House of Representatives
29 May 1941

16th Parliament · 1st Session

  1. House of Representatives
  2. 16th Parliament
  3. 1941

Mr. Speaker (Hon. W.M. Nairn) took the chair at 2.30 p.m., and read prayers.

page 48

BOOTHBY ELECTORAL DIVISION

Return to Writ: New Member Sworn

Mr SPEAKER:

– I have to announce that I have received a return to the writ which I issued on the 6th May, for the election of a member to serve for the electoral division of Boothby, in the State of South Australia, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. John Lloyd Price, and that, by the endorsement on the writ, it is certified that Archibald Grenfell Price has been elected in pursuance of the said writ.

Dr. Price made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.

page 48

QUESTION

EVICTION OF SOLDIERS’ WIVES

Sir CHARLES MARR:
PARKES, NEW SOUTH WALES

– During the last sittings of Parliament I brought to the notice of the Minister for the Interior cases of eviction from houses in the Australian Capital Territory of the wives of certain men serving with the Australian Imperial Force overseas. The Minister promised to consider the matter, and the cases that I mentioned were satisfactorily adjusted. I received to-day from a woman in this Territory whose husband has performed valiantly in a division in Egypt, a communication stating that she has been notified that unless she pays certain arrears of rent within fourteen days she will be evicted from her home. Will the Minister representing the Minister for the Interior stay the threatened proceedings, and see that the wives of absent soldiers receive fair treatment?

Mr COLLINS:
Minister without portfolio assisting the Minister for the Interior · HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– I shall bring the matter to the notice of the Minister for the Interior, and Bee that appropriate action is taken.

page 48

QUESTION

TREATMENT OF SOLDIERS’ DISABILITIES

Mr MULCAHY:
LANG, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Has the attention of the Minister for the Army been drawn to the statement published last Sunday in a Sydney newspaper, to the effect that soldiers being invalided to Australia from Palestine, suffering fromspondulitis, have been refused medical attention? Will the honorable gentleman see that all of those who are returned invalided from this war, as well as returned soldiers of the last war, receive medical attention, whether their disabilities are or are not due to the effects of war service?

Mr SPENDER:
Minister for the Army · WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES · UAP

– I have had my attention drawn to the subject-matter of the question, and shall be glad to be furnished with details of it. I am not prepared, at the moment, to commit myself in respect of the proposition that medical attention be provided in respect of all men who return from the war., whether their disability be due to war service or not, because such a proposition must be subject to some time qualification, but I am prepared to approach it in a very broad and sympathetic spirit.

page 48

QUESTION

THE WAR

Statement by Reverend Father Whelan.

Mr PERKINS:
EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Has the attention of the Minister for External Affairs been drawn to an article which appeared in the Sydney Sun on the 19th instant, a portion of which reads as follows : -

The Reverend Father Whelan, who came from Dublin, on his way to Bathurst said: “The Irish people were most anxious to keep right out of the war. They want Germany to lose,but they would not mind England getting abit of a licking just the same.

If the Minister considers that the views reported to have been expressed by Father Whelan are vile, and repugnant to all true Britishers, including Australians, will he take steps to prevent a repetition of the like, or institute other appropriate action ?

Sir FREDERICK STEWART:
Minister for External Affairs · PARRAMATTA, NEW SOUTH WALES · UAP

– My attention was drawn to the statement referred to by the honorable member. I, in turn, drew the attention of the relevant service department to it. I feel bound to say that, if the gentleman concerned, or those on whose behalf he professes to apeak, are experiencing exultation because .of the mass murder of British civilians, tho desecration of national shrines, the destruction of hospitals and infirmaries, and the sinking of mercy ships, he and they are entirely out of step with their co-religionists in Australia, many of whom have already given their lives, and others their sons, in order that Britain shall administer, not receive, a licking.

page 49

QUESTION

HOUSING FOR MUNITION WORKERS

Mr DRAKEFORD:
MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA

– Will the Minister for Labour and National Service inform me as to whether or not it is. correct, as has been publicly stated, that the Government has decided to build 300 houses for occupation by munitions workers in the Maribyrnong district, the rents for which will be from 27s. 6d. to 32s. 6d. a week? If so, has his department made any investigation of the South Australian housing scheme? If it has not done so, will he have such an investigation made, in order that homes may be built at a cost which will permit the charging of rents that the workers are in a position to pay?

