UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1930, Page 11

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

PROPOSALS OF GOVERNMENT

BILL SUBMITTED TO HOUSE

EXPLANATION BY? MR. SMITH

By Telegreph.—Preiß Aseeriation.

Wellington, Last Night.

The Unemployment Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to-night by Governor-General’s message. Replying to questions, the Hon. S. G. Smith, Minister of Labour, said the Bill did not fully comprise the recommendations of the unemployment committee. For instance, the committee had recommended the payment of annual levies amounting to 18s. for every male over 18 years of age and 245. for every male over 20, as well as the levy payable by females. The Bill did not propose to make any levy at all on males under 20, or on females, but called for payment, with certain exemptions, by all males over 20 of a levy amounting to 30s. per annum. These payments 'would be subsidised from the Consolidated Fund.

There would be no other sources of finance, and no increased taxation would be involved. The levy of 30s. per annum was irrespective of incomes. Among the exceptions he had mentioned earlier W*re old age pensioners, totally disabled soldiers and certain members of the Native race. Permanent exemptions included persons confined to hospitals, mental and charitable institutions, also students attending schools and colleges, and other persons recommended for exemption after an investigation of the circumstances,

An unemployment board would be set up consisting of eight members —the Minister of Labour and two representatives nominated by him, two representatives of the employers (one from the primary industries and the other from the secondary industries), two representatives of the workers and one of returned soldiers (on whom would fall the task of rehabilitation of maimed soldiers). The board would be accorded unlimited powers to investigate any avenue with a view to recommending the establishment or assistance of any industry in New Zealand. In addition, sub-boards wmuld be created throughout the country for the purpose of finding work for the workless. SUSTENANCE ALLOWED. There would ba provision for granting sustenance under certain circumstances and for a certain period in the event of failure to provide work. The sustenance would, not exceed 21s. for the worker, 17s. 6d. for his -wife and 4s. for each child. As females, also males under 20, were not called on to contribute to .the scheme, they would not be entitled to the sustenance allowance. There was an exception in the case of females, an allowance being made to wives or unemployed men and to housekeepers where the necessity for the upkeep of the home warranted it. Mr. Smith said it was intended to take the second reading of the Bill as early as possible, after which the Bill would be referred to a special committee before which anyone who wished would be welcome to give evidence. It was the Government’s desire that the Bill should be placed on the Statute Book ,ui t.i form as near to perfect as possible, and every reasonable amendment would be given full consideration. The Government would endeavour to meet every reasonable request for information in regard to the Bill, or in regard to the position of unemployment in New Zealand generally. The Prime Minister, replying to the Leader of the Opposition, said he desired that the debate on the Bill should take place as soon as possible. He proposed that the House should discuss the education report to-morrow and then proceed with the second reading of the Unemployment Bill on Friday, continuing on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. He hoped to be able to bring down the Budget towards the end of next week. The Unemployment Bill was then read a first time and the House rose at 10.25 p.m. till 2.30 to-morrow.