NATIONAL HEALTH SCHEME.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4327, 17 August 1937, Page 4

NATIONAL HEALTH SCHEME.

NO DEFINITE PLANS YET.

A weekly levy on wages of approximately Is 3d in the £ is being spoken of as the basis on which the Government will ultimately decide to finance its national compulsory health insurance and superannuation scheme, states The Press, Christchurch. Officially no details of the proposals now being considered are being made known; but Labour leaders and members of Parliament appear to have secured a fairly good indication of what the scheme will be in broad outline and are speaking freely about several likely provisions of importance. Published statements purporting to give the method by which the Government will finance the National Health scheme were referred to by the Minister for Health (Hon. P. Fraser. He expressed surprise at their publication and said they were incorrect and inaccurate. “As a matter of fact neither Cabinet nor the party caucus has had any definite scheme,” said Mr Fraser. The committee appointed had been carrying out an investigation and receiving evidence from many organisations and individuals interested. This report had not yet been completed nor had it even reached him in final form. He did not anticipate receiving the committee’s report for some time. These reports, when completed,” said the Minister, “will be presented to Cabinet and, in due course, to members of the Parliamentary Labour Party. When legislation is under consideration consultations and negotiations will be carried on with various professions and other interests concerned.