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House of Representatives
20 November 1946

18^th Parliament · 1^st Session

QUESTION
- HOUE OF MEETING
FISH MARKETING
QUESTION
- CUSTOMS SEIZURE OF LUGGAGE
QUESTION
- WHEAT
QUESTION
- FOOD FOR. BRITAIN
QUESTION
- DROUGHT RELIEF
QUESTION
- IMMIGRATION
QUESTION
- AXE HANDLES
QUESTION
- INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
QUESTION
- TELEPHONE SERVICES
QUESTION
- NATIONAL SECURITY REGULATIONS
QUESTION
- INTEREST RATES
QUESTION
- REPATRIATION
QUESTION
- RE-ESTABLISHMENT
QUESTION
- COMMONWEALTH DISPOSALS COMMISSION
QUESTION
- PUBLIC SERVICE
INDUSTRIAL UNREST
QUESTION
- BROADCASTING
QUESTION
- DUTCH-INDONESIAN SETTLEMENT
QUESTION
- WAR DAMAGE AT THURSDAY ISLAND
QUESTION
- PETROL
ADDRE S S-IN-REPLY
- Mr. Speaker,
QUESTION
- BRETTON WOODS AGREEMENT
QUESTION
- WATER CONSERVATION AND IRRIGATION
QUESTION
- STORMS IN NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES
QUESTION
- ARMED FORCES
ELECTORAL DIVISION OE WEST SYDNEY
- Petition
DEFENCE (TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1946
QUESTION
- BUDGET 1946-47
ADJOURNMENT
PAPERS
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
- Hides and Skins
- Public Service
- Gammexane
- Eggs: British Imports
- War Service Homes
- Pay-Roll Tax
- Australian National Film Board

Mr. Speaker (Hon. J. S. Rosevear) took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers.

page 359

QUESTION

HOUE OF MEETING

Motion (by Mr. Chifley) proposed -

That the House, ut its rising:, adjourn to lo-morrow, at 10.30 a.m.

Mr MENZIES:
Leader of the Opposition · Kooyong

– I rise, not so much to take objection to the House meeting to-morrow morning, as to find out from the Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley), if I can, what are the intentions of the Government for the remainder of this sessional period. It is very desirable, even though we all want to get through the business, that there should be, at any rate, one morning after the House first assembles in any week on which party meetings may be held, because matters crop up which require discussion. I understand that the Prime Minister proposes to sit on Tuesday, “Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the remainder of this sessional period. T would offer no objection to the House meeting on Thursday morning instead of afternoon in each week, but I ‘would urge very strongly that it should not meet on Wednesday morning.

Mr Chifley:

– I shall arrange that the House shall not meet next “Wednesday morning.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 359

FISH MARKETING

Mr FRASER:
EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES

– I rise to make a personal explanation arising out of false statements that were made yesterday in the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales by Mr. Bate, the member for “Wollondilly, and were reported to-day in the Sydney Daily Telegraph under streamer headlines, alleging fish racketeering and black marketing, and naming me as a shareholder in the South Coast Cooperative Society which >vas described as being the parent body of Australian Fishing Industries Limited. The whole of the facts are these:

Several years ago, the South Coast Cooperative and Development Society was formed. It was a purely co-operative body, and hundreds of public-spirited residents of the south coast of New South Wales subscribed for shares in it with a view to promoting the development of that isolated and neglected region. In 1948, I subscribed £5 towards shares in the society, hoping to increase my shareholding as time went on. However, the cost of representing a large rural electorate prevented me from increasing my original subscription of £5, and that remains my only holding in this or any other company. During the war years, the South Coast Co-operative and Development Society fully justified its existence by building small wooden ships at various south coast ports for the use of the armed forces. I believe that the society has since been merged in Australian Fishing Industries Limited, which operates at Eden. I have no connexion with that company beyond the original subscription of £5 to the South Coast. Development and Co-operative Society. Therefore, the attempt by Mr. Bate to link my name with allegations of fish racketeering and black marketing is without the slightest basis or justification. From my general knowledge, the remaining statements made by him, affecting other citizens and the Government of New South “Wales, appear to be equally recklessly false.

page 359

QUESTION

CUSTOMS SEIZURE OF LUGGAGE

Mr HARRISON:
WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

– On Friday last, I asked the Minister representing the Minister for Trade and Customs for information concerning the quantity of luggage brought to Australia by Miss Rosetta Kelly ami requested that the statement made by her to customs officers be laid on the table of the House. The Minister replied that the matter was being examined by the Crown Law authorities, with a view to determining what further action, if any, would be taken. In view of the fact that the action complained of took place some months ago, I now ask the Attorney-General whether consideration has been given to the matter by the Crown Law authorities? If so, what consideration has been given to it, has any decision been reached by the Minister, and what action does- the Government propose to take in the matter?