Mr HOLT:
Minister for Labour and National Service · FAWKNER, VICTORIA · UAP

– It is correct that one of a number of projects upon which the Government has decided to embark is the provision of adequate housing accommodation for munitions workers in Footscray. In the very near future 300 homes will be erected in that district, but no decision has yet been reached as to what rentals shall be charged for them. That matter will be determined on the basis of the cost of the houses, which, if present plans reach fruition, will be erected under the auspices of the

Housing Commission of Victoria, a body that has had considerable experience in the construction of cheap but serviceable homes. I had the privilege, when in Adelaide last week, of investigating houses that had been constructed by the Housing Trust of that State, and a further investigation of them will be made by officers of my department in the very near future. There are certain differences between the costs of land and materials in Victoria and the costs in South Australia; but the honorable gentleman, and other honorable members, may rest assured that the action which the Government is taking will result in the economical construction of homes that will prove both adequate and congenial, and the rents charged will not be at all disproportionate to those of private homes in the neighbourhood.

page 49

QUESTION

RATIONING OF TOBACCO

Mr BADMAN:
GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I ask the Minister for Trade and Customs whether tobacco manufacturers are responsible for the present rationing of supplies of tobacco? In view of the statement reported to have been made by the honorable gentleman, namely, that supplies of tobacco will soon be available from Rhodesia, will he state whether there is any possibility of augmentation of supplies to the public? Will he also make a clear statement of the position in relation to rationing ?

Mr HARRISON:
Minister for Trade and Customs · WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES · UAP

– The rationing of manufactured tobacco is the responsibility of the manufacturers; the rationing of imports of tobacco leaf is the responsibility of the Government. The statement attributed to me that the agreement with Southern Rhodesia would result in more tobacco being made available is true to the extent that the manufacturers are prepared to purchase additional supplies of leaf in’ order to supplement what is available from other sources. The matter raised in the third part of the honorable member’s question will receive consideration.

page 49

QUESTION

POTATO-GROWERS

Mr POLLARD:
BALLAARAT, VICTORIA

– Has the Government yet formulated any plans for the relief of the potato-growers who now find themselves in a desperate plight?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
Minister for Commerce · COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– The Prices Commissioner an’d the Minister for Customs have been investigating the position closely.

page 50

QUESTION

PREFERENCE TO RETURNED SOLDIERS

Mr JOLLY:
LILLEY, QUEENSLAND

– Can the Prime Minister state whether the principle of preference to returned soldiers for employment in the Commonwealth Public Service is to be applied to members of the second Australian Imperial Force?

Mr MENZIES:
Minister for Defence Co-ordination · KOOYONG, VICTORIA · UAP

– That principle has been accepted, and the necessary steps to give it application are now under consideration.

page 50

QUESTION

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

Sir CHARLES MARR:

– Can the Minister representing the Minister for the Interior say whether, (1) the Department of the Interior proposed to erect new premises at Canberra in connexion with the administration of the Child Endowment Act? (2) Was the matter referred to the Public Works Committee by Parliament for its report? (3) Did that committee make certain recommendations in regard to both temporary and permanent buildings for the new department? (4) Has the Minister ignored the report of the committee, and is he now making arrangements to house the department in Melbourne? (5) Is an old-established firm in Melbourne to be dispossessed of its building, and its business ruined, so that accommodation may be found for the new department?

Mr COLLINS:
CP

– I shall bring the honorable member’s questions under the notice of the Minister for the Interior.

page 50

QUESTION

CONSCRIPTION IN AUSTRALIA

Mr CALWELL:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

– Will the Prime Minister take action to intern all actual or potential fifth columnists, and .other foolish persons, who are trying to destroy Australia’s war effort by advocating the conscription of Australian manhood for service overseas?

Mr MENZIES:
UAP

– I think that, on the whole, the answer is “ No “.

page 50

QUESTION

FISHING INDUSTRY

Mr BARNARD:
BASS, TASMANIA

– Has the Minister for Customs yet received the report of the Tariff 13 o ai d on the proposal to assist the fishing industry?

Mr HARRISON:
UAP

– I have not yet received the report, nor can I say when it will be available.

page 50

QUESTION

POWER ALCOHOL

Mr RIORDAN:
KENNEDY, QUEENSLAND

– Has the committee appointed to inquire into the production of power alcohol in Australia yet presented its report? If so, when will the report be tabled or otherwise made available to honorable members?

Mr SPENDER:
UAP

– The report of the committee is in the hands of the Government, and is now being considered by Cabinet. I shall discuss with other Ministers when the report is likely to be laid on the table of the House.

page 50

QUESTION

CHILD ENDOWMENT

Mr MARWICK:
SWAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Can the Minister for Social Services state whether a widowed mother, caring for her own children in her own home, who is in receipt of State assistance in respect of those children, will be eligible to draw Commonwealth child endowment?

