MINISTER OF HEALTH

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 76, 26 September 1941, Page 6

MINISTER OF HEALTH

PROTEST MEETINGS

"A PEOPLE'S BILL"

"I am not in the least dismayed at the meetings or the resolutions," stated the Minister of Health (Mr. Nordmeyer) when asked if he had any comment to make on the protest meetings that have been held against the Social Security Amendment Bill, or, as it is more popu-

larly called, the Doctors' Bill,

"The agitation stirred up by the Conservatives in England against Mr. Lloyd George's measure of 30 years ago is exactly paralleled by the National Party's demonstration in New Zealand today," continued. Mr. Nordmeyer. "That party opposed the inauguration of the Social Security scheme and they now oppose its completion. I have no doubt whatever that if they receive the opportunity they will slash this scheme to pieces. A s they are opposing this Bill today, so have they opposed every progressive measure that thi-; Government has introduced. When the kind of people organising these public meetings begin to praise the Government it will be time for us to take stock. Their opposition is a pretty clear indication that the Bill before the House is on the right lines.

"All the agitation against it, the wilful distortion of its provisions, the extravagant and hysterical language of its opponents—none of these things will blind the ordinary citizen to the real value of the measure. The Bill is a people's Bill, introduced for their protection, to promote their interests a to safeguard their wellbeing. The Government will certainly not be intimidated by the tactics being employed."