The Dominion. FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1938. WHAT IS THE PLAN ?

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 153, 25 March 1938, Page 10

The Dominion. FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1938. WHAT IS THE PLAN ?

A few days ago it was announced that the special committee set up to inquire into the matter of National Superannuation and National Health Insurance schemes would commence its investigations on April 5. The Prime Minister has added to this information the statement that the Government does not want the committee to find it a policy. “We have a definite policy,” he stated, “and we want all interests to have an opportunity of enlightening themselves and submitting their comment. We are not asking the committee to go rambling around looking for the skeleton of a superannuation scheme, but if they make suggestions adding to it or taking away it will be our duty to take notice. But we are not going to the committee empty-handed. Since witnesses are to be invited to criticise and comment on the plan which Mr. Savage says is to be placed before the committee, the sensible course would seem to be to make the plan known at the earliest moment so that it can be examined and studied at leisure by those whp are expected to give evidence. But, better still, why not take the public into the confidence of the Government and publish the details so that all can see what is proposed to be done, and at what cost. Aftei all, the people generally will have to foot the bill, whatever it may be. Long before the present Government came into office it talked confidently of its universal superannuation plans, and it conveyed the impression that if it ever attained to office it would give immediate effect to its policy. We know now that, after two and a half, years of office, the superannuation and health insurance plans are still “under consideration,” and a long way from receiving the finishing touches. The general impression is that the Government has found, when faced with practical realities, that it cannot hope to satisfy the high expectations which its extravagant pre-election talk raised in the minds of its supporters. The setting up of a Parliamentary committee of investigation at this late stage is regarded as an endeavour to find shelter, under the findings of the committee, for the whittling down of the benefits promised. Time will show whether'or not this view is correct, but why not publish at once the details of the plan which the Prime Minister claims to have been already prepared by his party, so that the public can see at their leisure what is in store for them?