9th Parliament · 1st Session
Mr. Speaker (Rt. Hon. W. A. Watt) took the chair at 11 a.m., and read prayers.
page 298
presentation of Address-in-reply.
– I have to inform the House that the Address-in-Reply will be presented to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, at Government House, at 8 o’clock this afternoon.’
page 294
– It is reported in this morning’s news-papers that certain buildings in Geelong, including one in which is (Loused one of the most important Post Offices in that city, are to be demolished ro make way for new structures. Will the Postmaster-General look into the matter, and ascertain whether it is not possible to secure for Post Office purposes a suitable building in a central position to meet the requirements of the commercial interests of the city?
– I will look into the matter, and will advise the honorable member as to what the exact position is.
page 294
Furlough Pay
– In the absence of the Minister .for Defence, will ‘the Prime Minister state whether a decision has yet been arrived at regarding the furlough pay of employees in Defence Factories who have been, or are to be, discharged because of the determination of the Government not to compete with private enterprise ?
– No decision has yet been arrived at, but the matter is under the consideration of the Cabinet.
1A2TD RESUMPTION FOR POSTAL PURPOSES IN SYDNEY.
– I desire to bring under the notice of the Minister representing the Minister for ‘ Home and Territories a matter of grave importance to a number of persons in Sydney. It has reference to the resumption of land in and around the city in connexion with proposed additional Post Office ‘buildings. Those who held leases of . buildings on these lands have been compensated by the Government; but others in the city as well as at Darlinghurst, including widows who for twenty-nine years have been occupying business premises under a verbal agreement ‘Chat they would not be required to quit, and that their rent would not be raised, have received a month’s notice to /neale them. In the ease of widows-
– The honorable member is not in order in making a speech under cover of a question to a Minister. If he will put his question in proper form, no doubt it will . be answered.
– Will the Minister see what can be done for .the tenants of these premises?
– I shall obtain from Hansard a copy of the honorable member’s question, and will forward it to the’ Minister for Home and Territories, with a request that a reply be furnished.
page 294
Sub-Chairmen of Boards
– Has the Prime Minister taken into consideration the repeated requests made from different mining districts for the appointment of sub-chairmen of Boards under the Industrial Peace Act, so that the many disputes occurring in these districts, which are piling’ up, may be dealt with without delay?
– I have not yet looked into that matter, but will do so.
page 294
– I desire to ask the Prime Minister whether the services of the Commonwealth police are still being retained ? If so, will he inform the House as to their number, duties, and annual cost?
– This question ought properly to have been addressed to the AttorneyGeneral. The honorable member will find set out in last year’s Estimates the whole position with regard to the number of Commonwealth police, and the payment received by them.
-I ask the AttorneyGeneral to say under what heading in the Budget Statement items referring to the Commonwealth police are to be found ? Is it the intention of the Government to retain the services of those officers!
– The Commonwealth employs no police at all, but, as was fully explained on the Estimates last year, it has an Investigation Bureau, the appropriations for which will be found in the Appropriation Act under the heading “ Investigation Branch “ in the AttorneyGeneral’s Department.
page 295
– Will the Prime Minister announce when he will be prepared to carry out his promise to the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Charlton) and myself to receive a certain deputation in New South Wales?
– -I have been in communication with the Leader of the Opposition, and we have come to an arrangement that I shall receive the deputation when I go to Sydney at or about Easter. A definite date has not yet been fixed.
page 295
– Will the Prime Minister take into consideration the desirableness of at once paying in full all war gratuities, with a view to minimizing the necessity for employing a large staff in each State capital to administer the Act? It would be a good thing for the country.
– This question should have been addressed to the Treasurer. I may say, however, that the question of war gratuities has been receiving very close consideration for the last twelve months, with a view to minimizing, as far as possible, the administrative costs.
page 295
– Will the Minister whose Department is in charge of passport, state whether he has any valid objection to giving the reasons why Mr. Tom Mann, a British citizen, has been refused permission to land in Australia ?
– I think that, at the moment, my Department is charged with the administration of the passport system ; but it is to be dealt with entirely by the Department of Home and Territories. An application from Mr. Mann was received some months ago, and was refused. I am not aware that Mr. Mann has made a further application, but I have received from the honorable member for Yarra (Mr.Scullin) representations on the subject, which are now under consideration. As soon as an opportunity presents itself, after the House adjourns, the Cabinet will look into the whole matter.
– The . honorable gentleman has not answered my question. I asked whether the Minister in charge would state the reasons why permission to enter the Commonwealth was refused Mr. Mann.
– I answered the honorable member’s question fully in- the first instance. I shall again answer it quite definitely. There is no application from Mr. Mann for a passport.
page 295
– In view of the fact that as a result of a Conference of State Attorneys-General, which met, recently to consider the Commonwealth arbitration power and its application to State instrumentalities, it has been decided by the State Governments to ask the Federal Government to surrender certain powers now held by the Commonwealth, whereby State instrumentalities are brought within the jurisdiction of the Federal (Court, I desire to ask the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to maintain, as it stands, the Commonwealth power in regard to arbitration?
– The honorable member must realize that I could not answer his question at the present moment. In the first place, it involves a question of policy. The position is that the State AttorneysGeneral have met, and, I understand, have some proposals to submit to the Commonwealth Government for consideration. Those proposals will be duly considered, and the whole question will be dealt with at the conference between the Commonwealth and State Governments, to be held some time during April.
page 295
Balance-sheets.
– I ask the Treasurer whether, as early as possible in the new financial year, he will place on the table of the House proper business balancesheets of the various Government activities now operating, such as the Shipping Line, the War Service Homes, and the Fruit Pool? I ask whether full business information, will be made available to honorable members on these matters as soon as possible after the commencement of the new financial year?
– The Treasurer will go into the whole of the matters to which the honorable member refers, and will give the fullest information to the House and the people.
page 296
Mr.FENTON. - I ask the Minister for Trade and Customs, whether he will refer the duties on agricultural implements to the Tariff Board, and, if so, will honorable members be given an opportunity of discussing the report of the Tariff Board before the Government come to a decision on the recommendations made?
– I have not referred the matter to the Tariff Board.
page 296
Time Allowed for Applications
– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Defence a question having reference to the operation! of the War Gratuity Act of 1920. Is it not a fact that hardships have arisen owing to the time limit prescribed within which applications may be lodged for war gratuity. If so, will the Minister favorably consider a relaxation of the provision for a time limit?
– The Minister for Defence is away at present, but if the honorable member will put his question in the form of a letter to the Minister he may be able to send him a written reply.
page 296
Erection of Reciprocal Stations
– I wish to direct a question, without notice, to the Prime Minister. By way of explanation, I may remind him that under the agreement made between Amalgamated Wireless Limited and the Commonwealth, the time allowed for the erection of high-power reciprocal stations in England and America expired some time ago. An extension of six months was given, and that period has also nearly expired. I ask whether an application has been made for a still further extension of time, and whether it is the intention of the Government to give a further extension. I may be permitted, as a kind of consequential question, to ask whether, in view of the proposed erection in England by the Imperial Government of a station sufficient to serve Australia, the Government will reconsider the agreement with Amalgamated Wireless Limited, and will take advantage of that station instead of erecting a new one?
– With respect to the first part of the honorable member’s question, I have to say that no specific application has been made for an extension of the time within which the company is required to fulfil its ‘ obligation to erect reciprocal stations in Great Britain and Canada. In the event of such an application being made, the Government will probably consider it very favorably, and will advise their representatives to agree to the request. On the question of the position of the reciprocal stations, it is obvious that the situation has been profoundly modified by the very welcome announcement made a few days ago on behalf of the British Government, that they intend to erect a station themselves, and further propose to grant facilities, under control, for private enterprise to erect stations. That will probably greatly assist us in the task with which we are faced. At present the Government and their representatives on the Board of Amalgamated Wireless Limited are considering what action should be taken in view of the developments that have occurred. In reply to the third part of the honorable member’s question, with regard to the station here, notwithstanding what has happened in Great Britain, the Government have no intention of departing from their proposal to erect a wireless station in Australia.
– I did not suggest that they should.
– That intention is not affected in any way by the contemplated erection of a British station.
– I think the Prime Minister misunderstood one part of my question. In view of the proposed erection by the Imperial Government of a high-power station in Great Britain, designed to serve Australia, among other places, will the Government reconsider the proposal to build an independent station at the expense of the Australian Commonwealth, thus avoiding duplication and competition between two stations?
– I think there is a misapprehension in the honorable member’s mind. It was never contemplated that the reciprocal stations, either in Great Britain or in Canada, should be built at the expense of the Australian taxpayers. Concerning the British station, I said that the whole position is fortunately modified by the intention of the British Government to erect a long-distance wireless station, but we shall have to ascertain if, while catering for the other Dominions, it will be able to give us the traffic facilities we may require.
– Is it a fact that, in calling for tenders for the Australian wireless station, the specifications have been so drawn, and the time allowed so limited that other competitors are practically shut out, and a monopoly given to the Marconi Company?
– That is not the position at all. No company is shut out, either by the time limit or the conditions of tender. I understand that some complaints have been made, but that no representation has been addressed to the company on the matter. If any company that desires to tender for the services’ we require feels that the time allowed is too short, or that the specifications contain conditions that cannot reasonably be complied with, the obvious and proper course is to make representations to that effect. I can give the honorable gentleman an assurance that the fullest consideration will he given to any representations of that character. I want to emphasize this point, because I understand there has bee;1 some sort of political agitation in connexion with the matter.
page 297
– I ask the Minister in charge of repatriation whether, before the House rises to-day, he will explain why a motor car held by a returned soldier named Eric Christian, and for which h« paid £375, was seized and subsequently disposed of by the Repatriation Department for the sum of £46 ?
– I cannot at once give the honorable member the information he desires, but if he will lay the facts <of the case before me I will give him a reply by letter.
page 297
– Prior to my leaving Sydney, members of the Stock Exchange, which I pass a good many times when I am in that city, appeared to be greatly perturbed in mind as to what the Government intend to do in the matter of floating a new loan. Their anxiety would doubtless be increased by the statement made last night by the Treasurer that it is the intention of the Government to borrow over £100,000,000. I ask the Treasurer whether Parliament will be given an opportunity to deal with the question of war loan obligations, which is one of the most serious problems we are called upon to face.
– In reply to the honorable gentleman, I shall be very pleased to look into the whole matter to which ho refers.
page 297
– In view of the large loss of revenue through the exemption of locally raised State loans from Commonwealth taxation, will the Treasurer consider during the recess the question of protecting the revenue against this leakage and, if need be, introduce a Bill for that # purpose?