Sir FREDERICK STEWART:
UAP

– All children under the age of sixteen, except, of course, the first, who are maintained by the mother in the circumstances mentioned will be entitled to endowment. Whether the State will continue to give the maximum assistance at the same time is a matter for the State authorities to decide.

page 50

CAMOUFLAGING OF BUILDINGS

Mr LAZZARINI:
WERRIWA, NEW SOUTH WALES

– I direct the attention of the Minister for the Army to the need for camouflaging a certain building at Port Kembla which at present stands out so clearly that it would be an easy target for attack either from the sea or from the air.

Mr SPENDER:
UAP

– The matter of camouflaging buildings has -received close attention from the authorities during the last two months. I know the building to which the honorable member has referred, and what he has said about it is correct. Special consideration will be given to the matter.

page 51

QUESTION

ADVANCE TO WHEAT-GROWERS

Mr BADMAN:

– Has the Government considered making a further advance to the growers in respect of No. 2 and No. 4 wheat pools?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
CP

– The Government is at present in consultation with the Commonwealth Bank regarding the matter.

Mr BREEN:
CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Some time ago I asked the Minister for Commerce a question relating to payments on the No. 2 Wheat Pool 1939-40, and the No. 1 Pool; and the right honorable gentleman replied that a small payment would be made. To date, a small payment, amounting to 1s..00ld. a bushel, has been made on the No. 1 Pool. Will the Minister inform the House whether it is proposed to make a further payment on the No. 2 Pool for the year 1939-40, and also in respect of the 1940-41 Pool?

Sir EARLE PAGE:

– The Government is consulting with the Commonwealth Bank for the purpose of enabling a payment to be made.

page 51

QUESTION

PRODUCER GAS UNITS

Mr SHEEHAN:
COOK, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Has the Government appointed an expert committee to advise it regarding producer gas units? If so, does the committee propose to recommend more than one make of producer unit?

Mr SPENDER:
UAP

– There are experts in the Supply Department who are qualified to specify the types that will be acceptable. I understand that several different types will be recognized.

page 51

QUESTION

BUSH NURSING HOMES

Mr RANKIN:
BENDIGO, VICTORIA

– Does the Minister for Social Services propose to extend to bush nursing hospitals the same privilege of exemption from taxation that is granted to public hospitals?

Sir FREDERICK STEWART:
UAP

– Although the matter is under consideration, the honorable member must bear in mind that the department is guided by the legislation which was recently enacted.

page 51

QUESTION

DISTRESSED WHEAT-FARMERS

Mr WILSON:
WIMMERA, VICTORIA

– Because of drought and the loss of overseas markets, wheat- growers are in a desperate plight. Will the Minister for Commerce inform the House whether legislation will be introduced for the purpose of preventing wheat-growers from being dispossessed of their holdings, because of their inability to meet their commitments?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
CP

– I shall ascertain for the information of the honorable member the degree of protection which is afforded by Commonwealth and State legislation.

page 51

QUESTION

DAIRY PRODUCE

Exports to Great Britain

Mr FRANCIS:
MORETON, QUEENSLAND

– Will the Minister for Commerce explain the position regarding the export to Great Britain of Australian dairy produce, including butter, cheese and other milk products? What quantities of each product is Great Britain purchasing and what are the prices payable for them?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
CP

– During his visit to Great Britain the Prime Minister was able to establish certain principles concerning this matter. The details of the agreement are at present the subject of negotiation.

page 51

QUESTION

COAL-MINING INDUSTRY

Mr JAMES:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

– To-day a deputation representing the coal-miners of New South Wales waited on the Minister for Labour in Canberra, and addressed to him certain complaints. Is the Minister aware that a crisis is looming in the coal-mining industry because the coalowners are wilfully and deliberately sabotaging the local boards of reference?

Mr SPEAKER:

– Order ! The honorable member’s remarks are in the nature of comment. He should frame a question.

Mr Ward:

– It is a good speech.

Mr SPEAKER:

– It would be a good speech if it were delivered at the proper time.

Mr JAMES:

– If an industrial upheaval occurs, it would not be a laughing matter. I am greatly concerned about this grave position. If I am not to be allowed to ask my question in my own way, I shall seek leave to make a statement upon it. My purpose in asking the question is to endeavour to avert industrial turmoil. In order to curtail an attempt by the coal-owners to sabotage the local board of reference, will the Minister amend the regulations relating to the powers of the board so as to prevent the owners from appealing to the central reference board upon questions that concern only the district?