Dr EVATT:
Attorney-General · BARTON, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– When the honorable gentleman mentioned this incident earlier last week, I informed- the House that the Grown Law authorities and the customs authorities were conferring- in order to determine whether certain legal proceedings should be taken. They did confer last week, and my information is that certain proceedings have been instituted.

Mr SPEAKER:

– As. the matter is now sub judice, it should be dropped temporarily.

Mr MENZIES:

– In order to clarify : 0111 ruling that certain, matters are sub judice, Mr. Speaker,, I should like to ask the Attorney-General whether he will, today or tor-morrow, if. convenient, inform the House, fh:st, as to the nature, of the proceeding or proceedings being taken in the customs matter referred to, and, secondly, the name or names of the person or parsons against whom the proceedings are being taken?

Dr EVATT:

– Yes, I shall make that inform a ti on available, and so that it may be accurate, I shall make a statement either to-day or to-morrow on the motion for the adjournment of the House.

page 360

QUESTION

WHEAT

Stabilization Plan : State Legislation

Mr HAMILTON:
SWAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– In view of the likelihood of the parliaments of the States not passing the complementary legislation required by the Commonwealth Government to enable it to give effect bo. its wheat stabilization scheme, and having regard to the fact that the National Security Regulations will cease to; operate after the 31st December, a-nd also having in mind the fact that section 29:f. of the Banking Act 19.4;6 prohibits the importation or exportation of goods, unless under licence, will the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture clarify the position of wheat-growers who harvest wheat after the- 31st December?

Mr POLLARD:
Minister for Commerce and Agriculture · BALLAARAT, VICTORIA · ALP

– I do not admit the likelihood of the parliaments of the States not passing the legislation referred to. As to the latter portion of the honorable member’s question, I ask him to place it on- the notice-paper.

page 360

QUESTION

FOOD FOR. BRITAIN

Mr WHITE:
BALACLAVA, VICTORIA

– A fortnight ago I asked the Prime- Minister whether, im view of the serious food shortage in Great Britain and the abundance of food in Australia, he would consider as a Christmas gesture to the people of- Great Britain the shipment of a substantial quantity of food, to them as a gift ? The right honorable gentleman said that, he would’ consider the suggestion. Has he done so, and has any decision been reached? .

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– Consideration, has been- given to the matter, but. as such a gesture would not in any way increase the food supplies being forwarded, to Great Britain, or add to. the supplies available,, it was decided not to adopt the honorable member’s suggestion.

Laxer:

Mr CALWELL:
Minister for Information and Minister for Immigration · Melbourne · ALP

– by leave - On the 4th November, the honorable member for Flinders (Mr. Ryan) asked the Minister representing the Postmaster-Genera] the following question: -

Earlier this month, the pr.ess reported that after the departure: of the M.V. Port Wyndham from Corio, the vessel being loaded with food parcels for Go-cat Britain, a number of mail bags and. wrappings of food parcels were washed i.p upon the beach around Geelong. On arrival at Adelaide, Port Wyndham took on another 2,000 parcels, a certain number of which were larter reported to have been stolen. These, reports have caused great concern to people who send parcels to Great. Britain. Will the Minister representing the PostmasterGeneral inform me whether the department has investigated those losses? If so, what is the result of the investigations? Do the inquiries show that any food parcels prepared by the Victorian Department of Agriculture were among the number lost? What steps, is the Postmaster-General’s Department taking to prevent a repetition of these losses-?

In reply, the Postmaster-General has supplied the following, information : -

With reference to the pillage of parcels from the mails shipped on Port Wyndham, the vessel- in question carried 2,284 bags of parcels from’ South Australia for. oversea destinations. Parcels from other States were not included in the shipment. After loading in Adelaide,, the ship proceeded to Geelong, and following, its departure from thai port a number of wrappers of parcels were found in the vicinity of Port Wyndham’s anchorage. were profoundly altered by many regulations passed under the National Security Act, WhICh regulations could not bo amended by the Parliament, and could not in practice be adequately examined or debated. I now ask the Minister whether, in connexion with the legislation shortly to be introduced to replace the existing National Security Act and the regulations made thereunder, he will give consideration to the necessity for providing that the power to make regulations shall be limited, as far as possible, to matters of an executive character, and shall not extend to matters of a legislative, character ?

Dr EVATT:
ALP

– I propose to introduce to-morrow the legislation to which the honorable member has referred. When that legislation is before the House he and other honorable members will have an opportunity to make suggestions in relation to it.

page 361

QUESTION

DROUGHT RELIEF

Mr EDMONDS:
HERBERT, QUEENSLAND

– In view of the fact that drought relief has been provided for the wheat industry, will the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture consider the provision of a similar grant to the sugar industry in Queensland, where many producers have suffered heavy financial losses as the result of one of the worst droughts experienced in that State?

Mr POLLARD:
ALP

– In all cases in which producers have suffered losses from drought the invariable practice is for them to make application, first, to the Government of the State in which they live. Whenever a drought has extended over more than one State, the State Premiers of the States concerned have approached the Commonwealth Government with a view to obtaining its assistance in the granting of relief.