– The Government are giving earnest consideration to the whole question of loans and taxation.
page 297
– Will the Prime Minister cause close and careful inquiries to be made in America and a report furnished, preferably by the Australian Trade Commissioner of the United States, as to the circumstances in which an American financial firm namely, R. J. McClelland & Company, Incorporated, of New York, after having appointed the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank to be its Australian trustees or agents, defaulted at the last moment in regard to its agreement to purchase £275,000 worth of debentures for the development of Kendenup, in the State of Western Australia, where closer settlement is gradually being successfully established ny seventy soldier settlers? When a report has been furnished, will the honorable gentleman make it available to Parliament? Cannot something he done to prevent even large financial institutions abroad from breaking their contracts with people in the Commonwealth ?
– I shall look into the facts, but I gather from the question that this is a private transaction in which the Commonwealth Government are in no way concerned. If, however, on investigation it is found that action can be suitably and properly taken by the Government, we shall do whatever is necessary.
page 298
– Can the PostmasterGeneral say how many intending subscribers are awaiting telephone service in the metropolitan area, and what period must elapse before persons now applying for service in the Melbourne central area will be connected?
– I cannot answer the question off-hand. I am looking into the whole matter of telephone services, and shall make a statement on the subject later.
page 298
– Will the Prime Minister lay on the table of the House, or otherwise make available for inspection by honorable members, the report of the auditors on the dealings of the Expropriation Board in the Mandated territories ?
– I shall consider the honorable member’s request. I think there will be no difficulty in making the report available.
page 298
– Will the Prime Minister endeavour to visit Western Australia during the recess. particularly for the purpose of inquiring as to the necessity of building a railway to serve the great North- Western and Kimberley districts of that .State?
– It is my fixed determination to visit Western Australia before the House meets again if I can possibly arrange to do so.
page 298
-Will the PostmasterGeneral consider as a matter of pressing urgency the construction of a new building for postal and telephonic purposes at Lakemba, New South Wales ?
– I shall inquire into the matter. It is impossible to carry in one’s mind the whole of the postal requirements of the Commonwealth.
page 298
– In view of the fact that the House is about to go into recess for an indefinite period, will the Prime Minister afford me an opportunity to-day of moving a most important motion standing in my name upon the notice-paper, regarding the early assembling of this Parliament at its proper place, Canberra?
– I have the utmost sympathy with the honorable gentleman, and if the exigencies of the situation permitted, I would afford him the opportunity he desired; but I regret that it is not possible for me to do so.
page 298
– Can the Minister for Works and Railways inform the House as to the probable date of the opening £ vim new General Post Office in Perth?
– I shall make inquiries and let the honorable member know the answer.
page 298
– Will the Prime Minister promise that, when placing a Supply Bill before the House in the next session, honorable members will be allowed more than two hours in which to consider it, so that, if we discuss Supply, we may not be charged with delaying the payment of public servants’ salaries?
– We shall certainly give honorable members more than two hours in which to consider a Supply Bill, and I think the honorable member ought to be confident of that without asking, because he will remember that last year, when I was Treasurer, honorable members had an almost unlimited opportunity to discuss Supply, but the whole time was occupied by motions of censure, and the merits of the Bill itself were never mentioned.
page 299
– In view of the fact that the Government have definitely decided not to renew the existing sugar agreement, will the Prime Minister indicate when a Board will be appointed to make inquiry as to what Tariff duty should be imposed upon imported raw sugar? Will the honorable gentleman avail himself of the first opportunity of visiting the sugar districts of Queensland, in order to gain first-hand information regarding the industry?
– To the first part of the question I can give no answer, but I will certainly take the earliest possible opportunity of visiting Queensland.
page 299
– Will the Minister for Trade and Customs consider the advisability of extending the operations of the Board of Trade to Western Australia?
– The honorable member has made representations to mc regarding this matter, and I am now favorably considering the extension of the Board of Trade’s operations to Western Australia and some of the other States.
page 299
– Will the Treasurer give the House an assurance that during the recess the Government will take into consideration the advisability of issuing a loan to redeem those war loans which at present are exempt from federal taxation?
– The matter will receive consideration.
page 299
– Is it the intention of the Government to appoint a High Commissioner for Australia in the United States of America, and, if so, will the Government give the House an opportunity of discussing the proposal ?
– The question of appointing a High Commissioner for the United States of America is obviously one that would have to be considered by the Government as part of its policy. As t« the second point, I am afraid I cannot give the honorable gentleman the assurance he asks for. If it is deemed necessary to appoint a High Commissioner, it is probable that the Government will have to take prompt action, and if anything were done, the Government would, of course, be responsible to Parliament.
page 299
– Can the Prime Minister give the House any information concerning the contract entered into between the Commonwealth and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, and say if the company is fulfilling its contract to erect oil reservoirs in Australia?
– I cannot make any statement on that subject just now. My advice is that the terms of the contract are being complied with. The whole question will be considered by the Government.
page 299
Appointment of Select Committee
– As I shall not have an opportunity of submitting the motion that appears under my name on the noticepaper, I should like to know if, during the recess, the Prime Minister will give favorable consideration to the appointment of a Committee, to consist of seven members, representing both sides of the House, to inquire into and report upon the alleged non-fulfilment of the verbal undertaking given to the House by the Minister for Trade and Customs, prior to the passing of item 275 of the Customs Tariff on the 9th November, 1921, as reported on pages 1253S and 12539 of Hansard for the session 1920-21 ?
– I gather from the honorable member’s question that it is suggested that some undertaking by a former Minister for Trade and Customs has not been carried out. The Government will look into the matter, and will take whatever action may be deemed necessary. I have no knowledge of the point he has raised.
page 299
– Can the Prime Minister say if it is a fact that owing to improved arrangements made for .the production and transport of phosphatic rock from
Nauru Island, there has been a considerable reduction in the cost of the raw material for the manufacture in Australia of superphosphates, and, if not, can he inform the House and the country when there will be a reduction in the price of this very important commodity in the interests of our producers?
– I can give no information on the subject off-hand, but if the honorable member so desires I shall make the necessary inquiries, and communicate with him.
page 300
– Is the PostmasterGeneral aware that his predecessor promised to provide improved postal, telephonic, and telegraphic facilities for the residents of the division of Grey, and, if so, will the Postmaster-General carry out those promises?
– I can only look into these matters, and do my best to give them full attention.
page 300
– Is it the intention of the Government during the recess to dispose of the Commonwealth dockyard at Cockatoo, and, if so, will the Government, before any definite action is taken, call Parliament together in order that the matter may be discussed and a decision arrived at?
– The Government is considering this activity just as other Government activities are being considered. No decision in the matter has been arrived at.
– Before we go into recess, will the Prime Minister give the details of the offers received by the Government for the purchase of Cockatoo Island Dockyard?
– I understand that some offers have been made, but I cannot give details at the present time. The honorable member will realize that when a question of this sort is under consideration it is not advisable to give such information, and thus enable possible buyers to know what offers have been made-
– OLD-AGE AND INVALID PENSIONS.
– I have a motion on the notice-paper for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the operations of the Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act, and I should like to know whether the Prime Minister will take that Act into consideration with a view to rectifying anomalies and increasing the statutory limitations prescribed in section 24. Further, will the honorable gentleman treat this as a matter of urgency?
– The matter is already under consideration, and has been sub; jected to most searching inquiry during the last few months. As I said the other day, the Government hope at an early date to be able to make an announcement in reference to the relaxation of some of the regulations, which, possibly, in the past have worked unfairly and unjustly towards certain pensioners.
page 300
– Some time ago it was announced that the Government intended to build seven new light-ships, and I would like to know whether this work will be carried out at the Williamstown yard?
– I shall be very glad to obtain the information and communicate with the honorable member.
page 300
Enlistments Without Authority
– Is it. a fact that certain Commonwealth public servants, who enlisted for active service without the consent of the Public Service Commissioner, have by way of punishment been deprived of their service seniority, and, if so, will the Prime Minister con”sider the advisability of rectifying this injustice ?
– I shall look into the whole matter, and see what the position is.
page 301
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
What is the relative naval strength in ships of (1) Great Britain; (2) United States of America; (3) Japan, in the event of the (a) ratification and (b) non-ratification of the Washington Treaty?
Mr. GROOM (for Mr. Bowden).The answer to the honorable member’s question is as follows: -
page 301
asked the Minister for
Trade and Customs, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 301
asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -
– The Deputy PostmasterGeneral has furnished the following information: -
page 302
Indorsement by Parliament .
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Is it a fact that, owing to the scandals in connexion with recommendations for the granting of honours by His Majesty the King, a Committee was appointed by the British Government, consisting of Lord Dunedin (Chairman), Lord Denman, a. Henderson, M.P., Sir Evelyn Cecil, M.P., Sir George Marks, M.P., and the Duke of Devonshire, to make inquiries before any honours are recommended to be conferred by His Majesty the King, and that the following recommendations have been made: -
If such a report has been made, will the Government make provision that before honours are recommended from ‘Australia they shall receive the indorsement of the Commonwealth Parliament?
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
page 302
asked the Treasurer, upon notice -
In view of the promise given by the Minister for Defence and other Nationalist candidates during the recent election campaign, that the allowance of old-age and invalid pensioners who are inmates of public institutions and hospitals in New South Wales would be increased from 2s. to 3s. per week as from 24th December, 1922, will the Treasurer make the necessary amount available, and issue instructions for the immediate payment of such increased amount in conformity with the promise given?
– In conjunction with other questions relating to invalid and old-age pensions, this matter - is receiving the consideration of the Government, and an announcement of the decisions reached will be made as soon as possible.
page 302
Preference to Returned Soldiers
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
In view of the representations made by the secretary of the Returned Soldiers’- Association, will the Government give further consideration to the appointment of the Public Service Superannuation Board, keeping specially in view the policy of preference to returned soldiers?
– The Government’s policy of preference to returned soldiers was adhered to in this, case, and the Government cannot see its way to reconsider the decision.
page 302
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
In view of the repeated cabled statements - showing general dissatisfaction in connexion with the existing state of affairs re the Empire Exhibition, 1924, and having in mind the protest of Australia’s High Commissioner urging that Empire supplies should be used in the erection of and provided for use during the Exhibition, and, further, the large amount of money to be incurred in the representation of the Commonwealth, will the Prime Minister give some information” as to the position now existing as regards these matters, and also as to the site for the Commonwealth buildings, and as totheir design?
