POLITICAL CONTROVERSY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22468, 11 July 1936, Page 13

POLITICAL CONTROVERSY

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF NEW BRITISH REGULATIONS a— LONDON, July 9 There is a prospect of a big political battle opening with the issue of the Government's new draft regulations for unemployment assistance which transfer the distribution of benefits from a variety of authorities, with differing scales, to one central administration. It is recalled that the draft regulations issued last year were withdrawn owing to a strong protest from the Opposition. The new regulations retain the means test, but the Government claims that one-third of approximately 600,000 persons affected will have increased allowances within a few weeks of the regulations operating. Where reductions arise they will be spread over 18 months, with special precautions against hardship. The net effect of the change will increase the present annual expenditure of £38,000.000 by £750.000. Labour members lately have been clamouring for the production of the draft, arguing that there is little time for discussion before the recess, although the Government has taken more than a year in its preparation of the draft. Three days will be allowed for the debate, and both Houses must then decide to accept or reject the regulations which, once presented for approval, cannot bo altered.