Mr TURNBULL:
WIMMERA, VICTORIA

– Last week, the Prime Minister said that he had received a request from the Premier of Victoria to include within the scope of the drought relief scheme for cereal growers certain others for whom provision was not made originally, but who have legitimate claims to relief. I should like to know whether the Prime Minister has yet replied to the Premier of Victoria.

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– No reply has yet been made to Mr. Cain’s representations, but I shall ascertain whether that reply can be expedited.

Mr TURNBULL:

– I ask the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture whether, as Melbourne newspapers have reported, the request by Mr. Cain that drought relief to cereal-growers shall be extended to include certain special cases, has been refused by the Commonwealth Government?

Mr POLLARD:

– I have no knowledge of Mr. Cain’s request having been refused.

Mr ADERMANN:
MARANOA, QUEENSLAND

– The Government having declared that drought relief is in the first instance a function of State governments, and that they should request the Commonwealth to grant such assistance as they may need, will the Prime Minister state whether the Queensland Government has requested the Commonwealth to grant drought relief to any primary industry in that State, particularly dairying, grazing, cereal-growing, fruit-growing, and - I may add - sugar?

Mr CHIFLEY:

page 363

QUESTION

INTEREST RATES

Mr BOWDEN:
GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA

– In view of the fact that recently the State Savings Bank of Victoria reduced mortgage interest on rural loans from 4$ per cent, to 3£ per cent., will the Treasurer make representations to the Commonwealth Bank Board with a view to that institution taking similar action ?

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– I shall take the first opportunity to discuss this matter with the Governor of the Commonwealth Bank.

page 363

QUESTION

REPATRIATION

Pensions

Mr MULCAHY:
LANG, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Can the Minister for Repatriation say whether it is a fact, as reported in last. Wednesday’s Sydney newspapers, that ho stated that men who served in the war of 1914-18 in England, hut not in a theatre of war, are now eligible for pensions? If so, will he advise the Repatriation Department in Sydney, the officers of which have no information on the subject?

Mr BARNARD:
Minister for Repatriation · BASS, TASMANIA · ALP

– It is true that consideration has been given to the interpretation of the term “theatre of war”, but 1 have not seen the statement to which the honorable member has referred. Some alteration of the meaning of the term has been made as the result of an opinion obtained from the Attorney-General’s Department. The subject is being examined by the Repatriation Commission, and the Deputy Commissioners” in the various States will be advised of the position in the near future.

page 363

QUESTION

RE-ESTABLISHMENT

Training of Linemen - Land Settlement of ex-Servicemen : Loxton Irrigation Area.

Mr FRANCIS:
MORETON, QUEENSLAND

– A week ago I pointed out to the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction that Mr. E. S. Cornwall, a member of the Post-war Regional Training Committee, had indicated that Queensland diggers requiring training as electrical linemen were being robbed of the opportunity of taking well-paid jobs because the Department of Postwar Reconstruction in Melbourne had refused to accept an offer by the Brisbane City Council to train 100 linemen for six months for £65 on the ground that that figure was excessive and that only £26 should be paid. In view of the urgent necessity for providing trained linemen for the extension of electrical works in and around Brisbane, will the honorable gentleman re-examine the offer? When I raised this matter last week the Minister indicated that he knew nothing at all about it, a reply which surprised me considerably. I thereupon gave him all the necessary documents on the subject and I should now be glad to know whether he is able to supply the information to-day, a week after I asked for it?

Mr DEDMAN:
Minister for Defence · CORIO, VICTORIA · ALP

– The matter is still under consideration and investigation. As soon as it has been completed I shall advise the honorable member.

Mr HOWSE:
CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Recently, I received representations from the Greenthorpe branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia in support of the provision of single-unit farms on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to the group settlements of three or more exservicemen. I ask the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction whether the Government is prepared to agree to that proposal, and what arrangements, if any, have been made to give effect to it?

Mr DEDMAN:

– Land settlement is jointly the responsibility of the Commonwealth and the States, and an agreement was arrived at between the Commonwealth and State Governments under which the responsibility for initiating proposals for land settlement lies with the State Governments. There is nothing in the agreement which prevents a State Government from putting forward single-unit propositions considered to he suitable for soldier settlement. Indeed, some of the States have put forward such propositions and they have been accepted by the Commonwealth, but the initiation of such proposals is entirely a matter for the State concerned.

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:
Postmaster-General · BARKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– Has the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction yet been able to clarify his mind as to the type of planting that should be adopted in connexion with the Loxton Irrigation Scheme in South Australia ?