– The answer to the honorable member’s question is as follows : -
Advice has been received from the High Commissioner to the effect that he has succeeded in securing an undertaking from the Chairman of the Executive Council that provision will be made in all contracts and in every way possible for Empire materials only to be used in the construction of the exhibition building, and for Empire products only to be used at the restaurants, and no exceptions will be made unless it be certified by the British authorities and the Dominions’ representatives that such Empire products are not available.
Site. - A site of a total area of 246,600 squa refect has been secured, centrally situated.
The design of the Commonwealth building has been intrusted to Mr. Oakeshott, the Commonwealth representative in London, who is working in conjunction with the Commonwealth authorities in Melbourne.
page 303
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
What work is now being carried out -
If the factories, plant, and machinery at these places are not now being fully used, will he at once make arrangements for these factories to manufacture equipment for the Postal and other Departments?
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
page 303
Reportof Tariff Board
asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s question are as follow: -
page 303
asked the AttorneyGeneral, upon notice– -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 303
Rates - Water Services
asked the Minister for Works and Railways, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 303
asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon. notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: - 1 and 2. Payments to growers are made hy. and on the entire responsibility of the States. Any assistance the Commonwealth Government can render to enable the various Pools to be wound up will be given.
page 304
Arbitration Court Decisions
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
Does ‘he approve of the action of the Military Board >in applying the decisions of the Arbitration Court to a section of the Permanent Forces, whilst the persons affected a.rc denied the right to appear before thu Court?
Mr. GROOM (for Mr. Bowden).The questions evidently refer to the Corps of Armament Artificers. At the request of the members of this corps that they should receive the rates in force for their trades ,in outside -establishments, those rates were taken as a guide in fixing their pay, as from 1st July, 1921. This meant at that time, and until recently, a substantial increase in pay, but recent awards have reduced the outside trade rates, and the rates for armament artificers have been reduced accordingly, but not ‘below the trade rates. The corps is essentially a part of the Permanent Military Forces, and therefore they cannot be permitted access to Arbitration Courts, and their pay must be regulated by regulations and rulings approved by thu Minister.
page 304
Transfer of Staff
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
Whether he will take the necessary steps to transfer the Instructional Staff and cadets at present in training at Duntroon Military College to the Naval College, Jervis Bay, and thus effect economies in accordance with the Government’s policy of economy?
Mr. GROOM (for Mr. Bowden).The question of future policy with respect to the Naval and Military Colleges will receive the early consideration of this Government.
page 304
Overweight Bags
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Will he institute inquiries, and inform the House of the result, concerning the overweight bags of wheat, according to the standards adopted at Port Pirie, South Australia, consigned as follows: - 6 th September, 1021. - Wheat sent to the s.s. Eastern Planet from Adelaide Milling Company, Laura, truck No. 646 containing bags weighing 201, 202, 203, and 205 lbs.; and truck No. 2236, one bag weighing 205 lbs. 23rd November, 1921. - Received at No. 1 hold of the s.s. Bembridge, from Orroroo, one bag weighing 214 lbs. 22nd November, 1921! - A truck of wheat sent to the Baltic Stacks, containing twenty bags of wheat, weighing from 213 lbs. to 216 lbs. each. 9th January, 1922.- Received at No. 4 hold of tile s.s. Boverie four bags of wheat weighing 201, 202, 206, and 211 lbs., and 11th January, one bag of wheat weighing 245 lbs. 16th January, 1922. - Received at No. 1 hold of the s.s. Dyatalawa, one bag of wheat weighing 245 lbs. 17th January. - From one truck of wheat (110 bags) twenty bags weighing more than 200 lbs. each. 11th January. - Truck No. 4042, from Laura, South Australia, five bags weighing 202, 204, 206, and two at 209 lbs. each.
– Inquiries are being made into this matter.
page 304
asked the Treasurer, upon notice -
– As Parliament has placed the management of the Australian Note Issue in the hands of an independent Board, I regret I am not in a position to answer these questions.
page 305
asked the Treasurer, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
page 305
Payments
asked the Minister for (Works and Railways, upon notice -
What are the names and classified positions in the Department of Works and Railways of the officers compensated under the Defence Retirement Act 1922, and the amounts paid or to be paid by way of compensation in each case?
– The particulars are as follow: -
Robinson, G. E., chief clerk, Naval Works Branch, Melbourne, £1,077; Thorne, E. H., accountant, Naval Works Branch, Melbourne, £473; Cooley, H. J., clerk, Naval Works Branch, Melbourne, £375; Abercrombie, J. McG., clerk, Naval Works Branch, Melbourne, £293; Pugh, C. S., clerk, Naval Works Branch, Melbourne, £278; Macoboy, H. R., clerk, Henderson Naval Base, £252; Davidson, V. R., clerk, Henderson Naval Base, £288; Laing, W., clerk, Henderson Naval Base, £214. Total, £3,250.
page 305
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : - 1 and 2. As the correspondence is still proceeding, I think it would be inadvisable tt> publish it in extenso at present.
page 305
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Home and Territories, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 306
Barbers’ Shops
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Is it a fact -
If so, will ‘he endeavour to arrange that, wherever possible, foodstuffs (such as biscuits, sweets, jams, and pickles) and other goods which are sold in these shops shall be of Australian origin?
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : - 1. (a) Yes.
See answer to (b).
page 306
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Whether the present Government has considered the question of the Henderson Naval Base, Cockburn Sound, and, if so, has a policy regarding that important matter ‘been agreed upon ?
– The matter is bound up with the whole question of naval defence policy, which is now receiving the consideration of the Government.
page 306
asked the Minister for
Trade and Customs, upon notice -
What sum has been received by the Customs Department as duty on sulphur since the imposition of the duty’ on 31st March, and what were the tonnage and value of the sulphur -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
Duty received since 31st March, 1922, £60,116.
page 307
Stocks of Stores, Uniforms, Etc
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 307
Spahlinger Treatment
asked the Minister for Health, upon notice -
– The answers are -
page 307
asked the Minister for . Defence, upon notice -
What is the relative fighting value of H.M.A.S. Adelaide in comparison with the latest light cruiser in the Royal Navy, more particularly that- class to which H.M..S. Effingham, belongs?
Mr. GROOM (for Mr. Bowden).The following is a comparison of the two vessels : -
page 307
Duty on Tobacco.
asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -
Whether the long-established custom in the Royal Navy of selling tobacco duty free to officers and ratings might not be followed in the Royal Australian Navy and under the same rules and restrictions as apply in the Royal Navy?
– There is no power to remit duty payable on goods consumed in Australian waters.
page 307
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
– Advice has been received from the High Commissioner’s Office to the effect that the War Office states that an order for 900,000 tins of corned beef was placed with a South
American firm, as the prices quoted by Australian firms did not admit of the order being placed with them.
page 308
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
page 308
Mr. LAZZARINI (for Mr. A, GREEN’ asked the Treasurer, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 308
Collection of Income Tax
asked the. Treasurer, upon notice -
Whether the Government will consider the advisability of collecting the Federal income tax from officers and ratings in the Royal Australian Navy, as in the Royal Navy, by the necessary deductions being made in the ships’ ledgers, and paid to the Taxation Department by the Naval Board, the accountant officers of the ships being responsible for such deductions?
– Yes. There is, however, nothing to indicate that this course would be agreeable to the taxpayers concerned, and there certainly has been no demand from them for the intervention of the Naval accountant officers in the manner suggested.
page 308
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
Mr. GROOM (for Mr. Bowden).The answers to the honorable member’s questions ure as follow : -
page 309
asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice -
Mr. GROOM (for Mr. Bowden).The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
page 309
Govern ment Apt-ointments - Offences Against White Women;.
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Whether early consideration will be given to the filling of the positions of Government Secretary and Director of Agriculture at Rabaul, mandated territory of New Guinea’?
– The question of filling these positions is now receiving consideration.
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
In view of the many cases reported of natives of the mandated Territory of New Guinea having forced their way into the bedrooms of white women, and the attempted interference with these white women by such natives, will urgent consideration be given- to the amendment of the criminal code by Ordinance empowering a Judge - of the Territory to order a whipping, on conviction for such an offence, and for other grave offences to be specified, such order’ to be countersigned by the Administrator?
– The matter is receiving consideration.
page 309
Treatment of Passengers
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: -
page 309
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Will the Government, before any action is taken to change the control of the Commonwealth Line of Shipping, place such proposal before the House for an expression of opinion?
– Any action taken by the Government will .be subject to ratification by Parliament.
page 310
– On the 1st March the honorable member for Forrest (Mr. Prowse) asked the following questions, upon notice -
I am now in a position to furnish the honorable member with the following replies : -
This large total was due, to some extent, to stocking up in anticipation of the operation of the duty on sulphur.
page 310
Indebtedness to Great Britain
asked the Treasurer, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -
The discharge of the debt is arranged for in an agreement which provides for an annual payment of 6 per cent, upon the original indebtedness of £92,480,156. This payment covers interest at the rates already stated. The balance of the payment is applied towards the redemption of the debt, which under the arrangements will be extinguished in 1956, or thirty-three years hence.
page 310
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow: - 1.. One-third of the interest on the developmental loan of £6,000,000 for a period of five years.
page 310
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Whether, in order to increase production, the Government will give a guarantee to wheatgrowers of 4s. 6d. per bushel in order to encourage the putting of a greater area under cultivation this year?
– ‘This question involves a matter of policy, on which it is not considered advisable to make a pronouncement at the present time.
page 311
asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -
Whether the Government is prepared to financially assist distressed land-holders in New South Wales to purchase wire-netting in order to protect their holdings against the encroachments of the rabbit pest?
– This is a matter which concerns the State Government of NewSouth Wales.
page 311
– On 28th February the honorable member for Adelaide (Mr. Yates) asked the following question: -
Will the Minister for Defence lay on the table, or make available to me, the evidence taken at the inquiry into misleading information given to this House in regard to my war services. .
I am now in a position to inform the honorable member that the report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the services of ex-Gunner Yates in the Australian Imperial Force, together with the minutes of evidence, was laid on the table of the House on 29th September, 1920 (vide Hansard, page 5086).
page 311
asked the
Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -
Whether he will lay on the table of the House the whole of the Tariff Board’s reports in connexion with the duty on sulphur, and also a copy of the terms of the submission by the late Minister for Trade and Customs to a Special Committee of the question of the Electrolytic Zinc Companies’ agreement, and the report thereon by the aforesaid Committee?
– The following is the full text of the papers mentioned in the honorable member’s question : -
The Tariff -Board has very carefully considered the question whether the duty on sulphur should be further deferred after 31st instant. All the papers on the subject have been carefully perused, and representatives of the mining and superphosphate interests have been consulted.
