SOCIAL SECURITY Commission Of Inquiry Planned

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31984, 10 May 1969, Page 48

SOCIAL SECURITY Commission Of Inquiry Planned

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 9.

A Commission of Inquiry into the social security system is to be set up by the Government, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) announced today.

It would inquire into and make recommendations on what adjustments or alterations were advisable in the social security system, Mr Marshall told the National Development Conference.

Mr Marshall was speaking at the close of the five-day conference.

The social and cultural committee recommended to the conference that “an independent, penetrating examination of the social security system should be undertaken.”

Mr Marshall told the 370 delegates that the Government accepted this view, and agreed that a new look at social security was justified and desirable. “One of the first decisions of the Government arising from this conference is that this should be done,” he said. . Details Later It would take “a little time” to work out the details of order of reference and to select and appoint the members of the commission. These matters would be the subject of further announcements. Last November, during debate in Parliament on the Social Security Amendment Bill, the Labour Party announced a policy of establishing a Royal Commission to conduct a nation-wide investigation into the actual living costs of single and married social security beneficiaries.

Pending the findings, it

would, as the Government, make an immediate interim payment of $lO4 a year to all means test beneficiaries.

Pension Increase

Earlier this week the Government announced increases in pensions. Labour had also adopted as policy the establishment of a Ministry of Welfare and Social Justice, concentrating all welfare activities into one department. The social and cultural committee recommended to the conference that bringing all branches of welfare under one department might better serve the country; Mr Marshall S'id the Government would also “act immediately” to establish a National Development Council, and would assist where necessary with the formation of sector councils.

The conference had given unanimous support to the setting up of a permanent planning machinery to sustain the momentum imparted by the conference. Sector Councils The council, he said, would refine, adapt and modify the planning work already done and keep under review the targets and objectives in the light of changing circumstances.

“If the sector councils which form much of the permanent machinery now being created can continue to perform the role of harmonising our national objectives as they have done so successfully in their work for this conference, that alone would be sufficient reason for their creation and continued exist-, ence.

“I want to make it dear that the Government accepts the action copy of those recommendations which comes within its jurisdiction,” said Mr Marshall.

Letter Sent The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) had sent a letter yesterday to Cabinet Ministers to tell them to pro, :ed immediately with an examina. tion of the conference recommendations coming within the purview of their portfolios.

Mr Marshall also said that the Government would facilitate the holding of a conference on the physical environment in 1970. The physical environment committee had not completed its studies in the limited time at its disposal and had recommended such a conference.