DIFFERENCE IN POLICY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30213, 19 August 1963, Page 13

DIFFERENCE IN POLICY

Mr Taiboys Explains (N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN.-August 18. The difference in Social Security policies between the National and Labour Governments was cteiifitd by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys) at a National Party forum at Gere on Saturdlay might. Mr Taiboys was asked what the difference was between the two parties When the National Government had continued Social Security policies decided by the Labour Government. He thought the difference was made quite clear at the General Election in 1957, Mr Tallboys said. The Labour Party offered voters an iinccme tax personal exemption £ICO higher than previously and at the same time said the child allowance would be increased by ss. The National Party did not favour the tax exemption and child allowance increase, and by not offering similar concession gave the people of New Zealand a choice. “We pointed out the cost of Labour’s proposals at the tome, but the people decided they wanted the concessions and paid the price later,” Mr Tailboys said. It would have been a simple matter for the National Party to have made simiilJiar offers but it was decided the party would rather lose the election then make such offers to the detriment of the country’s general financial position. ' The politicians did net decide whether Social Security benefits would be raised, the people did when they voted a Labour Government into power. Mr Tailboys said he had oeen asked why the National Government did not decrease expenditure on Social Security by cutting out benefits offered by the Labour Party in 1957. The majority of the people decided they wanted the benefits by voting for the Labour Party, and as the wishes of the majority had to be met the National Party would not discontinue such benefits, Mr Taiboys said.