Mr DEDMAN:

– The matter is one, not of clarifying my mind but of agreement being reached between the agricultural authorities in South Australia and the Commonwealth Department of Commerce and Agriculture. The Australian Agricultural Council discussed the types of plantings that should be made in irrigation areas, particularly in relation to dried fruits, and the Department of Postwar Reconstruction will act on the advice of that body in connexion with the settlement of ex-servicemen on the land in South Australia.

page 364

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH DISPOSALS COMMISSION

Motor Vehicles

Mr SHEEHAN:
COOK, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Is it a fact that very many valuable army motor cars are to be disposed of at an early date? If so, will the Minister for Supply and Shipping issue a general instruction as to the manner in which they are to be distributed ?

Mr DEDMAN:
ALP

– I do not know whether a large number of army vehicles is to be disposed of in the near future. I understood that arrangements had already been made that all motor vehicles surplusto service requirements would be disposed of through ordinary trade channels. I shall ask the Minister for Supply andShipping to investigate the matter and to furnish a reply to the honorable member’s question.

Mr SPENDER:
WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Has the Minister representing the Minister for Supply and Shipping seen a report published in a weekly newspaper to the effect that at Mataranka in the Northern Territory 1,200 vehicles were sold at a total price of £3,100? The report states that originally the vehicles cost the Commonwealth Government nearly £500,000, and that the purchaser had within a short time made a profit of nearly £60,000 on his outlay of £3,100. Has the Minister seen that report? Does he know the facts of the case ? If not, will he ascertain the facts, and say what protection is given to the taxpayers to ensure that the Commonwealth Disposals Commission obtains the fair market value of vehicles which it sells?

Mr DEDMAN:

– I have not seen the report to which the honorable member referred, but I believe that a fair market price for motor vehicles or any other articles is the figure that those who are aware that the sale is taking place are prepared to offer for them. However, I shall direct the attention of the Minister for Supply and Shipping to the report, and ask him to investigate the circumstances.

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:
ALP

– I have been informed that, not long ago, dealers bought tractors and other motor vehicles at auction in the Northern Territory, brought them south and had them repaired, then the vehicles were commandeered by the Commonwealth Government after they had been submitted for private sale. Will the Minister ask his colleague to supply a statement on this subject disclosing the number of vehicles involved, the prices paid by the firms which bought them and the conditions under which they were commandeered?

Mr DEDMAN:

– I shall ask the Minister for Supply and Shipping to do what he can to comply with the honorable member’s request.

page 364

QUESTION

PUBLIC SERVICE

University Scholarships

Mr BERNARD CORSER:
WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

– I ask the Prime Minister does the Commonwealth Government grant scholarships to young public servants tenable at the universities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra, in respect of which full fees are paid by the Government? Are similar scholarships available at the University of Queensland, except that only half-fees are paid by the Commonwealth Government? If so, what is the reason for such discrimination?

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– I shall obtain the necessary information and furnish a reply as early as possible.

page 365

INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Mr HUTCHINSON:
DEAKIN, VICTORIA

– On various occasions the Prime Minister has stated that he believes in the system of conciliation and arbitration for the settlement of industrial disputes. He has also said that he believes in the right of employees to strike, and that being so, I presume he also believes in the employers’ right to lock-out. In view of the present wide-spread industrial disturbances in at least three States, involving both the right to strike and the right to lock-out, and to which undeniably the vacillation of the Government-

Mr SPEAKER:

– Order ! The honorable member is now entering upon a general discussion of the subject.

Mr HUTCHINSON:

– WD1 the Prime Minister at an early date make a definite and authoritative statement to Parliament and the country setting out the Government’s policy in respect of industrial disputes?

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– It has been made perfectly clear that the policy of the Government and of the Ministerial party is to uphold conciliation and arbitration; and I do not know that any one has supported that principle more than I have in seeking to induce parties involved in industrial disputes to submit their cases to the Arbitration Court. That applied with respect to some fairly large disputes in New South Wales, as the honorable member will recall if his memory goes back that far, and also to recent industrial discontent.

Mr HUTCHINSON:

– As the Government’s policy is to apply the system of arbitration to industrial disputes, what action does the Prime Minister intend to take against those persons who organize or participate in strikes and against employers who institute lock outs?

Mr CHIFLEY:

– From the terms of the honorable member’s question, I imagine that he -refers to matters which should be dealt with by the Arbitration Court in the first instance. Disputes should be referred to the court by the employers or the employees if they genuinely desire to have them settled. The court is the proper authority for settling disputes. The part of the honorable member’s question relating to lockouts apparently refers to difficulties that are occurring in Victoria at the present time. I have been informed that those matters are now under consideration by the Arbitration Court; in fact some of them have already been the subject of hearings before the court.

page 365

QUESTION

BROADCASTING

Station SKA.

Mr RANKIN:
BENDIGO, VICTORIA

– In to-day’s press is published a report of a strike of employees at radio station 5KA, partowner of which is the South Australian Labour party. Does the Prime Minister agree that the employees pf that station have the right to strike, or does he agree with the attitude of the South Australian Labour party as part-owner of the station in carrying on broadcasting with a scratch staff ?

