organisations in the medical field are being encouraged to make
submissions to the Special Advisory Committee, as well as to participate
more generally in the improvement of the health services.

Although this year is a period of restraint in education spending, the
Government will continue to explore a number of important long-term
policy developments. It will shortly be setting up a Committee on the
Registration of Teachers. This could affect the statutory provisions
of the Education Act 1964 relating to the registration and deregistration
of teachers.

A phased programme for the voluntary integration of private schools
will be developed. A review of the Education Act 1964 will be undertaken:
its main principles are not in doubt, but the review will provide
an opportunity to bring forward proposals after consulting interested
parties. There will be a short Education Amendment Bill.

You will be asked to consider a Bill to provide for the introduction of
the Government's national superannuation scheme. National super-
annuation will be paid to New Zealand residents of 10 years' standing
who are aged 60 or over. It will replace the present age benefit and
universal superannuation benefit and will not be subject to any means
or income test. The scheme will be phased in over a 3-year period and
the rate of national superannuation will be increased progressively
during the phase-in period until the married couple rate reaches 80
percent of the average ordinary-time wage. The New Zealand Super-
annuation Act 1974 will be repealed.

The Government will give full attention to meeting the special needs
and traditions of the Maori people including Maori land development
operations, Maori housing, social welfare activities, and the special
trade training schemes for young people.

It is intended that legislation be introduced this year giving effect to
the wishes of the Maori people for a return to the designation of
Waitangi Day for the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty.

The Government's prime aim in transport is to co-ordinate all services
and facilities to obtain the best utilisation of resources for the benefit
of the consumer.

The Government believes that the transport user must have a greater
choice of mode for the carriage of his goods. Detailed investigations
are being carried out into the recommendations of the New Zealand
Transport Policy Study with a view to removing some of the legislative
restrictions on competition between road and rail transport.

The Government has further reviewed railway freight rates and
approved increases to bring the charges more into line with operating
costs.

A contract has been let to provide passenger accommodation on G.m.v.
Aratika. It is planned to have the vessel back on the Wellington-Picton
service in time to cope with the Christmas holiday traffic.

The Government will place continuing emphasis on the modernisation
of telecommunications and postal services as a vital area for the nation's
economic and social progress. Steps have been taken to establish a
Communications Commission which will provide advice and assistance
in a field of rapid technological change.

The Government is engaged, in close consultation with the Broad-
casting bodies, in a review of the broadcasting system with the aim