Social welfare

Press, 27 May 1978, Page 14

Social welfare

Sir, — I would like to make it clear that I am not the person who regularly contributes to your correspondence column. Since I am working as a tutor in human relations with the marriage guidance council, I find it necessary to point out that J. F. Garvey’s views on Mr Walker, and social welfare policy do not represent my own. I have on a number of occasions had his opinions accepted, with some confusion, as mine, but I am, with curiosity, still awaiting the occasion when we have some similarity on any particular topic. — Yours, etc.,

JUDY GARVEY. May 23, 1978.

Sir, — The matter of payment for mothers who stay at home has recently been discussed. The public is surely aware that this is a ridiculous proposition to be used as a political ploy to gain votes. It would discourage able women from taking jobs. At present, mothers have the family benefit, which is sufficient. They also get money from their husbands, much of which is spent on luxuries. All that the women’s liberation movement stands for would be lost if mothers were paid to remain at home. The suburban neurosis which afflicts many housewives would be worsened, so that mental health costs would increase, along with taxes to cover the payment in the first place. Clearly, our country cannot afford such a scheme, and it should be killed before election campaigning begins. — Yours, etc., L. BROWN. May 24, 1978.