Mr HOLT:
UAP

– I heard with interest the representations of members of the deputation which waited on me this morning, and I shall hear with equal interest the views of the employers’ representatives upon the matter. If any improvement of the machinery, under which the central and local district boards function, be required, and if that should involve, in turn, any amendment of the regulations, I shall, after consultation with the chairman of the board, see that consideration is given to any action that may be deemed necessary.

page 52

QUESTION

SALES TAX ASSESSMENT ACT

Mr JOLLY:

– Does the Treasurer propose to appoint a special committee of the House, as was suggested last session, for the purpose of reviewing the provisions of the Sales Tax Assessment Act before the next budget is completed ?

Mr FADDEN:
Treasurer · DARLING DOWNS, QUEENSLAND · CP

– The answer to that question appears on the notice-paper; it is in the affirmative.

page 52

WAR MATERIALS

Export to Japan

Mr MORGAN:
REID, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Last evening I directed the attention of the Prime Minister to the serious position which has been disclosed regarding the regular shipments to Japan of vital war materials, such as lead and zinc concentrates, at the rate of 2,000 tons a month. According to the British Consul in San Francisco-

Mr SPEAKER:

– Order! Will the honorable member frame a question?

Mr MORGAN:

– These materials, it is believed, are finding their way to Germany. Has the Prime Minister investigated the matter, and, if so, will he make a statement upon it? If he has not investigated it, will he do so immediately and make a statement before the House rises at the end of this week? Does the right honorable gentleman approve of the imposition of a political censorship upon the press in order to prevent criticism of the action of the Minister who is implicated in that transaction? If he does not approve, will he take steps to ensure that the censorship is lifted immediately?

Mr MENZIES:
UAP

– The whole matter is new to me, but I shall be glad to examine it and make a statement upon it.

page 52

QUESTION

PIG MEATS

Mr FRANCIS:

– Will the Minister for Commerce inform me of the exact position regarding the export of pig meats to Great Britain? Did the Prime Minister discuss this subject with the British authorities, and, if so, will he make a statement about it to-morrow?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
CP

– Details regarding exports to Great Britain for this, the second meat year of the war, have already been fixed. Total shipments to Great Britain will be approximately 198,000 tons.

Mr FRANCIS:

– -What is the position of pig meats ?

Sir EARLE PAGE:

– All meats are included in that figure. Arrangements were recently made for the shipment of the heavier types of pig carcasses, exceeding 120 lb., then in store. Pigs weighing from 80 lb. to 120 lb. are being accepted for export.

page 52

REPATRIATION BENEFITS

SirCHARLES MARR.- Months ago, a fishing trawler was lost off the coast of New South Wales and members of the crew were drowned. All my representations on behalf of their widows and children who are suffering as the result of the loss of the breadwinners have brought replies from various departments that, because of the omission of one word from the recently amended Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act, the dependants are deprived of repatriation benefits. Will the Prime Minister give urgent consideration to the necessity for amending the act, in order to make those dependants eligible to receive the benefits that it provides?

Mr MENZIES:
UAP

– I shall have the matter examined immediately.

page 53

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH MAN-POWER AND RESOURCES SURVEY COMMITTEE

Mr CLARK:
DARLING, NEW SOUTH WALES

– I ask the Minister for Defence Co-ordination whether the report which has appeared in newspapers, purporting to be the report of the Commonwealth Man-power and Resources Survey Committee, recommending that the Government establish a munitions annexe at Broken Hill, is correct? If so, what action does the Government intend to take on that report?

Mr FADDEN:
CP

– The subject-matter of the honorable gentleman’s question is receiving the consideration of Cabinet.

page 53

QUESTION

AGE LIMIT FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Mr FALSTEIN:
WATSON, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In view of the fact that it is now generally recognized that the tragedy which has befallen Europe is in some part owing to the fact that the administration of the domestic and foreign affairs of certain European countries was left in the bands of old men, I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider the holding of a referendum in conjunction with the next general elections with the object of altering the Constitution to provide that the members of Parliament and federal judges shall be compulsorily retired on their reaching the age of 65 years?

Mr MENZIES:
UAP

– The AttorneyGeneral (Mr. Hughes) has agreed to go into conference with me on the matter.

page 53

QUESTION

COPPER PRODUCTION

Mr RIORDAN:

– It was announced in the press that the Government was setting up a committee to inquire into the production of copper sheeting at Mount Morgan. Will the Minister for Supply and Development extend the terms of reference of that committee in order to enable it to inquire into the whole question of the production of copper? Will he also make arrangements for the committee to visit the copper-fields of North Queensland, particularly the Cloncurry and Chillagoe-Etheridge fields ?

