43
increase of $513 million in the level of recurrent
expenditure.
97
This
The Green Paper also recommended a voluntary
contributory scheme of insurance against the risks
of extended sickness, death and retirement.
proposal has been the subject of wide debate and also
of tests of public opinion, and the Public Actuary's
Office in the U.K. has been consulted. A group of
employers has also put forward a counter-scheme to
cover the same risks. While your Government accepts
that the need for the coverage exists, it has not yet
reached a conclusion on what the best method of proceeding
would be. given the wide measure of cover for the
lower income groups already provided by Public Assistance
and disability and old age allowances, and by statutory
benefits under Labour legislation. It is hoped that
proposals may be put to you during this session.