M.P.’s claims ‘obnoxious’

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 2

M.P.’s claims ‘obnoxious’

Political reporter Comments by the National M.P. for Hobson, Mr Ross Meurant, that some welfare benefits were “breeding incentives” have been slammed by his own party’s spokeswoman on women’s affairs. Mrs Katherine O’Regan yesterday distanced herself from her controversial colleague’s remarks which were made last week. “I find his comments totally obnoxious,” she said. Mrs O’Regan said that National had had a balanced and fair welfare stance for many years.

“Families, whether it be one or two-parent, must, when under stress and in need, be supported.” Mr Meurant said last week that rather than provide breeding incentives such as increased welfare benefits, the Government should instead grant tax concessions to those with fewer children. But Mrs O’Regan said that for every girl who abused the welfare system, there were thousands of women whose children depended on taxpayer support. “A better target for Mr Meurant would have been irresponsible fathers,” added Mrs O’Regan.