There can be no question that the imposition of this duty will be of immense importance to the mining industry, and should provide work to a great number of men as well as transport service for our idle ships, and the Board has no hesitation in recommending that the duty should be imposed as from 31st March, 1922.
WALTER LEITCH, Member Tariff Board.
HERBERT BROOKES, Member Tariff Board.
The file of correspondence alluded to is as follows : - 15th May, 1922.
In reply to your request for the names of the members of the Committee appointed at the Conference held on 21st April last, to inquire into and report to the Minister on the question of sulphur and superphosphate, I beg to inform you that the following were the members appointed: -
Primary Producers. - Mr. W. G. Gibson, M.P., Parliament House ; Mr. T. J. McGalliard, President, Chamber of Agriculture.
The function of the committee is to inquire into the disputes that have arisen between certain parties as to the interpretation and carrying out of the undertaking given through the Minister for Trade and Customs to the House at the time the Tariff was passed, and also by reason of later developments in connexion with supplies of pyritic ores by the Mount Lyell Company, with a view to arriving at a satisfactory arrangement for the use of pyrites and other sulphide ores in the production of sulphuric acid for the manufacture of superphosphates.
Yours faithfully,
President, Austn. Industries Protection League, 376 Collins-street, Melbourne. 415 Collins-street, Melbourne, 25th May, 1922.
I beg to advise you that meetings of the Committee appointed by the Conference on the 21st April last were held at 415 Collins-street on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th May.
Present : Mr. T. j. McGalliard (in chair), and Mr. W. G. Gibson, M.H.R., representing the agricultural interests; Messrs. W. F. Cuming and Burns Cuming, representing superphosphate manufacturers; Messrs. Colin Fraser and Thos. Haynes, representing sulphur producers; and Mr. Ambrose Pratt, Secretary.
The attached letter re functions of Committee was read by the secretary. It was decided -
It was decided to inquire what the increased cost of superphosphate would be to the farmer as a result of the duty of £2 10s. per ton on sulphur.
It was agreed that on the basis of utilizing imported sulphur this would be equal to 5s. per ton. Providing, however, that the arrangements (now in progress) for the supply of locally produced sulphur are completed satisfactorily, the increased cost, while remaining at 5s. per ton in Western Australiawould be only from 2s. to 3s. a ton in the other States.
It was further agreed that a substantial reduction in the price of superphosphate would! take place owing to the lower cost of phosphate rock, wages, &c.
Consideration was given to the insurance benefits Australia would receive by the establishment of sulphur production in the Commonwealth in time of war, and representatives of the mining companies gave an assurance that no advantages would be taken of war conditions should they arise.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Yours faithfully,
I enclose herewith a report of the findings’ of the Committee you directed to inquire into- the position with regard to sulphur required in the manufacture of superphosphate. The findings in the report, signed by me as chairman on behalf of the Committee, were unanimous, and were arrived at on the information supplied by manufacturers of superphosphate and sulphur producers. This information was- placed at the disposal of the Committee with the greatest freedom and candour. An additional or minority report subscribed to by Mr. Gibson and myself is added in the form of a protest against the increase in the price of superphosphate to the farmer as a result of the duty on sulphur.
Yours faithfully,
As representatives of the primary producers, we beg to submit a minority report, placing on record our opposition to a further impost on one of Australia’s greatest industries - wheat growing - land upon those rural industries in which superphosphate is used, over 400,000 tons being used annually in Australia.
To-day superphosphate of the same analysis is sold in South Australia at £5 10s. per ton (lists enclosed). At the meeting to-day the calculations were based on the Victorian price of £6 3s. per ton. One South Australian firm advises that the duty on sulphur would mean 7s. per ton increase, not 5s.
We consider it no part of the farming community’s duty to hear the whole burden of establishing the industry of sulphur production. Such cost should be borne by the whole community.
Duty on Sulphur.
In connexion with the action taken to pro tect the local production of sulphuric acid in Australia, the Tariff Board desires to submit the following particulars for the information of the Minister: -
The following notes further explain the position in the various States: -
Victoria. - All the sulphuric acid required in Victoria for the manufacture of superphosphates canbe supplied from the large supplies of pyrites available in Tasmania.
The Mr Lyell Company is arranging to use only pyrites immediately its supply of sulphur is exhausted. The firm of Cuming, Smith and Company were making arrangements to use pyrites from Tasmania. The firm has half, of its burners in position, but action has been taken to buy further sulphur, and the erection of the remaining half of the burners is not being proceeded with at present. Mr. Cuming has, however, notified the Board that as soon as his present supply of sulphur is sufficiently reduced he will operate one-half of his burners on Tasmanian pyrites, and should he ascertain that they are cheaper to use than sulphur obtained overseas, plus the duty, he will continue to use pyrites.
The Mr Lyell Mining Company is willing to supply all manufacturers of superphosphates in Victoria with Tasmanian pyrites at the same price as that charged to the Mr Lyell Superphosphate Company.
The price of sulphur, however, has been further reduced in the United States, and the Board is cabling to America to ascertain whether the price charged to Australia agrees with the price for domestic use in the United States.
It will be noticed that an amount of 1,200 tons of sulphuric acid has been deducted from the Victorian total available. The sulphur representing this quantity is required by the Explosives Company, who can use only sulphur in the manufacture of explosives, but all the other companies in Victoria can obtain pyrites from Tasmania if so desired.
New South Wales. - There are only two companies in New South Wales manufacturing superphosphates. The Australian Fertilizers Company at Port Kembla have been using New Guinea pyrites. Recently they have ordered 1,200 tons of Mr Lyell pyrites from Tasmania, and_ should this trial prove successful, these pyrites will be used in future.
The Sulphide Corporation at Cockle Creek is making arrangements to use only locally-made raw material, mostly zinc concentrates, and will not import sulphur. This corporation is installing a costly contact plant at Cockle Creek, which will manufacture high grade pure sulphuric acid, which Bhould meet practically all the requirements of the industries in New South Wales now uBing sulphur.
South Australia. - The largest works in this State are the Wallaroo and Mr Lyell Fertilizers Limited - at Wallaroo and Port Adelaide. This company manufactures almost half of the output of the State, and supplies its ownsulphuric acid from Australian raw material. The Electrolytic Zinc Company is installing at Port Pirie a plant to make sulphuric acid to cost about £80,000. The company has entered into an agreement with the Adelaide Chemical Works to supply the latter with all the sulphuric acid they need, at the same cost as the acid is supplied to the other company. A similar offer has been made to the Cresco Fertilizers Limited, and negotiations are proceeding, but the Cresco Company appears to be keeping the matter open in the hope that some relief may be obtained in the remission of the duty when the foreign raw material will be continued. lt is understood that half of the sulphuric acid required for South Australia is being supplied, and the whole of the requirements will be available in eleven months from 1st October, 1922.
Western Australia. - This is the only State where, under present conditions, the whole of the local supplies of raw material are not available. About 35 per cent, of their sulphur requirements is being obtained by one of the manufacturers from pyrites mined in Western Australia, and experts believe that there are sufficient pyrites available in the State to meet all the requirements, but their use is precluded owing to transport charges.
The only solution advanced to the Board has been to grant the manufacturers of superphosphates in Western Australia the use of sulphur free of duty. The Board considers this would be an unconstitutional proceeding, and, in addition, it believes the most satisfactory method of meeting the position would ‘be by taking action to assist the manufacturers in obtaining their pyrites within the State. This could be done by the State Government granting as reasonable railway rates as possible on pyrites, and, if necessary, the Commonwealth Government could assist by granting a bounty to enable the manufacturers to meet the extra cost through railway and other charges. The manufacturers concerned have expressed their willingness to take early action to obtain local pyrites if possible, provided some relief in transport charges is granted. While in Western Australia, the Board will discuss this matter with the Premier, in the hope of arriving at a satisfactory solution. In Queensland and Tasmania, no superphosphates are manufactured. Queensland draws her supplies from New South Wales, and Tasmania from Victoria.
From the foregoing explanation, it will be seen that practically 71 per cent, of the total requirements of sulphur is available from locally produced materials, and when the present plants now being erected are completed, and the arrangements suggested by the Board in Western Australia are made, the whole of the sulphur requirements for the manufacture of superphosphates will be produced in Australia, and. further, the Board desires to emphasize that all supplies at present available are offered at uniform prices to all companies.
Price of Imported Sulphur and Local Sulphuric Acid. - It is understood by the Board that the price of sulphur before the war was £4 7s. 6d. per ton. It is, however, now being quoted to Australian buyers at £4 4s. per ton from the United States, although other countries have been charging much more. Adding £2 10s. duty to the price stated, and the total is £6 14s. per ton. The Mount Lyell Company has offered the Victorian companies pyrites at a price the company states is equal to £5 17s. 6d. per ton of sulphur. The companies in New South Wales (with one exception), and South Australia (with one exception) are to be fully supplied by locally-produced sulphuric _ acid. Pyrites from Tasmania will not be supplied to those States except to one company in New
South Wales, which will receive the same offer as the Victorian companies. The one exception in South Australia is now considering an offer from the Electrolytic Zinc Company to supply sulphuric acid at the same price as that supplied to the other companies in South Australia. The actual price arranged in South Australia for the sale of locally produced sulphuric acid is the equivalent of £6 per ton of sulphur, and as the companies have already made the agreements, it is concluded these must have been on a satisfactory basis, as no complaints of any kind have been made. The price of £6 is an estimate, and the Zinc Company has undertaken, wherever possible, to reduce costs, in which event any saving will be passed on to the manufacturer of superphosphates.
Price of Superphosphates. - Last year’s price for superphosphates was: - Victoria, £6 3s. per ton; South Australia, £5 10s. per ton. From the 1st July last the price has been reduced to: - Victoria, £5 10s. per ton; .South Australia, £4 6s. per ton.
The Victorian manufacturers have yet to fix their price for the coming season, and the Board believes that a further decrease of 5s. per ton will be considered. The prices would then be - Victorian, £5 5s. per ton; South Australian, £4 6s. per ton.
It is very satisfactory to note that notwithstanding the imposition of the duty on sulphur, substantial reductions have been made in the price of superphosphates for the coming season, thus disproving the contentions of the opponents of the duty that it would increase the price.
The Board is waiting to hear the price fixed by the Victorian manufacturers for the coming season, and unless a further satisfactory decrease is made on the £5 10s. per ton, the Board will certainly recommend to the Government that investigation be made under the Tariff Board Act to ascertain whether the manufacturers are not charging an unnecessarily high price for their goods.
