TAXATION OF K FORCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27568, 9 December 1950, Page 10

TAXATION OF K FORCE

Criticism By Mr F. Jones

PA WELLINGTON, Dec. 8. “ The statement of the Minister of Defence concerning the taxation paid by members of K Force will be of cold comfort to the lads who are shortly to leave these shores, ’ said Mr F. Jones, M.P., in a statement todav “ The Budget Estimates show that the huge sum of £167,790,000 is to be received by the Government this year—£l3,7oo,ooo more than last year Only this week the Prime Minister revealed that there would be a surplus in the Public Accounts. “In abolishing the 33 1-3 per cent, super tax, the Government had already made reductions mainly to the wealthier sections of the community. Farmers have received preferential tax exemptions and now with the wool ‘ freeze,’ sheep farmers will obtain a handsome rebate. It seems completely unfair that the Government should take these and other tax concessions and yet do nothing for those who, in response to the Government’s own appeal, have volunteered to risk their lives in defence of the country. “ These young men are all sacrificing economic opportunities and the joys of home life. Under these circumstances the whole position should be reconsidered. I suggest to Mr Holland that it would be a very fine gesture when he addresses his fellow artillerymen, the K Force boys, to loosen the purse strings a little and announce that, as with the 2nd NZEF, they will pay no taxation while they are overseas.”