FUNDS OF TRADE UNIONS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23287, 24 August 1945, Page 4

FUNDS OF TRADE UNIONS

Tax Exemption Allegation By Member For Hauraki (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON. Aug. 23. Two Local Bills were considered bv the House of Representatives this afternoon before the Budget Debate was resumed. Notice of several questions was given and one was answered in part by both a private member and a Minister.

Mr W. J. Broadfoot (National, Waitomo) gave notice to ask the Minister of Defence if, in view of the fact that there appeared to be no further need for secrecy and having regard to the fact that relatives were naturally consumed with anxiety, would the Minister make an announcement regarding the location and movements of members of the Forces overseas and announce the expected dates of arrivals of returning drafts? Mr W. A. Sheat (National. Patea) gave notice to ask the Minister of Transport when the present 30-mile limit on the operation of horse floats was likely to be lifted. Mr Sheat said that if the present restrictions were removed the owners of horse floats would be able to make much better use of their vehicles with their existing petrol licences. Owners and trainers had had to put up with a good deal of extra trouble and expense while war conditions necessitated the present severe restrictions, he added, and would appreciate the early relaxation of the restrictions.

Mr J. T. Watts (National, Riccarton) gave notice to ask the Minister of Supply if he would consider the immediate release of Army blankets for civilian sale. Mr Watts said that the release of such blankets would enable returning servicemen to get supplies that were not now available. Partial Answer Mr A. 8. Sutherland (National. Hauraki) gave notice to ask the Minister of Finance if he would advise the House whether it was correct that secretaries of trade unions had been informed that half their remuneration could be regarded as expenses and, therefore, exempt from social security, national security and income taxes, and, if so, would be instruct the Commissioner of Taxes to allow the same deduction in the case of secretaries of similar organisations. Miss Mabel Howard (Government, Christchurch East): I will reply to that now. No. Mr Sutherland, continuing with his question, asked if the Minister was aware that the Commissioner of Taxes had ruled that for the purpose of income tax assessment Trade Unions should be regarded as Friendly Societies and their funds exempted from taxation and, if so, would the Minister instruct that the same concession be extended to other organisations of a like nature? The Hon. W. Nash said he could answer the first part of the question at once. It was not. correct. Opposition members: What about the second half? The Minister said that it could go on the order paper.