CLAIMS AND CHARGES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30192, 25 July 1963, Page 14

CLAIMS AND CHARGES

Budget Debate Continued (Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 24. Attacks on opposing policies, rather than a close discussion on points of the new Budget, provided the main topics of the Budget debate when it was continued in Parliament tonight

Replying to Opposition charges of niggardliness, reliance on overseas borrowing and reluctance to remove imposts on beer, tobacco and petrol. Government members attacked the Labour Government budgeting of 1958-60. and repeated claims as to the value of incentives to the farmers.

Mi W E. Rowling (Opposition. Buller) said it was strange that in a year of unprecedented earnings the Budget was being financed by borrowing Interest payments this year were £6 million more than last year, and next year they will be £9.3 million more than when the Government took office. From the man who enjoyed a glass of beer, the Government had taken £7.4 million more than in the three years oi Labour administration The farmers' indebtedness had been increased, and the plan was to increase it still further. How would increased indebtedness help the farmer? The Minister of Defence (Mi Eyre) said the Budget was a straightforward, businesslike approach to the country s problems and did not seek a temporary political advantage at the longterm expense of the people.