SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME.

Western Star, 5 August 1938, Page 3

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME.

MEASURE TO APPEAR NEXT WEEK NEW STATE DEPARTMENT NECESSARY. WELLINGTON, August 4. The Bill giving effect to the Government’s social security proposals is 'expected to make its appearance in the House of Representatives some time next week. This information was given in an interview-this evening by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon M. J. Savage), who returned to Wellington today from his visit to the South Island. Mr Savage , indicated that the onerous task of drafting. the legislation had been completed and that the final touches were now being given to the Bill, which would se handled during its passage through the House by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash). “The Bill is a- fairly massive piece of legislation,” Mr Savage said. “I understand it will probably run to about 150 clauses, but everyone of them will mean something and the Bill itself will be the ( greatest step forward’ for many years in providing for the social welfare of the people.” Not all the provisions of the Bill would ,be new, the Prime Minister continued. Naturally it would be necessary to set up a new department of State to administer the benefits proposed, but much if the legislation would deali with amendnents and consolidations of the law Sealing with pensions and employment promotion, together with provisions for ,-he supervision of the health services. “I cannot give the exact day when ■ the Bill will appear,” Mr Savage added, ‘but it should be introduced before the end of next week. Ample opportunity will be given for a discussion of all its provisions and no attempt will be made to rush the measure through the House.”