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– As I have no knowledge of the matter mentioned by the honorable member I am not competent at this juncture to express an opinion on the subject.

page 365

– I might add to the information which I have given, although it is not my custom to do so, the comment that if the attitude which the honorable member adopted during the troubles with Indonesia had been adopted generally, no settlement would ever have been reached.

page 366

QUESTION

WAR DAMAGE AT THURSDAY ISLAND

Mr WHITE:

– Last session, I directed attention to the plight of former residents of Thursday Island whose homes, after they had been hurriedly evacuated, were looted by our own troops. Many houses were burned down, and every article of furniture destroyed. In addition, all the amenities of civilization were stripped from the island. I asked whether an inquiry would be held and suitable compensation paid to these people by the War Damage Commission. The matter has since been raised in a State parliament. 1 should like to know whether an inquiry has been held, and if not, whether the Prime Minister will confer with the representative in this House of that district - he is now Minister for the Navy - with a view to ensuring that a full inquiry shall be held, and adequate compensation paid to these individuals so that they may re-establish themselves?

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

– The honorable member’s previous representations on. this matter were brought to my notice. I am making arrangements to have the matter investigated, and I shall let the honorable member have a reply to his question as early as possible.

page 366

QUESTION

PETROL

Mr BERNARD CORSER:

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Trade and Customs whether it is the intention of the Government to reduce the profit margin allowed on sales of petrol through bowsers in Australia, and if so, whether before reaching a final decision on the matter, he will take into consideration the case submitted by the Queensland Petrol Sellers’ Association, and also have regard to the fact that a great increase of the number of petrol bowsers operating in this country has taken place since the war ended, the new operators being chiefly ex-servicemen.

Mr POLLARD:
ALP

– I shall refer the honorable member’s question to the Minis- ter for Trade and Customs.

page 367

ADDRE S S-IN-REPLY

Presentation to the GovernorGeneral.

Mr SPEAKER:

– Accompanied by honorable members, I waited this day upon His Royal Highness the Governor-General at Government House, and presented to him the AddressinReply to His Royal Highness’s Speech on the occasion of the opening of the First Session of the Eighteenth Parliament, which was agreed to by the House on the 7th November. His Royal Highness was pleased to make the following reply : -

Mr. Speaker,

I desire to thank you for the AddressinReply which you have just presented’ to me. It will afford me much pleasure to convey to His Must Gracious Majesty the King themessage of loyalty from the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia to which the Address gives expression.

– I do not know of any report having been made by the Governor of the Commonwealth Bank, other than that which appeared in the annual report of that institution. I believe that that has been published in the press; therefore, there is no necessity for me to supply copies of it to honorable members. I presume that the honorable gentleman had in mind Lord Cato when he mentioned the Governor of the Bank of England. I do not know of any special report having been made by that gentleman. Certainly, none has come to me officially. I have no doubt that Lord

Cato has expressed his Opinion on the matter from time to time. I have not received any expression of opinion from the Governor of theFederal Reserve Bank of the United States of America. I understand that he made certain statements which were reported in the press, but I do not know of any special report that he has made. However, I shall inquire whether there are any documents which may be made available to the honorable member.

Later:

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:
ALP

– Will the Minister for External Affairs inform the House whether discussions have occurred between the representatives of the various British countries regarding the way in which the Bretton Woods Agreement might affect post-war trade, and particularly imperial pref erence ? If such discussions have taken place has any agreement been reached regarding the matter ?

Dr EVATT:
ALP

– A conference now being held in London is dealing with the whole problem of post-war trade in relation to employment. Prior to that gathering discussions took place between the Australian representatives and the other representatives of the British Commonwealth. It is not possible for me to sum up the position at present, because the talks have not yet ended.

page 368

QUESTION

BUDGET 1946-47

In Committee of Supply: Consideration resumed from the 14th November (vide page 247), on motion by Mr. Chifley -

That the first item in the Estimates under Division No. 1 - The Senate - namely, “Salaries and Allowances, £8,870”, be agreed to.

Mr MENZIES:
Leader of the Opposition · Kooyong

, - The budget which was presented to the committee by the Treasurer (Mr. Chifley) a few days ago could, perhaps, be best described as “ weary, flat, stale and unprofitable “. It therefore requires some exorcise of ingenuity to distinguish any feature which might be made the subject-matter of discussion Having made that examination, I propose to direct mv own remarks’ to two features of it, each of which derives from one common element, the problem of increased production in Australia - a problem to which the Treasurer devoted some attention in the course of his speech, as a matter of words; but, as I shall undertake to show, very little attention in point of practical consideration. There are two factors that I want to discuss as bearing on the problem of increased production. One is that of continuity of production, which is to say> industrial peace. The other is the effect of taxation as it bears upon production. Industrial peace is something which we have discussed in season and out of season. However long we discuss the problem, it still seems to be perfectly true that there are three things, at any rate, on which industrial peace essentially depends. The first is one which, perhaps, has not had the amount of attention inside industry that it deserves, and that is the establishment of a proper mutual understanding between employers and employees, with a sharing of the prosperity of the industry in which they both are engaged. That is a great problem in which the blame - and there is blame - is by no means attachable to one side only. As I have said on many occasions, there are still far too many employers in Australia who think in terms of minimum legal duties, and there are many employees, or employees’ leaders, who think far too much in terms of industrial warfare. Both are wrong, because, on any proper consideration, their mutuality of interest will at once appear. To encourage to any degree at all the foolish idea that there must be warfare between employer and employee is the height of folly, because no employer can have a business or enterprise which succeeds unless he has contented employees; that means employees who are treated justly and generously.

