War Pensions and Social Security

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 266, 10 November 1945, Page 4

War Pensions and Social Security

Recently a Pensions Sub-Committee was established by the Dominion Executive to consider the provisions set out in the draft War Pensions Amendment Bill (Part V, War Veterans’ Allowance*). It was indicated by the Secretary for War Pensions that this Bill (which, apart from raising the rates, removes from Part V, War Pensions Act, 1943, all provisions relating to children) constitutes the first instalment of what will eventually become a universal family benefit without any means test whatsoever. It was considered that the War Pensions Amendment Bill (Part \, War Veterans’ Allowances) be approved by the executive subject to the receipt by the association of written assurance from the Secretary for War Pensions, confirmed by the Hon. Minister of Defence, that: ** (a) No child will be deprived of any of the provisions or privileges now in force, and 44 (b) The present policy in connection with the payment of gratuity in respect of the death of the veteran with the corresponding increase coincident with the raising of the rates of the war veterans’ allowances be continued. In response to this the Honourable Minister of Defence and War Pensions has replied: “J should like to give you my assurance that—(a) the amending legislation will not deprive any child of any of the provisions or privileges now in force, and (b) the present policy in connection with the payment of gratuity in respect of the death of the veteran with the corresponding increase coincident with the laising of the rates of the war veterans’ allowances will be continued. 4t l should like to express my thanks to your association for so" readily agreeing to the amending provisions in the Bill.’*