Mr SPENDER:
UAP

– The committee was set up to go into the whole question of copper production. The detail of the honorable member’s question I shall communicate to the Minister for Supply and Development so that he can give a further answer to it.

page 53

QUESTION

WOOL SUPPLIES

Mr LAZZARINI:

– Will the Minister for Commerce tell the House what is the method of controlling the supply of greasy wool and skins to fellmongers and wool-scourers in Australia? Can the Minister give any reason why works at Liverpool are threatened to be closed, causing 60 or 70 men to be thrown out of work, because those works cannot obtain any supplies of greasy wool or skins?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
CP

-Wool for Australian manufacture is dealt with under special terms of the agreement with the British Government, which has purchased the whole of the wool clip. Wool owned by the British Government and outside of the range of those special terms is a matter for the Central Wool Committee and the British Government. The Central Wool Committee, I know from personal investigation, has been in close consultation with the British Government in order to ensure that maximum quantities of wool are available for carbonizing and wool-scouring concerns in Australia. The result has been that in many of the establishments two or three shifts are working at a greater pace than before the war. In the last few weeks, unfortunately, there has not been wool available to the same degree as formerly, with consequent unemployment. The Central Wool Committee is ascertaining to what extent extra wool can be obtained in order to alleviate the position.

page 53

QUESTION

DECENTRALIZATION OF WAR INDUSTRIES

Mr WILSON:

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Supply and Development whether the Government has come to any decision regarding a change of policy in order to effect decentralization of war industries?

Mr SPENDER:
UAP

– The policy of the Government has been to decentralize war industries as much as possible. I can obtain details for the honorable member which, I believe, will prove that statement.

Mr PROWSE:
FORREST, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Munitions whether, in view of the necessity for an all-in war effort, he will cause an effective survey tobe made of machinery available in country towns of substantial size which could be used to augment the production of munition factories in the capital cities? This would tend to decentralize war production.

Mr SPENDER:

– I understand that such a survey is being conducted. I believe that fair progress has been made.

page 54

QUESTION

MUNITIONS FACTORY ON COAL-FIELDS

Mr JAMES:

– I ask the Prime Minister when the Government intends to redeem its promise that a munitions factory would be established on the coalfields, in the Hunter electorate? I ask the question for two reasons: first, because our troops overseas are short of equipment; and, secondly, because my stocks are certain to fall if the promise be not honoured. Whereas I am usually unopposed at election time I had an opponent at the last election.

Mr MENZIES:
UAP

– I shall do my best to see the honorable member through on this matter. I am a little out of touch with the developments, but I shall ascertain the position.

Mr James:

– The right honorable gentleman must be surprised that the factory has not yet been erected.

Mr MENZIES:

– I am. I shall give the honorable member a reply in the morning.

page 54

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH BANK

Appointment of Governor

Mr MORGAN:

– In view of the fact that nearly three months has elapsed since the death of Sir Harry Sheehan, and in view of the importance of the Commonwealth Bank in financing the war, I ask the Treasurer whether the Government is awaiting directions from the private banks before appointing a successor to the deceased Governor of the Commonwealth Bank.

Mr FADDEN:
CP

– A successor to the late Sir Harry Sheehan will be appointed in due course.

page 54

QUESTION

SKILLED WAR WORKERS

Employment Regulations

Mr CALWELL:

– I ask the Minister for Labour and National Service whether it is a fact that a regulation has been gazetted which limits the rights of employees to transfer their employment? If so, will the Minister consider the gazettal of supplementary regulations which forbid employers to dismiss employees without the permission of the Department of Labour and National Service ?

Mr HOLT:
UAP

– A regulation has been in force for some time restricting the right of employers to engage skilled labour, particularly in the metal trades, if they are not engaged in the manufacture of munitions. Last night an additional regulation was gazetted, the effect of which is that before engaging certain classes of employees an employer engaged in munitions work must register with the Department of Labour and National Service such particulars about the employee, including the name and address of his previous employer, as the Minister specifies. The appropriate labour exchange must be notified by the employer of his intention to engage specified classes of employees. In addition, all employers, whether engaged in munitions work or not, will not be allowed in future to invite applications for employment from the specified classes of employees unless they include in the invitation or advertisement a statement -

Applications will not be considered from any person who is engaged in the production, repair, or overhaul of munitions of war, war equipment, or war supplies, unless such person is not actually employed in his usual trade or occupation.

