SOCIAL SECURITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 10

SOCIAL SECURITY

ESTIMATES FOR YEAR

RECEIPTS AND OUTGOINGS

BIG SUM INVOLVED

Estimates.of the receipts and expen- \ di-cure of the Social Security Fund for the current year Avere revealed by the Minister-of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), Avhen speaking in the Financial De- j bate in the House of Representatives last night. The aggregate estimated receipts from all sources are £12,063,125, and this is squared by a corresponding estimated outlay, on benefits directly chargeable, to the fund. Details are:— RECEIPTS. Registration fee 630,000 Tax on wages and salaries 5,550,000 Charges on other income 3,050,000 Penalties and fines 20,000 Miscellaneous 4,125 Subsidy from Consolidated Fund 2,000,000 Transfer of Bridget surplus from last year 809,000 Total £12,063,125 EXPENDITURE. £ Age benefits 6,910,000! Family allowances 700,000 Invalid benefits 1,050,000 Maori AVar pensions 1,500 Miners' pensions 99,000 Orphans' pensions 30,000 AYidows' pensions 1,010,000 Unemployment and sickness benefits 508,000 Maternity benefits 306,500 Hospital benefits 738,400 Medical benefits 100,000 Pharmaceutical benefits 50,000 Emergency benefits 100,000 Administrative charges 516,025 From the above aggregate has to be deducted the sum of £56,300 credits in aid, bringing the total to £12,063,125. In addition to the figures given above there is a sum of £2,080,000 set aside for Avar pensions. This is a permanent charge on the Consolidated Fund, and does not concern the Social Security Fund, though it brings the total benefits payable to the figure of £14,143,125. In reply to an interjection from an Opposition member regarding medical benefits, Mr. Sullivan said that as soon as the doctors were ready to work under a scheme, a scheme would be put into operation. "The Government is anxious to get on with the scheme," ihe added.