And no employee can look forward to full production and full employment unless he is working in an enterprise which has every opportunity of success. It is success in industry which produces continuity and volume of employment. I am hoping, as we all are, that the day will come in Australia when, instead of schemes for co-operation and schemes for profit-sharing being regarded as merely visionary, we will get right down to them in a great mutual effort in industry, so that there will be a sense of common risk, of common interest ‘and common profit between employers and employees.

– That,” no doubt, is a correct general observation on political history. It is unanswerable, because many governments have said such things. But the Government led by the present Prime Minister has established a novel record in. that direction; it does not even say that it will do anything. It merely allows a chaotic state of affairs to continue, and when approached, either in this Parliament, or by a patient public, for a statement of policy, the Government’s only answer is, “ What can we do? “ As long as ‘the Government says th,at, Communist-led strikes will continue to pay dividends. So long as that is the attitude of the Government, so. long shall we have trouble in industry such as is taking place in connexion with the iron-f bunders? dispute; we shall find the parties to the dispute fighting each other with all the weapons available to them, while the. public interest goes down the drain. That cannot continue- indefinitely. Either we are to have industrial law, or we shall have industrial anarchy. I do not know why the Government assumes that it can have “ a bit each way “. That is not possible, because there never can be any compromise between law and lawlessness. The tune has come for the industrial laws of this country to be upheld. That is all I desire to, say at this stage about the first feature of this budget, namely, increased production by continuity of production.

I now turn to the problem of increased production by incentive to production, that is to say, by the most powerful of all incentives, namely, an effective reduction of the relevant tax burden. When it deals with this matter the budget speech itself is admirable. One of my minor political disabilities is that whenever the Treasurer speaks in the broad I find myself in complete agreement with him. That, no doubt, embarrasses him occasionally, and it may, perhaps, embarrass me at times. It is only when he commences to apply these principles, however, that we ‘begin to part company. For example, in his budget speech he paid lip service to an undoubted truth when he said that an increased demand both at home and abroad “is entirely dependent upon our achieving a higher all-round standard of efficiency and productivity”. He also said -

Failure in this direction would Involve painful re-adjustments once the present scarcity demand has been satisfied.

What the right honorable gentleman had in mind is that unless the volume of production rises substantially we shall reach a time when the present scarcity demand has been satisfied, with our production low, and with very serious dislocations in our economy, particularly in the value of money and, therefore, in the value of wages. Again, he said -

For the productive effort that will turn these advantages to full account in. higher living standards we must necessarily rely upon industry and all who have a share in it. Unless that effort is made the attainment of full employment will be but a partial achievement

– The Government has completely failed to appreciate the relation between the rates of direct tax and the volume of production. It has failed to understand that increased productive activity means increased individual incomes and increased national income. From those things two results follow : The first is that there will be an increase of the volume of income, and therefore a good chance of an increase of the total tax yield even from reduced rates; and the second is that there will be an increase of the volume of capital and consumer goods for sale, and that is the greatest possible protection we can have against the inflation of which we have spoken so much in this Parliament. If we are to protect the community against inflation, let us get into our minds that the most powerful weapon is not a mass of regulations, but a new mass of goods for sale, new houses to live in, and new masses of commodities of all kinds ; because the greater the supply of those commodities the less will be the danger of depreciation in the value of money, and the more speedily will the honorable member for Hunter (Mr. James) reach the stage when the value of the £1 will be increased. Therefore, I emphasize that if we are really to stabilize our economy, the great need is a substantial increase of the volume and efficiency of production. We cannot get it without a stimulus. This budget deliberately refuses to give any such stimulus. Because it fails to do so, and in order to test the feeling of the House, I move -

That the first item he reduced by fi. as an instruction to the Government - to withdraw the budget and redraft it so as to include reductions in taxation upon personal incomes.

Mr JAMES:
Hunter

.- I listened with a great deal of attention to the Leader of the Opposition (Mr.

Menzies). The right honorable gentleman criticized the Government in his usual strain. He claimed that it had done nothing, and that it had a poor record. The Leader of the Opposition attacked the Labour Government for its alleged inability to preserve industrial peace. I ask honorable members, and particularly the people, whether they cam remember what the right honorable gentleman did to preserve industrial peace when he was Prime Minister for a number of years. Indeed, during the period of his administration, industrial unrest, including general strikes, was infinitely worse than it has been during the regime of the Labour Government.

