War Pensions Amendment Bill (No 2)

Again I invite the Minister in charge of this bill, the Hon George Hawkins, to make some contribution to this debate, instead of his continued muteness. It is scarcely satisfactory that on issues relating to war pensions he is not prepared to burden the Committee with his contribution, and neither is any other member of the Government. What a tragedy it is that the Minister will not say something in support of this legislation. He should do so, particularly in respect of Supplementary Order Paper 67, which is his amendment to one of the schedules that we are now talking about. He proposes a new schedule 11, which relates to the rates of veterans pensions, and a new schedule 12, which relates to payments on the death of a veteran or a veteran’s spouse. The plan is to adjust the rates in line with an increase of 2.72 percent in the all groups consumer price index. It is not for me to explain those issues to the Committee and to those listening on the radio. The Minister should be on his feet talking about these issues, but he will not do so.

New Zealand First will be supporting these schedules. Like my colleague Richard Worth we are disappointed that the increase was a mere 2.7 percent. We would have liked a greater increase but we understand why this increase has not been given at this particular point in time. We will definitely be supporting this schedule.

The question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Papers 53 and 67 in the name of the Hon George Hawkins to schedule 1 and schedule 2 be agreed to.

Amendments agreed to, and schedules as amended agreed to.

Bill reported with amendment.

The House adjourned at 5.29 p.m.