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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.