Mr Holt:

– The honorable member obviously has not examined the statistics.

Mr JAMES:

– My remarks apply particularly to the coal-mining industry. At one period when the right honorable gentleman was Prime Minister, all the coal mines ceased production. The Leader of the Opposition twitted the Labour Government with “ rubbing shoulders with the Communist party”, but I assure him that the Labour party has not grovelled to that organization as he did when he spoke from a platform at Kurri Kurri with the representative? of the Communist party, and appealed to the .coal-miners to resume production. After certain agreements had been reached, the men did return to work. Shortly afterwards, the Curtin Government took office- and, with the ‘exception of some sporadic stoppages, the coal mines have continued production fairly well. In 1942, under the Labour Government, output was greater than ever before in the history of coal-mining in Australia. We do not believe that there should always be warfare between the owners and the workers in industry. In my opinion, ‘the causes of industrial unrest can be overcome by better relations between masters and men. The system of arbitration and conciliation should also be streamlined, and in the words of the Leader of the Opposition, made a “little more flexible” than it is at present. In addition, improved amenities, similar to those which this Government has established in the heavy industries - iron and steel - should be provided for all workers. For example, all industries should provide for their employees cafeterias where workers will be treated as men, and .not as beasts, as they have been in the past, particularly in the coal-mining industry. Indeed, very few amenities are provided to make coalmining a little more attractive than it is. The coal-miners believe that the people generally .are -indifferent regarding the risks .and dangers that they ran in the course of their employment; but the Coal Industry Act, widen the Parliament passed .a few months ago, will go a long way towards overcoming industrial unrest in the industry. Unsettled -conditions in the coal-mining industry are -not confined to Australia. In an endeavour to solve the problem, the United .Kingdom Government has completely nationalized the industry. I, myself, have for a number of years advocated “the nationalization of the coalmining industry in Australia.

During the election campaign, the Leader of the Opposition certainly started a “ bargain arcade “ regarding the reduction of taxes, and the Leader of the Australian Country party (Mr. Fadden) made an even better offer. The Leader of the Opposition advocated a reduction of ‘taxes by 20 -per cent, but the Leader of the Australian Country party said, “<L shall go S per cent better. ‘Who will buy? “ The public, with no uncertain voice, decided to accept the policy of the Labour party. The electors showed their confidence in the Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley), who has an unprecedented record of achievement, not only in reducing taxes, but also in providing social services. The programme of the Labour party has provided some measure of social security for the people. The Leader of the Opposition blamed the Communist party for our various economic ills; but I inform him -that that organization is not responsible for all the evils in -the world to-day. The blame attaches principally to’ those governments which are not prepared to give social security to the people. When people enjoy social security, the Communist party has nothing to sell. It is only in the midst of want, poverty and despair that the Communist party can attract followers. However, I do not desire to deal with this subject at length; I referred to it only for the purpose of replying to the remarks of the Leader of the Opposition, who attributed to the Communist party all the economic ills of the world. I say definitely now, even though it lost me thousands of votes, that I prefer the policy of the Communist party any day to the -right honorable gentleman’s policy of misery and despair.

During his speech, the Leader of the Opposition advocated a substantial reduction of direct taxes. The Government has already granted a considerable measure of relief. The Leader of the Opposition did not appear to favour a reduction of indirect taxes, and he did not believe in the reduction of retail prices. The effect of such reduction, as the result of the remissions of sales tax announced in the budget is, in his opinion a mere bagatelle. When the right honorable gentleman states that the worker is concerned most with what is left in his pay envelope after his tax has been deducted, he should realize that the worker is sufficiently intelligent to understand that the important consideration is the purchasing power of the £1. If the remissions of Bales tax and of other imposts on essential .commodities will increase the purchasing power of the £1, the worker will be quite satisfied that .he is receiving the benefit of a reduction of tax. This Government has reduced sales tax on household linen, drapery, clothing and building materials. When the right honorable gentleman mentioned those concessions, he spoke as if sales tax on those lines should not be reduced. Every worker wants to be able to buy clothing and household linen at the cheapest prices. Every worker who is building his home, wants a reduction of sales tax on building materials. I favour an even more substantial reduction of indirect taxation on goods that everybody uses. The workers like their tobacco and beer and why should not excise on tobacco and beer be reduced proportionately? The Leader of the Opposition advocated an all-round reduction of direct taxes by £25,000,000 per annum. I believe that the method of making that reduction would benefit. the people whom he represents more than it would benefit the workers over whom he to-day shed crocodile tears. Under the right honorable gentleman’s taxation proposals, 1,500,000 taxpayers earning up to £400 a year would receive a total benefit of £6,000,000, or £4 a year each. In the £400 to £1,000 income group, the number of taxpayers is 155,000, hut the benefit would be £8,000,000, or £14 10s. a year each. There are S5,000 taxpayers receiving more than a £1,000 a year, and the benefit to them would be £11,000,000 or £130 a year each. A married man with a wife and two children, in receipt of a taxable income of £300 a year, would receive a reduction of £2 7s. a year, or the magnificent sum of lid. a week. A similar taxpayer in receipt of £400 a year would receive a reduction of £6 13s. a year, or 2s. 7d. a week. In respect of an income of £500 a, year, the reduction would be £11 12s. a year or 4s. 6d. a week ; £800 a year, £29 Ss. or lis. 4d. a week; £2,000 a year. £13S 15s. or £2 lis. 4d. a week; and £5,000 a year, £569 5s., or £10 18s. lid. a week. These figures indicate clearly who would have benefited most under the scheme advanced by the Leader of the Opposition. The Labour party believes in taxing individuals in accordance with their ability to pay. We claim that a man in receipt of £400 should be on the lowest rate of tax, and that the rate of tax should increase as incomes increase. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition apparently favours a flat, rate of tax.