The question of limiting the right of employers to dismiss skilled labour in the same classifications is under the consideration of the Department of Labour and National Service at the present time.

page 54

QUESTION

APPLES AND PEARS

Resales to Growers

Mr BREEN:

– Can the Minister assist ing the Minister for Commerce tell the House whether arrangements have been made between the New South Wales Apple and Pear Acquisition Committee and some of the growers in that State whereby the orchardists are permitted to repurchase their fruit from the committee? If this be so, is the State committee discriminating between growers from different districts by charging a higher reselling price in some districts than in others?

Mr ANTHONY:
Minister without portfolio assisting the Minister for Commerce · RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– The New South Wales Apple and Pear Acquisition Committee has made arrangements whereby growers may repurchase their fruit for immediate disposal, but not for coldstorage purposes. I shall have inquiries made in order to ascertain whether there is any discrimination between growers from different districts.

page 55

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH’ SECURITY SERVICE

Mr WARD:

– I ask the AttorneyGeneral whether there exists, under the control of his department, a service known as the security service? If so, who are its officers, and what are their duties ?

Mr HUGHES:
Attorney-General · NORTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · UAP

– There is such a service. Its duties are such as spring naturally from its designation. The officer in control is Lieutenant-Colonel Longfield Lloyd.

page 55

SECRET MEETING OF SENATORS AND MEMBERS

Mr MENZIES:
Prime Minister · Kooyong · UAP

– I understand that it is the general wish of honorable members that they be given some opportunity to discuss certain matters privately. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I direct your attention to the presence of strangers in the House.

Mr SPEAKER (Hon W M Nairn:
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

-The question is -

That strangers be ordered to withdraw.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Sitting suspended from 3.15 to 11.21 p.m.

Motion (by Mr. Spender) agreed to-

That strangers be admitted.

page 55

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

Holdsworthy Detention Camp - Reports (4) by Inspector-General of Administration, Department of Defence Co-ordination, April, 1941.

Commonwealth Public Service Act - Appointment of W. E. Hardman, Department of Commerce.

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and Northern Territory (Administration) Act-

Ordinances - 1941 -

No. 7 - Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

No. 8 - Medical Benefits Tax.

No. 9 - Medical Benefits and Hospitals.

Regulations - 1941 -

No. 1 - (Motor Vehicles Ordinance).

No. 2 - (Medical Benefits and Hospitals Ordinance).

No. 3 - (Medical Benefits Tax Ordinance).

No. 5 - (Aboriginals Ordinance).

Superannuation Act - Eighteenth Annual

Report of the Superannuation Board, for year 1939-40.

House adjourned at 11.24 p.m.

page 55

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The following answers to questions were circulated: -

Petrol Rationing: Diesel Oil Engines

Mr Morgan:

n asked the Minister for Commerce, upon notice -

In view of the necessity for conservation of oil supplies and lowering of running costs, will the Government, following the example of other countries in this regard, give encouragement to the use of diesel oil engines?

Sir Earle Page:
CP

– The provision of fuel oil supplies requires the use of tankers and overseas funds just as motor spirit does, and our present difficulties concerning fuel stocks are due to the nonavailability of tankers. Stocks of diesel oil fuel have been built up on the basis of normal uses of that fuel, and no trouble has been experienced so far in maintaining stocks for those uses. If, however, any extensive new uses were encouraged, it would have to be at the expense and to the detriment of present uses, for which no ready substitute is available, since it is not possible to increase our imports of diesel fuel. For these reasons, it would not be desirable at this stage to advocate a more extensive use of diesel oil engines, even if they could be obtained, which is doubtful.

Yass-Canberra Railway

Mr Calwell:

l asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Interior, upon notice -

  1. ’ What is the estimated cost of the construction of a railway line between Canberra and Yass, in the State of New South Wales?
  2. Has a preliminary survey of the route been made?
  3. In view of the great economic value of such a railway to the people domiciled on the Monaro tableland and the South Coast of New South Wales, will the Government open up discussions with the Government of New South Wales on the question of its construction ?
Mr Collins:
CP

– The Minister for the Interior has supplied the following answers : -

  1. The last estimate showed that the cost of a railway would amount to £971,100. This estimate was based on certain recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, which had previously considered and reported on the proposal (Parliamentary Paper No. 70 of 1924). The estimate of £971,100 is made up as under -
  1. Yes.
  2. Not in existing circumstances.

Commonwealth Departmental Office Accommodation

Mr Makin:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

n asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Interior, upon notice -

  1. What is the total number of buildings being rented by the Commonwealth in each of the capital cities?
  2. What is the total floor space and the total amount being paid for such premises?
Mr Collins:
CP

– The information is being obtained.

