SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 22 December 1938, Page 6

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

WILL BE READY BY Ist APRIL PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT 1 fimteii Pree, AMnniallrtn' WELLINGTON. This Dny. A statement that the whole of the machinery for the administration of the Social Security Act would be ready on Ist April next, when the Act would come into operation, was made to "The Standard" by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) in an interview.

Mr Savage’s attention was drawn to published statements that it seemed likely that the scheme would not be brought into operation on Ist April, as originally announced, and he declared that so far as he was concerned he did not know of any reason why it should be suggested that there would be any delay. The preparations for the administration of the law on Ist April were in charge of Mr Nash, who was right up to his eyes in the work at present, said Mr Savage. Certain officers had been appointed to take charge of the administrative work, and they were actively on the job working out the details.

“It is definite that the scheme will be brought into operation on the due date.” he said.

Asked if it was intended to appoint a third Social Security Commissioner. Mr Savage said that that had not been decided. So far, two commissioners had been appointed and there was provision in the Act for the appointment of a third one if it should be necessary.