A sweeping list of government economy measures was approved yesterday in principle by the Cabinet. But proposals to curtail economic privileges granted new immigrants were held in abeyance pending consultations between the government and the Jewish Agency. The moves approved halt the construction of all public buildings except hospitals, schools and telephone exchanges. Synagogues are included in the ban but these and other projects are subject to review, a government spokesman told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Under the economy program the government will not replace official cars or furniture in government offices except in cases of complete breakdown. Public ceremonies are cancelled. The Cabinet also approved freezing dividends at the current level and the continuation of price controls until the end of the year. Business expenses will be strictly curtailed and the hiring of halls for bar mitzvahs, weddings and similar personal expenditures will be taxed heavily.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a committee to supervise the details of the economy program. It is headed by Avraham Agmon, director general of the Finance Ministry. Agmon told the JTA that the curtailment on new building would save about $42 million but he said he had no idea how much money could be saved by the other measures.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