Recommendation. - In regard to the supply of sulphur for the manufacture of superphosphates in Western Australia, the Board recommends that inquiries be made to ascertain whether the difficulty in the supply of pyrites from the local mines in Western Australia could not be overcome.
The Board believes that the present supply can be further developed, provided the State and Federal Governments assist in the development of the supply of pyrites by granting assistance in freight. This will prove of greater national advantage in developing local industries, and avoid the spending of money on foreign sulphur, thus making Australia independent of outside supplies.
With the concurrence of the Minister, the Board will negotiate on this matter with the Government of Western Australia during its proposed visit to that State.
Hebbebt BROOKES. Member Tariff Board.
Superphosphates. - Sulphur (subject to the condition that the Minister is satisfied in respect of . each importation, after inquiry and report by the Tariff Board, that sulphuric acid made in Australia is not obtainable for the manufacture of superphosphate in the manufacture of which particular importation of sulphur is to be used, and subject further to security being given that the sulphur will be used in the manufacture of such superphosphate) .
Tariff Board’s Recommendation. - The Bylaw will permit the admission of sulphur to be given under item 404 for the manufacture of superphosphate in those cases where satisfactory evidence is furnished that locally produced sulphuric acid is not obtainable, each application to be decided individually on its merits.
The result will be to relieve the users of superphosphate of any unnecessary extra charge arising from the duty on sulphur, especially in those States where the local manufacturers are not yet in a position to supply sulphuric acid. The latter companies recognise the necessity of making a concession to meet the special position.
The Tariff Board recommends that a By-law in the above terms be approved.
The present position in regard to the production of sulphuric acid in Australia for the manufacture of superphosphates is as follows: -
New South Wales. - One company is exclusively burning pyrites from the Mr Lyell mine in Tasmania. This practice will be continued under any circumstances as the residue of the burnt pyrites is required by the adjoining related company for use as a flux in the smelting of copper.
A second company is erecting a contact add plant at Cockle Creek to manufacture sulphuric acid from zinc ore concentrates from Broken Hill. This’ company will also supply pure sulphuric acid to users for other purposes than the manufacture of superphosphates.
Victoria. - Mr Lyell Company is burning pyrites from Tasmania to obtain sulphuric acid. Cuming Smith and Company are at present using sulphur, but are almost immediately utilizing eight burners for burning pyrites from Tasmania. On the result of this trial will depend whether pyrites only shall be used.
It is understood the other companies have not yet utilized pyrites, but are continuing the use of sulphur.
South Australia. - The three companies in South Australia have definitely entered into agreements covering a number of years with the Electrolytic Zinc Company for the latter company to supply sulphuric acid obtained from ore concentrates from Broken Hill mines. The supply of this sulphuric acid will not be available until October or November next except for one company. In the meantime approval has been given for the two other companies to obtain any sulphur required free (British Preferential Tariff) or 10 per cent. (General Tariff), to enable them to continue manufacturing.
West Australia. - Although the Tariff Board has made every effort to obtain a local supply of sulphuric acid from pyrites for the two companies in West Australia, their efforts have failed. Approval has been given for these companies to obtain their sulphur free (British Preferential Tariff) or 10 per cent. (General Tariff) for the present, and until some other development takes place- This arrangement results in a refund to the farmers of about 4s. for the past year.
There arc no superphosphate works in Queensland or Tasmania.
page 315
Motion (by Mr. Bruce), by leave, proposed -
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-21, the following members be appointed members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, viz.: - Mr. Mackay, Mr. Jackson, Mr. R. Cook, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Mathews, and Mr. Blakeley.
– I do not oppose the appointment of the Committee, but I ask the attention of the House to the fact that if more consideration is not given by the ‘ Government to the reports and recommendations of our permanent Committees, the whole business of their appointment will be a farce. For months I have sought to obtain information concerning the payment by the firm of Kidman and Mayoh of the amount specified in the award of the Arbitrator, Sir Mark Sheldon. Time after time I have placed my question specifically upon the noticepaper, but I have not yet secured any satisfaction. The whole affair constitutes a grave scandal.
– Cannot the Government inform honorable members whether the money has been paid ?
– The late Administration and the present Government have told us nothing. The shipbuilding scandal associated with the firm of Kidman and Mayoh has had the attention of Parliament for about two years. The Public Works Committee minutely inquired into the contract, and presented a report, with recommendations. What has been the outcome?
– I am prepared to give the honorable member an answer.
– Order ! I would point out that the matter specifically raised by the honorable member for Hume is scarcely relevant to the motion for the appointment of the Public Works Committee.
– I do not intend to touch upon the merits of the case. This Committee is a very useful and valuable body if its reports and recommendations are accepted and put into effect. If its work is to be ignored, however, the appointment of a fresh Committee becomes more or less farcical. As for the specific matter which I have just indicated, after the Works Committee had given its verdict, a secret Commission was appointed. Sir Mark Sheldon was given the task of making a fresh and secret investigation.
– The agreement provided for the appointment of an arbitrator.
– The Public Works Committee, of which the honorable member was Chairman, subsequently carried a. resolution condemning the Government for having appointed this secret Commission. Senator Newland, Deputy Chairman of the Public Works Committee, who was a supporter of the Government, voted in condemnation of their action in having secretly appointed Sir Mark Sheldon. I mention the fact to show that the matter was dealt with by the Committee in a non-party spirit. Sir Mark Sheldon’s finding, which I consider to be unsatisfactory, was to the effect that the sum of £76,000 should be paid to the Government by Messrs. Kidman and Mayoh. Many months have passed. The Government have not received the money; and, so far as I can learn, they have taken no action to give effect to the secret Commissioner’s award.
Mr.Richard Foster. - Is the honorable member sure?
– I have persistently done my best to gain assurance in one direction or another, but I have always been asked to postpone my questions. I can only draw my own conclusions. I want to learn something definite before the House rises. The whole business has been hanging about too long. Nearly £80,000 is involved, and, although that is much less than the amount which the Government should have been awarded, Messrs. Kidman and Mayoh should be compelled to pay. Parliament is entitled to know what the Government have done, or propose to do.
– I have only to state that the Government took immediate steps to call upon Messrs. Kidman and Mayoh to pay the amount specified in the finding of the Arbitrator. The firm raised certain legal objections, and asked the Government if they would consent to the reference of the award back to the Arbitrator. The Government refused, and insisted upon standing by the specific terms of the award. They had made a demand for the payment of the sum involved. That is precisely how and where the matter stands to-day.
.- It is about twelve months since the Arbitrator gave his decision.
– Nothing like twelve months !
- Sir Mark Sheldon made known his award to the Government at least ten months ago. He showed that this shipbuilding firm had absolutely robbed the Australian people of thousands of pounds, and that it was building ships which, if they were manned and put to sea, would imperil the lives of Australian seamen. Yet the Government now say that all they have done has been to demand payment of the amount specified. Why should there have been months of delay? Is the whole unsatisfactory situation due to the fact that the members of the firm are friends and supporters of the Government and of the Anti-Labour party? Is that the reason why they have not been promptly called upon to make good?
– I desire to learn whether the honorable member for Dalley is in order in discussing the specific matter of a shipbuilding contract and an Arbitrator’s award in connexion therewith when the. question before the Chair concerns the appointment of the Public “Works Committee?
– I intimated to the honorable member for Hume (Mr. Parker Moloney) that, in referring to other subject-matter, he was treading upon dangerous ground. I was about to utter the. same warning to the honorable member for Dalley. However, as this is the last, day of the session, I am not interpreting the Standing Orders strictly, but am. allowing honorable members a little latitude. I trust that that latitude will not. be abused nor the circumstances regarded as a precedent.
– I appreciate your ruling, Mr. Speaker, and will endeavour not to transgress. But the affair which has been alluded to constitutes a grave scandal, and should be very strictly handled by the Government. During the last Parliament the present Treasurer (Dr. Earle Page) bitterly attacked the Government, and accused them of being a blundering business Administration. The critic is now at the head of the Treasury himself. How many more weeks does he intend to add to the ten months’ delay since the award of Sir Mark Sheldon was announced? Does he propose to consent to further indefinite postponements of settlement?
– This House should not permit the Government to reach the haven of recess until something definite has been done. The decision of the Arbitrator, following full investigation and report by the Works Committee, was of a straight-out character. There can be no excuse for postponing its enforcement. A definite statement of policy in this matter should now be forced from the Prime Minister.
.- To prevent a wrong impression being created I, as Chairman of the last Works Committee, might be permitted to say one or two words in regard to Mr. Kidman’s connexion with this contract. As faras we could learn, Mr. Kidman simply came forward and gave his name and money for the purpose of helping a national scheme of shipbuilding. 1 am sure that honorable members opposite agree with what I am saying. It should not be considered that Mr. Kidman was responsible for. what I look upon as the evil work that was carried out.
– I am very glad that the honorable member for Swan (Mr. Gregory) has said what he has with regard to Mr. Kidman’s position. I want to assure the House that the Government are quite clear and definite in their intention that this money shall be collected.
– When?
– We shall collect it without any unnecessary or unreasonable delay. 1 think honorable members can accept the assurance of the Government that they are going on with this matter with expedition ; they are only trying to arrange the matter in the best way, without inflicting undue and unnecessary hardship upon a ‘ man who undoubtedly came into this business to assist us at a time when we were very anxious regarding the question of national shipbuilding.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
page 317
Motion (by Mr. Bruce), by leave, agreed to -
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Committee of Public Accounts Act 1913- 1920, the following members be appointed members of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts: - Mr. Bayley, Mr. Marks, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Paterson, Mr. Fenton, Mr. West, and Mr. Makin.
page 317
The following Committees were ap pointed (on motion, by leave, by Mr. Bruce) : -
Hughes, Sir Elliot Johnson, Mr. Latham, Mr. Maxwell, Mr. C. McDonald, Mr. Pratten.
Mr. Speaker, The Prime Minister, the Chairman of Committees, Mr. Charlton, Sir Elliot Johnson, Mr. C. McDonald, Dr. Earle Page.
page 318
Motion (by Mr. Bruce), by leave, proposed -
That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Kenton, Mr. Foster, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Marr, Mr. Prowse, and Mr. Watkins be appointed members of the House Committee; three to form a quorum.
