The Knesset last night approved the government’s program for the absorption of immigrants, including a housing, employment and public works plan. The 46-19 vote amounted to a show of confidence in the government.
Also approved was report of the Knesset’s Labor and Employment Committee which stated that some 144,000 immigrants who arrived in this country during the first half of 1949 have been absorbed in the economy of the country. In addition a large number of veterans have been absorbed. Among the immigrants, the report pointed out, were some 26,000 heads of families. The report also spoke of increased agricultural and industrial production and stated that Israel’s economy has overcome its transitional difficulties.
The Parliament voted down a motion of censure by the Mapam which charged that the government had not provided for increased unemployment during the June-October period and that its immigrant absorption and veterans rehabilitation program was unrealistic and unsuccessful. A Herut motion which termed the unemployment situation “serious and worrisome” and which demanded action to prevent the spreading of joblessness fared no better than the Mapam resolution.
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