Commonwealth Public Service: Appointments

Mr Calwell:

l asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. How many officers have been appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service under section 36a of the Commonwealth Public Service Act?
  2. What are (a) their names, (b) the dates of their appointments, (c) the salaries at which they were appointed, (d) the salaries they are at present receiving, (e) their official designations, and (f) the departments to which they are at present attached?
Mr Menzies:
UAP

– The information is being obtained, and will be furnished to the honorable member as soon as possible.

Enemy Aliens : Departure from Australia; Issue of Passports.

Mr Martens:
HERBERT, QUEENSLAND

s asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Interior, upon notice -

  1. Have any passports been issued to enemy aliens to enable them to leave Australia since the outbreak of the war?
  2. If so, how many have been issued, and what is the nationality of the persons to whom the passports were issued?
Mr Collins:
CP

– The Minister for the Interior has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Passports are not issued by the Commonwealth authorities to aliens, but all aliens, including enemy aliens, require to have either national passports or some document of identity which must be endorsed by the Commonwealth authorities in accordance with the requirements of the National Security (Passport) Regulations before the holders can leave the Commonwealth. No passport facilities have been given for any enemy aliens to leave the Commonwealth unless it was first ascertained from the competent military authorities that there was no objection to their departure.
  2. Up to 30th April, 1941, the number of enemy alien residents of Australia of German nationality who left the Commonwealth since the outbreak of war with Germany was 53; and the number of Italians who left Australia since the outbreak of war with Italy was ten.

Commonwealth Parliament : Sittings ; Expenditure

Mr Calwell:

l asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that from January of this year till the present sittings the Senate has sat for only 38½ hours and the House of Representatives for only 74¼ hours?
  2. Is it a fact that the expenditure on parliamentary allowances including salaries for the presiding officers, for the period 1st January to 31st May of this year, is approximately £16,000 for the Senate and £32,000 for the House of Representatives?
  3. Is it a fact that in the same period Ministers will have drawn approximately £8,375 additional as salaries?
  4. Is it a fact that such brief meetings of Parliament in the past five months and at a cost of approximately £56,000 in salaries and allowances to parliamentarians alone, do not conduce to a proper appreciation of our democratic institutions by the general public?
Mr Menzies:
UAP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follows : -

  1. The sitting hours of the Senate and the House of Representatives during the parliamentary sittings held earlier this year (covering the period 12th March to 3rd April inclusive) are as stated by the honorable member.
  2. Yes.
  3. Yes.
  4. The general public is well aware that Parliament is in session as frequently as is necessary in the light of all the circumstances. The honorable member, moreover, overlooks the fact that members of Parliament are paid not only for their attendance in Parliament but also for their continuing responsibility to, and their work in the interests of, the public.

Canberra : Housing

Mr Barnard:

d asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Interior, upon notice -

  1. What funds were available for the last financial year for the home-building Loan scheme in the Australian Capital Territory?
  2. What funds have been made available for this financial year?
  3. Will funds be available for the 1841-42 financial year; if so, will the amount compare favorably with former years?
  4. Have tenders been accepted for the twenty cottages which were the balance of the 35 originally advertised?
  5. Has construction been commenced on the five cottages to be built by day labour?
Mr Collins:
CP

– The Minister for the Interior has supplied the following answers : -

  1. £70,000.
  2. £40,000.
  3. Financial arrangements for 1941-42 have not yet been finally determined, but it is anticipated that substantial provision will be made.
  4. Yes.
  5. Yes.

Sugar: Storage in Tasmania.

Mr Guy:
WILMOT, TASMANIA

y asked the Minister for Commerce, upon notice -

Is there provision in any agreement providing for a depot in each State where supplies of sugar must be kept; if so, is it a fact that no such depot exists in Tasmania and that the small stocks of sugar held in that State is causing great concern?

Sir EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

-Arrangements have been made with the Australian sugar industry to place emergency supplies of sugar in all States. The Commonwealth Government is now discussing with the Government of Tasmania proposals recently made regarding the sharing of liabilities due to guarantees given to the Commonwealth Bank in connexion with the financial stability of persons and firms actually holding stocks of sugar.

Wireless Broadcasting : Licence-fees; Exemption of Schools.

Mr Guy:

y asked the Minister represent ing the Postmaster-General, upon notice -

In order to assist and improve educational facilities in Australia, will the PostmasterGeneral take the necessary action to relieve all schools throughout the Commonwealth from payment of wireless licence-fees where any wireless receiving set is used solely for educational purposes?

