POINTS OF ORDER

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33514, 20 April 1974, Page 1

POINTS OF ORDER

New Zealand Press Association ■ WELLINGTON, April 19. \ 9 per cent general wage order, to take effect from July 1, was announced by the Government today. Social security benefits and incometested war pensions will be increased from July 3, by a rate that will be announced in the Budget.

Among the few not to benefit by the order will be members of Parliament. In a statement in which he announced a six-point programme for' prices and incomes, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Watt) said that because Parliamentarians had recently received an increase, they would not participate in the general wage order. Subsequently they would be on the same footing as all others, said Mr Watt.

Other major points in the Government's programme are:

The restoration of freedom to negotiate improvements to wages and conditions up to one-quarter of the general increase, with increases beyond this subject to the determination of the Industrial Commission, or other appropriate wagefixing tribunal. The same general rules to apply to the State services. The establishment of a Higher Salaries Commission to fix top salaries — including those of members of Parliament — in the public and local body sector. A new system of price control and profit limitations. ‘•Regulations covering the new policy will be introduced as soon as possible.’’ said Mr Watt. (DETAILS. PAGE 2)