.- “Some of the older- members of this House are anxious to know what powers are possessed by the members of this Committee, who runs the Committee, and whether its members are answerable for the supposed acts of the Committee. Last session we had to perform the disagreeable task of passing what some people might regard as very rude remarks in reference to the acts of this Committee. Many members found it hard to believe that there could be returned to Parliament such an autocrat as was one of the gentlemen who sat on the Committee. Certain members of the Committee claimed the right to call a meeting and decide what should be -done. You, Mr. Speaker, will have a place on this Committee, and I want yon to see that it is not run by one individual - who, it appears, lost his head when he was given a place on the Committee. It is a funny thing that some persons, when they obtain authority, think they are going to rule the universe. T. hope that these remarks of mine will have the effect of altering that state of affairs. If it is not altered we shall have the time of- this Chamber occupied at some future date in calling atention to the matter - and you, Mr. Speaker, will be one of the culprits unless you carry out the will of this House. I have no desire that that should take place. I hope that you will assist the members of this House’ to see that- the work done is sanctioned by the Committee, and not by any particular -individual who for the time being considers himself to be the monarch of all he surveys.
.- I would like to see this Committee given more power. No man should be employed, dismissed, promoted, or degraded without the knowledge and consent of the members of the Committee, who are answerable for such acts. If it is to be otherwise, the members of this Commit- ipo will be mere marionettes.
The other day a man was brought before a Court in one of the suburbs and charged with having endeavoured to raise a testimonial to himself. He had not been very successful; he had apparently succeeded an raising only 3s. 6d. It came out in evidence that he was an employee of this establishment. It also transpired that he had three children, and that he was receiving a salary of £3 14s. per week.
– I have nothing to say regarding the merits or demerits of his offence. It is not creditable that men who receive the emoluments we receive should pay such a miserable salary to men employed in this establishment. In some cases the employees here do not come within the scope of the Arbitration Court or of Wages Board awards. These matters do not come to the knowledge of honorable members. The Speaker or the President takes it upon himself to dismiss one individual, promote another, reduce this one and advance that one. Not until afterwards do the members who form the Committee find that these discreditable things have been done behind their backs. No man can occupy a position on this Committee without a clear understanding that he will not be merely one of a number of marionettes sitting round u table, but will insist that nothing shall bc done behind his back. Honorable gentlemen on both sides of the House ought to make sure that nothing is done by the gentlemen in charge without their knowledge. And they ought to see that no man employed in Parliament receives less than he would receive outside. While we members of Parliament set an excellent example in regard to our own salaries, we ought also to set a not less good example in regard to the poorest men who work in this establishment.
.- I rise to amplify and support the remarks of the honorable member for Bourke (Mr. Anstey). I was a member of the House Committee at one period when the question of waiters’ salaries came before us. We raised them by 2s. 6d. I was told that we had been misinformed ; that the men were not being paid as much as they would receive outside. Another meeting was called, and we did the right thing. We raised their salaries a little beyond that fixed by the “ dagoes “ in Bourke-street. I was well satisfied at the time, but a week or more elapsed, and I found that one of the waiters had been discharged. In this way the money expended in bringing the salaries up to a level commensurate with the dignity of this institution was more than saved. I raised my objection to the man’s dismissal, but the autocrat of the Committee would listen to no protest. He maintained that he had a right to dismiss the man, and he sidestepped me - ‘I presume, knowing what his activities have been since - by telling me that the waiter was a temporary hand, and in ordinary circumstances would not have been there. I then put the question, “Why did you have him at all?” He replied to the effect that it was thought expedient at the time. In that way one man in the establishment was made to pay for the increases in wages received by all the others. I am not stating a fictitious case of what might happen on the House Committee, but I am informing the House of what actually did happen. I hope that every member of the Committee will insist upon being a live factor in its work, and will not leave his task to one or two others who happen to be in a position to act without the knowledge of the Committee.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
page 319
Presentation of ADDRESS-IN-REPLY
– In accordance with custom, the mover and seconder of the motion for the adoption of the Address-in-Reply are asked to accompany the Speaker and other honorable members to Government House to present the Address to His Excellency the Governor-General.
Sitting suspended from 12.35 to 2.20 p.m.
-I have to report that this afternoon, accompanied by honorable members, I waited on His Excellency the Governor-General, and presented to him the Address-in-Reply to His Excellency’s Speech at the opening of Parliament, which was agreed to by the House of Representatives this day, and that His Excellency was pleased to make the following reply: -
I receive with much pleasure the address which has been adopted by the House of Representatives in reply to the Speech which I delivered on the occasion of the opening of the first session of the ninth Parliament of the Commonwealth, and desire to thank you for your expression of loyalty to His Majesty the King.
page 319
The following papers were presented : -
War Service Homes Act - Land acquired under, in New South Wales, at Tamworth.
Iron and Steel Products Bounty Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1923, No. 13.
page 319
.- (By leave.) - I move -
That in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-21’, the following work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing ‘ Committee on Public Works for its investigation and report thereon, viz.: - Erection of provisional Parliament House buildings, Canberra.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act I lay on the table plans of the proposed works. The proposal, as expressed in the sketch drawing submitted, is for a group of buildings of light brick and concrete construction in accordance with views elicited from the President, Mr. Speaker, and officers of Parliament, in which the functions of legislation may be conducted until such time as it may become possible to proceed with the erection of the permanent construction of the whole building which was at one time contemplated. The buildings now projected thus conform to the advice tendered in its first general report by. the Federal Capital Advisory Committee. The site for which the buildings have been planned lies in front of that proposed in the approved city plan for the permanent Parliament buildings. On this site the provisional buildings will enjoy in considerable degree the same central relationship to the general development works of Canberra, as these progress, as the originally contemplated monumental Parliament House would have done. In this position also the provisional buildings, after their occupation by Parliament, might for a term of years be conveniently used as departmental offices. The buildings are designed on simple lines, but in order to meet the varied requirements of Parliament are necessarily somewhat extensive. To assist the Parliamentary Committee in its investigations, full information respecting the projected work will be furnished in evidence. The cost of the proposed works, which include all relative engineering services, but exclude furnishings and fittings, is estimated at £174,000.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
page 320
Provisional ADMINISTRATIVE Office Buildings.
.- (By leave.) - I move -
That in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-21, the following work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for its investigation and report thereon, viz. - The construction of provisional administrative offices with accessory engineering and other services at Canberra.
This project is for the erection of a group of separate single-story buildings for Departments on a site north of that proposed for the provisional Parliament House buildings. The group as planned will consist of twelve separate office buildings, and a refectory and recreation building of light timber-frame construction, also two buildings of brick construction to accommodate functions and records whose preservation from fire is important. The proposal is thus on lines recommended by the Federal Capital Advisory Committee in its first general report, that temporary buildings be provided to do duty until the time arrives when it may be expedient to erect . permanent structures. After service as offices, the proposed buildings may be eventually removed for use as schools, dwellings, stores, &c. The Advisory Committee’s report contemplated that by the time Parliament meets at Canberra, some 140,000 feet of floor space will be requisite for Departments. The proposal now submitted will contribute about 84,000 feet of that estimated space. Further office accommodation is intended to be provided as may be required in a similarly planned group of buildings in a correspondingly’ relative position to the east of the site suggested for the provisional parliamentary buildings. Full particulars regarding the proposal will be detailed in evidence before the Parliamentary Committee. These office and other buildings, according to the sketch drawings now submitted, including relative engineering services, are estimated to cost about £135,500.
.- I am delighted that at last some effort is being made to push forward the construction, of the Federal Capital at Canberra. I have not much confidence in the Advisory Committee, because I have never considered the members of it big enough for their’ jobs. We were told that Parliament could not assemble at Canberra in less than four years. I direct the attention of honorable members to the time occupied in the erection of the Exhibition Building in Sydney in 1879, and the Exhibition Building in Melbourne in 1888. The former was completed, and occupied within nine months of the “footing” being laid. The construction of the Melbourne building occupied twelve months, the longer period being accounted for by the fact that the annexes were built in brick and cement. This building was supposed to be of , only a temporary character, but it has been erected for thirty-five years, and is still, giving great service to the community. The State Parliament meets in one wing, another is utilized for the purposes of an Aquarium, and other parts of the building are used in various ways for the benefit of the people of Melbourne. Knowing something about the erection of buildings, I believe that a parliamentary building at Canberra of the same size as the Melbourne Exhibition Building could be completed within two years. I repeat that the members of the Advisory Committee have never been big enough for their jobs. The foundations of the Federal Capital at Canberra were laid under the direction of Mr. O’Malley, who was Minister for Works in a Labour Government, and he made all necessary provision for light, water, heat, and sewerage. Whenever a complaint was made in Parliament about the progress of work at Canberra, the Minister immediately sent a “chaser” among the depart- mental officers, and in this way he speededup the work. Since he left office there has been no earnest attempt on the part of those in charge of these works, either Ministers or officers, to hurry on the building of the Capital City. About £2,000,000 has been spent at Canberra, but the Commonwealth has value for the money; not a penny has been wasted. I hope that henceforth more energy will be infused into the creation of the Capital, so that at the earliest possible date Parliament may assemble there in circumstances that will be conducive to good legislation and administration in the interests of the Commonwealth. I feel strongly on this matter, irrespective of the fact that I am a New South Wales representative. The anxiety of the people in my State is not so much that the Federal Capital should be in New South Wales as it is that the Commonwealth Parliament should be able to do work of a national character, which is not possible in the parochial atmosphere of Victoria. I have some knowledge of the opposition which the Minister has to meet in this matter. I know that the last Minister for Works and Railways (Mr. Foster) met with” opposition from the Cabinet, but I hope that the present Minister will be big enough for his job, and not allow anything to interfere with the progress of this work, which is so essential in the interests of the Commonwealth.
.- In supporting the motion for the reference, to the Committee of the proposal for provisional buildings at Canberra, I desire it to be understood that I take it that the motion leaves open, the questions whether it is wise to have any provisional buildings at all, whether the buildings, if any, should be of a permanent character, or whether, on the other hand, in view of the financial condition of the Commonwealth it is desirable at present to have any buildings at all.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
page 321
(By leave). - I move -
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee
Act 1913-21, the following work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for its investigation and report thereon, viz. - The erection of officers’ hostel, Canberra.
The proposal is to erect one of the hostel buildings for single officers and married officers with small or no families, which the Federal Capital Advisory- Committee recommended in its first general report. The site selected for the buildings is near Brisbane-avenue, about halfamile south-east from the location proposed for the provisional parliamentary buildings. The hostel, as planned, provides bedrooms for 100 persons, with necessary sitting and eating rooms, and requisite accommodation for staff, &c. The design is of simple character, and light construction of brick and timber is intended. It is considered desirable to erect the buildings in two sections - the first section to accommodate eighty persons only. The estimated cost of this first section, including relative engineering services, is about £39,000. I lay on the table the plans, &c.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
page 321
Mr. Gregory brought up the report, together with minutes of evidence, of the Public Works Committee on the proposed erection of Commonwealth Offices, Brisbane.