Mr Collins:
CP

– The Postmaster-General has supplied the following answers: -

The exemption of schools from the payment of broadcast listeners’ licence-fees has been sympathetically considered on many occasions in conjunction with numerous other requests for a similar concession on behalf of charitable institutions, pensioners, &c. In view, however, of the administrative difficulties which would be involved the Government has decided that the only exemption from payment of the fee shall be in respect of blind persons.

Mr Langtry:
RIVERINA, NEW SOUTH WALES

y asked the Treasurer, upon notice -

  1. Why werethe proposals for the establishment of a mortgage bank shelved for such a long period previous to the outbreak of war?
  2. Is it a fact that over two years elapsed between the unanimous recommendation of the Banking Commission, in favour of the establishment of a mortgage bank, and the outbreak of war?
  3. Is it a fact that the Bank of International Settlement was established with a capital of only one American dollar?
  4. Is subscribed capital an essential condition for the establishment of a mortgage bank?
Mr Fadden:
CP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follows : -

  1. A bill to amend the Commonwealth Bank Act to provide for the establishment of a mortgage bank department was introduced on the 25th November, 1938, and the bill reached the second-reading stage. Some delay was caused by the necessity to examine issues raised by institutions and interests directly affected by the proposals. Before this examination was completed the Government was engaged upon urgent legislation made necessary by the rapidly worsening international position which culminated in the outbreak of war in September, 1939.
  2. Yes.
  3. No.
  4. It is improbable that a mortgage bank without subscribed capital would be able to borrow the funds necessary to enable it to make loans on mortgages.

Commonwealth Loans

Mr Fadden:
CP

n. - Yesterday the honorable member for Melbourne (Mr. Calwell) asked the following question, upon notice -

How much of the total loan raisings of the Commonwealth Government for war purposes (including war and works loans) consists of (a) loans at interest, (b) loans without interest, and (c) gifts?

The answer to the honorable member’s question is as follows: -

The total loan raisings of the Commonwealth in Australia for war purposes by way of public flotation or acceptance of interest-free loans we: -

Gifts to the Commonwealth for war purposes total £866,674.

War Finance : Gifts and Interestfree Loans

Mr Fadden:
CP

n. - Yesterday, the honorable member for Melbourne (Mr. Calwell) asked the following question, upon notice -

In order to encourage the capitalist class generally to make some sacrifice for the all-in war effort, will he indicate the names of those persons or firms that have contributed £500 or more, showing the exact amount in each instance, as (a) gifts, and (b) loans without interest, to the several war loans floated to date?

The answer to the honorable member’s question is as follows: -

Amounts of £500 or more contributed as loans without interest or as gifts to assist the war effort total -

To indicate the individual amounts and the names of persons or firms who have made these 2,888 contributions would involve a volume of work which could not) be justified at the present juncture. Many of the contributors have requested that their contributions should remain anonymous.

Meetings of Cabinet, War Cabinet and Advisory War Council

Mr Calwell:

l asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. How many meetings of (a) the Cabinet, (b) the War Cabinet, and (c) the Advisory War Council have been held in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart, respectively, since the outbreak of war to the 21st April, 1941 ?
  2. What is the total number of meetings held under (a), (b) and (c), respectively, In the same period?
Mr Menzies:
UAP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follows : - 1 and 2. (a) Full Cabinet meetings, 2nd September, 1939, to 21st April, 1941 -

Canberra, 64; Sydney, 20; Melbourne, 34; Brisbane, nil; Adelaide, nil; Perth, nil; Hobart, nil; Total, 118.

War Cabinet meetings, 27th September, 1939, to 21st April, 1941-

Canberra, 36; Sydney, 14; Melbourne, 73; Brisbane, 1; Adelaide, nil; Perth, nil; Hobart, nil; Total, 124.

Advisory War Council meetings, 29th October, 1940, to 21st April, 1941 -

Canberra, 10; Sydney, 4; Melbourne, 14; Brisbane, nil; Adelaide, nil; Perth, nil; Hobart, nil; Total, 28.

Governor-General: Power to make Regulations.

Mr Calwell:

l asked the AttorneyGeneral, upon notice -

What acts of the Commonwealth Parliament provide power for the Governor -General to make regulations?

Mr Hughes:
UAP

– Practically all machinery acts of the Commonwealth Parliament contain provisions giving power to the Governor-General to make regulations. The section giving this power is usually the last section in the act.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 May 1941, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1941/19410529_reps_16_167/>.

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