PENSIONS PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22860, 15 October 1937, Page 10

PENSIONS PLAN

EXPEDITING OPERATION SEPARATE BILL POSSIBLE INDICATION BY MR. SAVAGE HEALTH SCHEME LATER [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday An indication that the Government might possibly proceed with its national superannuation scheme as a separate undertaking quite apart from tjie health scheme was given by the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, when discussing plans for the second part of the session in an interview this evening. "A good many people have the idea that the two schemes will be embodied in one bill," Mr. Savage said, "but I would not care to say definitely that that will be the case. I am not wedded to the belief that tho two schemes jnust be inseparable. , The More Urgent Need "The national superannuation schemo its undoubtedly the moro urgent and if it is found that both proposals cannot be satisfactorily proceeded with during the second part of this session wo shall not allow superannuation to be held back by the health insurance scheme." A national health service was in operation now to a certain extent. Mr. Savage added, although undoubtedly itwas capable of being improved to a considerable degree. This would enable the superannuation scheme to be proceeded with separately if such a course was found to be necessary. Committee's Activities

The Prime Minister said he had not seen any further reports from the committee which had been investigating the proposals for some time. However, he knew that the committee's work had been accelerated recently and that during the past week or two, particularly, the members had had an extremely busy time. Discussions weio still being held with people who specialised in , various branches of superannuation and health* insurance. "Even after the committee had completed its deliberations and has actually decided on the form the proposals are to take and after the Cabinet has made its decision, there will be a .great deal of work in the drafting of the legislation," Mr. Savage said. "We want to ensure that the best possible proposals are brought forward and we will burn all the 'midnight oil' that is necessary to reach that end."