Ordered to be printed.
page 321
Motion (by Mr. Bruce) agreed to -
That the House, at its rising, adjourn until Wednesday, 28th March, 1923, at 3 o’clock p.m.
page 321
Cockatoo Island Dockyard - German Residents in South Australia - Boy Immigrants - Wireless Agreement.
Motion (by Mr. Bruce) proposed -
That the House do now adjourn.
– I desire to obtain from the Prime Minister (Mr. Bruce), before the House adjourns, some information as to the actual position in connexion with the offers for the purchase of the Cockatoo Island Dockyard, . Sydney. This morning, in reply to my question, which I think is of some importance to the people of Australia, he said it was not considered proper that the information should ‘be made public. I should like to know if tenders for the purchase of the Dockyards were advertised publicly, or is this latest action of the Government merely another of those secret, behind-the-back movements for which the last Nationalist Government were so notorious. Here we have a Commonwealth activity, worth considerably over £2,000,000, and apparently it is to be disposed of privately. The people are to know nothing about the transaction. If it is the policy of the Government to sell these State activities, at least it should be done openly. Everything should be above-board. We want none of those secret aud keep-it-dark methods of the previous Government. If we are going to dispose of these Government, concerns our intention should be advertised to the world at large, and the highest tenderer should have the opportunity of purchasing. There should ‘be no opportunity for friends of the Government and enemies of Labour to get in behind the back of Parliament, and secure these valuable business assets. I protest very strongly indeed against anything being done by the Government in this secret manner. Weil do we remember the present Minister for Railways (Mr. Stewart) and the present Treasurer (Dr. Earle Page) assailing the last Government, of which the Prime Minister was Treasurer, for smothering up transactions, and keeping dark matters that should have had the light of day thrown upon them. Of course, we hear no words of indignation from them now, because they are responsible Ministers of the Crown. The people have a perfect right to know what the Government propose to do. We are all aware, of course, that the Government intend to get rid of these Commonwealth activities, but I object very strongly to the manner in which they propose to accomplish their end. I leave the matter now in the hope that the Prime Minister will take the people of the Commonwealth into his confidence. He cannot ‘lightly pass over an important matter like this, and withhold information from the public.
– I wish to refer to a matter to which I have frequently drawn the attention of honorable members. It has- to do with one of those problems that are the result of the war. I make an appeal on behalf of some of the numerous German residents in South Australia, whose position certainly deserves consideration. I have in my mind, particularly, the case of a lady, who now is in very poor health, and whose husband was deported, leaving her charged with the responsibility of supporting her little daughter. She is an. Australian, and she married this German in all good faith. It is now beyond her strength to support the child, and she is thrown on the world with no one to assist her. Her husband was taken away from her without any explanation as to why he was to be deported - I presume, to Germany.
– That was quite a common occurrence; I know of several cases.
– Then the obligation on the Government to do something to relieve the position of these people is all the greater. Those for whom I am speaking had no hand in bringing about the war; indeed, I doubt whether this lady, even in the defence of her husband, ever acted or spoke in a way to call forth any charge of disloyalty. Today she is dependent upon charity, and she naturally comes to me as one of the representatives of the State in the Parliament which governs the lives of the citizens in matters Federal. Now that the war is over, and we have a “ composite “ Government, which is not bound to the fetishes the worship of which kept the previous Government in power - and the days of wild screaming hysteria, . are passed - I think it is time we displayed true British spirit and expressed our willingness to be friends with an opponent if he is prepared to be friends with us. A great proportion of the people affected are Aust ralian - born, and certainly did nothing to injure the Commonwealth, and it is time that the Government should ask itself whether it is really “ playing the game.” I have been a commercial traveller in my time, and in that capacity visited the German towns and villages of South Australia, where I became acquainted with many estimable gentlemen in. business there who were highly esteemed by the firm by which I was employed. These men displayed honour, integrity, and probity - all those qualities which, are regarded as the mainstay of the country’s commercial life - and I have been asked by some of them to speak on their behalf in this Chamber. In one case I made an attempt to get an. accused man a trial, but was unsuccessful, and, as a matter of fact, in the majority of instances there was no legal procedure of the kind. One of the accused, as decent a little man as ever lived in Australia, had a trial, and he was sent to the Liverpool Camp, where he died during an epidemic. These residents are taxed in order that the laws under which they have been accused may be enforced, and, at the same time, they are exposed to venomous taunts . about having been “behind the wires.” They desire an opportunity to prove to the world that they were detained, not for what they said or did, but, as in the case of the political offenders in England some sixty or seventy years ago who were sent for seven years to Tasmania, as an example and deterrent to others. I do not cavil at people being interned for the safety of the Commonwealth ; but I think the Government might, in the majority of cases, make a declaration that it was thought expedient at the time that these gentlemen should be arrested. Perhaps the Government thought that they might be imbued with the sentiment which actuated the poet when he said -
Breathes there the man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land. ‘
I suggest that the Government give favorable consideration to the position of these people and go through their records, sifting, out those cases in which the evidence was mere hearsay, or the result of scheming by persons who desired that certain people should be got out of the way. The honorable member for Angas (Mr. Gabb) has told us of one German resident in South Australia, whom I know, who is prepared to give £400 to the War Memorial Fund of the town in which he resides, if he is” given such an opportunity as I suggest. This German is a prominent business man, and I know him and his family well. I regard him as a decent man in himself; whether he was carried away by sentiment regarding the country of his origin, I know not but, in any case, all he desires is to clear his character before his friends and his family, which is now in the second generation. The children of such, men are the future citizens of Australia, and it is only fair that any unjuststigma placed upon their parents in war-time should be removed.” I take no side on the question whether the treatment of these people at the time was just or unjust; but I should be failing as a fairminded Britisher, and as one who fought in the war, if I did not regard generously men who suggest that they have been penalized, and did not give them a “ square “ go. I hope^ the Government will take a “ big “ Australian view of this matter, and see that justice is done.
– I desire to take this opportunity of correcting a statement made last night by the honorable member for Cook (Mr. C. Riley), who, in discussing the question of immigration, said that he had been informed that a number of boys brought to Australia under the Dreadnought scheme, who were employed on dairy farms on the north coast of New South Wales, were being sweated, as they were paid only 5s. per week. I know the honorable member was making the statement on information supplied ; but I wish to inform - him, and other honorable members, that I am in a position to authoritatively deny the accuracy of his assertion. I am a member of the council in New South Wales which receives these boys in Sydney, and at the last meeting of that body it was mentioned that not a single complaint had been received from boys who had been brought out under the scheme. Honorable members are probably aware that the lads are taken from conditions which, unless they came to> Australia, would necessitate their drifting into overcrowded professions and blind alleys in Great Britain. Here they are placed in positions where they can carry on useful work under healthy conditions. The only communications about them that we have received have expressed thanks and appreciation for the help received.
– What wages are they getting?
– Usually 30s. per week and keep.
.- I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to put the position as it appears to me in respect to the wireless agreement, concerning which I addressed some questions to the Prime Minister (Mr. Bruce) this morning without notice. On the question of fact, he and I do not seem to be quite in agreement. The wireless agreement, as honorable members will probably recall, was designed for setting up a wireless system by mutual obligations incurred by the Commonwealth and a certain company, and was executed some time in March of last year. As a result of discussion in this House and the subsequent inquiries made by a special Committee of this Chamber, of which I was a member, whose duty it was to inquire into the practicability of the scheme and the wisdom or otherwise of the Government becoming a partner with the company, we decided against the draft agreement submitted, but a majority of the Committee favoured entering into another agreement, which, although vitally amended in many particulars, was still, from my point of view, objectionable. That agreement contains, amongst other things, a covenant by the Company - paragraphf of clause 5 - which reads - To provide the main trunk stations in Australia and the United Kingdom within two years from the date of this agreement.
Paragraph g reads -
To arrange within two years from the date of this agreement for the erection and operation of a station in Canada capable of commercial communication with the high-power station in Australia, and so equipped as to afford facilities for distributing traffic throughout North America.
Clause 12 of the agreement refers to the paragraphs quoted, and reads -
The company shall, within six months after the date of this agreement or within such extended time as the representatives of the Commonwealth on the Board may approve, enter into an agreement providing for the erection and operation of the stations men tioned in paragraphs (f) and (g) of clause 5 of this agreement. The agreement shall contain guarantees of such a nature and to such an amount as are approved by the Commonwealth representatives on the Board of directors for the provision of a direct commercial wireless service between Australia and the stations in the United Kingdom and Canada.
What the company had to . do within six months or such further time as was conceded to them was not done, and the extension granted has almost expired. I understand, from the answer given to me by the Prime Minister this morning, that if representations were made to the Government, they would most favorably consider a proposal to further extend the time. I suggest that in the circumstances time might very well be regarded as the essence of the contract, and that the opportunity presented under this clause might be taken advantage of to withdraw from an agreement which is likely to cost the Commonwealth a great deal of money without assuring it . any corresponding gain or advantage.
– Can we do it?
– Yes. We should not exercise the discretion of granting’ an extension of. time when the company has failed to do what it should have done within the time prescribed in the agreement and the further extended time. Now is our opportunity. It is curious that this Government, which has set its face so strongly against Government enterprise which is in competition with their old friend, private enterprise, should nevertheless see fit to place £500,000 of public funds into the moTe or less discreet hands of this moneymaking company, when the better opinion in Great Britain, and the better opinion in Australia, as represented in this Parliament, on this side of the House particularly, is now in favour of making wireless communication, if not a Government monopoly, at least a Government enterprise. We have gathered from the «ables that the British Government has decided to erect, as a Government enterprise, a high-power station capable of serving the needs not only of this country, but of practically the whole of the civilized world. I suggest to the Prime Minister that the action of the British authorities is a broad hint worth taking. We could erect our own high-power stations in Australia as a Government enterprise in line with the Government station on the other side of the water, and withdraw from this money-making company, controlled as it is by the great Marconi Trust, which is desirous of exploiting the Commonwealth in the company’s interests. Instead of making the erection of high-power stations in the Commonwealth a Government enterprise, just as the Post Office and wireless has hitherto been exclusively a Government undertaking, this company is permitted to call for tenders for the erection of a highpower station in Australia. Tenders arc being called, and on the face of it various companies and individuals may compete for the supply of the best articles at the most reasonable price; but when we examine the tender forms we find that they are skilfully drawn up, nominally by the Amalgamated Wireless (Australia) Limited, but really by the Marconi people, who will be competitors, if competition there will be. The conditions of tender are drawn up in such a way as to make it dependent upon the Marconi Company whether any tender other than their own will be accepted: In other words, it is a foregone conclusion that the Marconi Trust is to erect the high-power station in Australia, if it is to be erected at all, at it3 own price and upon its own terms. I am informed by a correspondent, who is well known, and whose views coincide with my own that -
When Amalgamated Wireless Limited signed the wireless agreement, it was generally anticipated that if they were compelled to call for tenders, these would be of such a nature that the contract for the erection of the Australian station would be safe for the Marconi Company. This was evident from the fact that within a few weeks after the signing of the agreement, Amalgamated Wireless Limited despatched a member of its engineering staff to London, in order that he might become acquainted with the Marconi apparatus. That officer is still in London. Proof of their intention was further evident from the announcement by the Marconi Company in the English press, to the effect that the Australian highpower station would be erected by them.
