has only to read “Initiative’s” letter to know he is selfish and hard-boiled towards our old people. Perhaps he has had a hand-out from his parents, who saved instead of having the comforts of life. One has only to compare Labour’s last six years of office and National’s first six years to see who looked after the old people, including a bonus of £25 to each person on a benefit. The age benefit and the universal superannuation all' come out of the one social security fund—only one is taxable.—Yours, etc., PROUD OF THEM. July 17, 1959.