"Mr Coates Issued Ten"

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 236, 6 October 1938, Page 6

"Mr Coates Issued Ten"

Mr. Savage Replies to Chamber of Commerce DISTRIBUTION OF PAMPHLET ON SOCIAL SECURITY Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. “I notice that the Wellington Chamber of Commerce has been complaining of the issue of a pamphlet by the Government describing the provisions of the Social Security Act,” said the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon M. J. Savage) tonight. Rt. Hon. J. 3. Coates issued not one but 10 pamphlets on 10 different subjects and the Chamber of Commerce said nothing about it. That shows how fair they can be.” This legislation, he continued, touched the people more than any other subject covered by a pamphlet. There had been more controversy and argument about the details and what it meant than over any other Bill. “Last night I listened to Mr. S. G. Smith saying that the people who were to receive 30s a week would'not bo paid it and would receive 28s 6d only after paying the contribution,” said Mr. Savage. 1 4 Mr. Smith knew as well as anybody that that was not so and that those people did not have to pay the contribution. That was an indication of the argument centering on the Social Security Act. If ever there was justification for the printing of a pamphlet ! this is one. No suggestion of politics is to be found anywhere in it. If an explanation of the principles contained in the benefits under the Act is likely to help us, that is not a substantial reason for not printing it. The people are entitled to know wliat the Act means, and that is all that is in the pamphlet.” Questions were being asked of candidates at many meetings and he had received letters from oil over the country asking questions and warning him about the things that are being said about the Act, added the Prime Minister. “So again I say there is every justification for the publication. I never complained about the publication of the booklets by Mr. Coates or by any other Minister, where legislation is far reaching. I consider it is a good thing we have a booklet, and it is still obtainable from the Pensions Department, dealing with pensions, and is available for the benefit of people who are interested.”