Amalgamated Wireless Limited signed an agreement which stipulated that they would arrange for the provision of reciprocal stations in England and Canada. They were given six months in which to complete negotiations, but were unable to do so. They were then allowed a further six months, and although the extended term has almost expired, they have still proved unequal to making these arrangements, and at the end of the present month the Government will be approached for a still further extension. Notwithstanding this, Amalgamated Wireless require tenderers to undertake the very work which they have been unable to perform, and allow only ten weeks in which to do it.
In the first place, according. to the agreement, the negotiations with other Governments are strictly the business of Amalgamated Wireless, and it is absurd to include these functions in a tender which it was intended should relate to the erection of the Australian station only. Being unable to carry out the duties which they contracted to perform, they now endeavour to throw the onus of responsibility on some other company. This is merely another move to prevent other firms from tendering. Secondly, the time limit of ten weeks is ridiculous. Even were the other conditions of tender, reasonable, there is plainly no chance in the world of any company being able to tender in this time.
The Marconi people are publicly stating in London that the high-power station is to be erected by them, although the tenders have not yet ‘been received. Pot nearly twelve months they have been endeavouring to complete the negotiations, and now they have the cool impertinence to insert in the conditions of tender that tenderers for the work must conclude the negotiations that are proper work for the Amalgamated Wireless Company itself, and not for the tenderer for tho high-power station here. By the time the House re-assembles the extended time given to the company will have expired, and tho discretion that the Government enjoy as to whether or not the time is to be further extended will have been exercised. I think I VOl Co the opinion of a united party on this side of the House in repeating the protest we made previously against committing tho Commonwealth to any further extent in connexion with this undertaking. We say that the action of the British authorities in proceeding to equip a high-power station on the other side of the world as a Government concern should be an additional incentive to us to equip our high-power station as a Government enterprise in Australia. As I stated in my minority report, we should not allow ourselves to become a joint of the tail of the Marconi Trust. The Leader of the late Government (Mr. Hughes) was strong in his condemnation of trusts and combines of the nature of the Marconi Trust. In common with other honorable members I explained on a previous occasion how far this Trust’s ramifications extended, even into exenemy countries; but, leaving out altogether the question of ex-enemy territory - I cheerfully leave it out at all events - the fact remains that this gigantic Trust is playing with the Commonwealth. It may be said that the company stands to lose or gain just as the Commonwealth does; but that is not a fact. If the tenders are examined it will be seen that the Marconi Company is free from all responsibilities, but stands to be a gainer in the use of its apparatus in experiments in long-distance wireless telegraphy, and in a variety of ways that were eagerly sought for by the representative of Marconi here. It is a very curious and unhappy fact that the gentleman who is in England to-day expounding this matter on behalf of the Commonwealth and of the Amalgamated Wireless Company, Mr. Fisk, was absolutely distrusted - I think I am justified in saying this - by the majority, if not the whole, of tha members of the parliamentary Committee. I was one of those who distrusted him. It is a sorry state of affairs that we should be made his instruments for the glorification of the Trust instead of maintaining our independence in this truly national matter, and. securing to Australia inalienable rights, not associated with any other country, in the best interests of the Commonwealth as a whole. I do not expect the Prime Minister (Mr. Bruce) to promise me to withdraw from the agreement, but whether he does so or not, I take this opportunity to record my protest, and I. feel sure I may say also the protest of every honorable member on this side of the House.
– I think I should say a word or two in reply to the honorable member for Batman (Mr. Brennan) regarding the position of the Amalgamated Wireless Company in relation to tenders for the station to be erected in Australia. Throughout the negotiations for establishing a long-distance wireless system here, the honorable member has hardly done himself justice. He certainly did not do so in the action he took as a member of the Committee of this Chamber that went into the question. And he has not done himself justice by the way in which he has put his case to the House. I would remind honorable members that the honorable member for Batman sat on the Committee and concurred in all that was done by it. There was not one member who believed that the honorable member would refuse to sign the Committee’s recommendation. Every other member of the Committee has publicly expressed the view that he had not a shadow of doubt as to the attitude that the honorable member for Batman would adopt. But as soon as its recommendation was framed he repudiated the whole action of tha Committee and put in a minority report. I do not wish to traverse the history of this matter, but I would remind the House of the attitude adopted by the honorable member on a previous occasion with rergard to the wireless scheme. Since then he has consistently endeavoured to cast doubt and suspicion upon the arrangements made, not by the Government alone, but by Parliament. The honorable member for Batman said that his attitude had been indorsed by the whole of his party. That is only partly correct. When this matter was discussed in Parliament, such indorsement was given; but it is also true that one of the representatives of the Labour party - the then honorable member for Cook (Mr. Catts), who was a member of the Parliamentary Committee, concurred in the. decisions of the Committee. I can quite understand, of course, that honorable members opposite would now dissociate themselves from any responsibility for what the former member for Cook said and did. I attach importance, however, to what the Leader of the party, the honorable member for Hunter (Mr. Charlton), also said and did. He studied certain proposals for altering the agreement which the honorable member for Cook had prepared for submission to the Committee, and he- indorsed them, remarking that they safeguarded the position. That fact should be remembered. The honorable member for Batman now says we should refuse to grant an extension of the tendering period, and so make it impossible for the company to proceed. Such an attitude might commend itself to a lawyer, but it is not one which would appeal to any responsible and respectable business man. The Amalgamated Wireless Company is carrying out the contract into which it entered, and, for the Government to say at this stage, when tenders- have been called for, and the date of their return publicly advertised, that they wish to get out of the arrangement, would be absolutely dishonorable. I need only add that the Government have no intention to so express themselves.
As for the actual tenders, the Government are determined that they will not hand this wireless business over to the Marconi Company, or to any other body. The Government have specifically so instructed their representative directors on the Board of Amalgamated Wireless, and are determined that the expressed wishes of the Committee of this Parliament shall be carried . out. Whoever erects the Australian stations will do so for the sole reason that they have been the successful tenderers in an open field.
The honorable member for Batman read a letter and said that as the sentiments were identical with his own, he would refrain from mentioning the name of the writer. If the letter was not actually written, it was inspired, by a rival company. Many other honorable members have received similar communications. This practice, by tho way, is, in the special circumstances, altogether improper. . The position which the company responsible for the letter adopts is that the period of tender is inadequate. The company maintains, further, that one or two of the technical conditions are impossible of fulfilment. If the company which says that it .desires to tender is really in earnest, it should have taken an obvious course. Instead of circularizing members of Parliament, the writer should have applied to the company’ which invited the tenders for the erection of the wireless station, and pointed out that the time was too brief. He should have pointed out at the same time also that certain of the conditions were such that they could not be technically complied with. Had that course been followed the Board would have considered his representations; and, with respect to the matter of time, there would not have been the slightest difficulty in1 providing for an extension.
As for the objection that tho successful tenderer would be required to provide for reciprocal stations in Canada and Great Britain, I may say that the Board made that provision for the obvious reason that it would be absurd to proceed with a station here if it -could not get into communication with the other side of the world. The Amalgamated Wireless company was under an obligation, .in the terms of the contract, to see that reciprocal stations were provided. However, the position in regard to those oversea stations has now been changed, and in a very satisfactory manner. The British Government, during the past few days, have announced that they are proposing to erect a station in Great Britain which will be capable of communicating with all the Dominions. They have also stated that) under proper control, they will grant licences to private enterprise to erect similar stations. Thus the task of placing Australia in wireless communication with the world should be made very much more simple. Also, the Board of Amalgamated Wireless now finds itself in a position in which it should be able to make arrangements for reciprocal stations. The Government have -been in consultation with their representatives on the Board, .and they have made certain suggestions to them which should have the effect of removing any objection on the part of a tenderer that his’, company would have to undertake the erection of reciprocal stations elsewhere.
I ask the House to view the whole (matter most carefully and seriously, .and to disregard the clouds of suspicion which hove emanated from interested persons. Wireless communication with the outer world is all-important to Australia.
The honorable member for Dalley (Mr. Mahony) ha9 completely misunderstood the position with regard to Cockatoo Island Dockyard, and in advance has attempted to frame the policy of the Government.
– That ought to be welcomed.
– From some quarters, but not from the honorable gentleman. He said we are going to dispose of tho dockyard. We have never said anything of. the sort. That matter has to be. considered, and when we’ meet’ the House again we will inform it what -we are going to do. The honorable member made some rhetorical remarks about “ murky dealings,” and inquired if tenders have been asked for the purchase of Cockatoo Island Dockyard. They have not. The late Government had nob as part . of its policy the disposal of Cockatoo Island Dockyard, and this Government has not declared any policy for disposing of it. How could we ask for tenders when we had not proposed to dispose of it? That is the first difficulty in which the honorable member is placed. It is perfectly truo that a number of off era have been made for the purchase of the dockyard. The honorable member says that details of those offers should he furnished to the public to let them know what the position is. I suggestthat that is quite wrong. When there is any proposal to dispose of Government property, the matter of what offers have been received, or of what action has been taken to dispose of it, is obviously one that the public are entitled to know all about. But if people make the Government offers for various public assets of which the Government have no intention of disposing, have we to publish a daily list of all those wild offers - even that made for the building in which this Parliament is now housed? To do so would be absurd, and the honorable member knows it.
The honorable member for Adelaide (Mr. Yates) referred to the position of Germans in Australia. That is a question of very great doubt and difficulty, : and it is receiving the serious consideration of the Government. There are innumerable applications from relatives of residents in Australia who are desirous of getting into the Commonwealth. All these are being given the fullest consideration, and the Government are endeavouring to mete out equal and fairhanded justice to all the people who are applying to be allowed to come in, whatever their origin may be.
Question resolved in the affirmative..
House adjournedat 3.34 p.m.
Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 March 1923, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1923/19230309_reps_9_102/>.