Taxation

Press, 18 May 1982, Page 20

Taxation

Sir, — Your correspondent, K. A. Latham, asks why those not producing should be exempted from taxation. First, in response to rising oil prices ($2 per barrel 1972, now $35), Mr Muldoon explains: “The Government had deliberately opted for a no-growth policy in 1976.” (“The Press,” January 13, 1982 p. 1). Since when, says the Government's “Jobs and People”, "... there have simply not been enough jobs to go arc'und;” (p. 4). Thus Sir Frank Holmes, as Planning Council chairman adds, “... our economy is ... short by some tens of thousands of jobs... ” (“The Press,” June 11, 1981). Second, after a decade adjusting to resource shortages, we now face a new era of silicon chips and robots. Oliver Riddel’s article in Friday’s "Press” “Robots are taking over," deserves very thoughtful reading. Machines may produce more; they buy nothing. Sound economics, as well as simple humanity, require that consumption levels be sustained as the number of wageearners required shrinks. A decent living-income for all is called for. — Yours, etc., J. GALLAGHER. May 15, 1982.