Mr Rankin:

– Reductions of indirect taxes do not help the high income earner any more than the low income earner.

Mr JAMES:

– The man who is in receipt of a high income generally has business associations, and is able to purchase his household requirements at wholesale rates, whereas the working man is obliged to pay full retail prices.

Everything possible should be done to increase shipments of food from this country to Great Britain and Europe. Early this year I had an opportunity to visit not only the United Kingdom, but also Prance, Belgium and Germany, and I can speak of conditions in those countries -from my own personal knowledge. After seeing the reduced scale of rations upon which the British people exist, I was very much impressed with the efforts that are being made in the British zone of occupied Germany to alleviate the suffering amongst the starving German people. I felt proud to be British. Sometimes we are misunderstood by foreigners. I believe that even Hitler is reported! to have said that the maudlin sentiment, of the British people would not get them anywhere; but we are actuated by humanitarian instincts. When I found’ that the people of the United Kingdom were willing to sacrifice a portion of their own very meagre rations to assist the German people, I resolved to make every effort to assist an increase of food shipments to Great Britain, and in turn, to’ the starving Europeans. There has been considerable press criticism of the Labour Government in Great Britain because of its handling of the food situation. I sawbig cartoons in the daily newspapers ridiculing the Government. One drawing: depicted wharf labourers at Tilbury Docks loading food just received fromAustralia on to vessels sailing to Germany, and the caption was, “ We won thewar; Germany is getting the food “. That was most misleading, as the cartoonist would have realized had he been able toobserve conditions in Europe as I did.. From one end to the other the Ruhr isdevastated. It is a mass of rubble which at one time was beautiful buildings. Industries are completely smashed. Evenlittle children stand in queues awaiting: their turn to descend into dangerouscaverns in the ruins to retrieve what scraps of foodstuffs may remain in: wrecked shops, ignoring the danger of being crushed by a fall of rubble, as frequently happens. I saw children crawling from ruins with blackened dustcovered scraps of sugar, which they licked while they returned to the end of the queue. Mothers with children in their arms also engage in this hazardous practice. A man is an inhuman monster if such sights do not move him. Where is the Christianity of the people who criticize the British Government for sending food to those children? Will those little children, who are living near the point of starvation, grow to manhood and womanhood imbued with the ideals of peace? Bitterness is being implanted in their hearts and minds at the beginning of their lives, and when they grow up they will want to know who has been responsible for their suffering. After previous wars victorious nations, by being harsh instead of generous towards their defeated enemies, have sown the seeds of new wars. We may be doing so now. Long before World War II. began I read Hermann Goering’s autobiography Throughout that book, which may be obtained from the Parliamentary Library, Goering directed propaganda to the German people in order to convince them that they were suffering from the effects of the Treaty of Versailles. The German people may develop another persecution complex if we do not treat them generously. Russia now wants to remove from the industrial area of the Ruhr all plants for the extraction of oil from coal. Ever since I have been a member of this Parliament I have been keenly interested in the extraction of oil from coal. Now it seems that Australia may lose an opportunity to gain expert knowledge on this important scientific development. In all probability, Russia will remove all of the six plants in the Ruhr area. I admit that some of the plants were smashed during the war, but others are still intact and can be put into production immediately. I have discussed this matter with the Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley). In my report to the Government on my visit overseas, I recommended that, in demanding reparations, Australia should seek to obtain possession of one of those plants. I also recommended a better plan, namely, that we should bring to Australia some of the German scientists associated with the production of oil from coal, because probably two ships the size of the Queen Mary would be needed to bring out one plant. A Mr. Beasley, of Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, whom I met in Germany, suggested to me that Australia should follow the lead of Great Britain in this respect. Technicians and engineers associated with -the construction of the German equipment could advise us how to build our own plant, using the services of Australian workmen and Australian materials in our secondary industries. They could warn us of the mistakes that were made in Germany, and enable us to produce the most up-to-date type of oil extraction machinery. When I referred this matter to the Prime Minister he informed me that Australian engineers had been sent to Germany to make investigations. I am awaiting further information on the subject, but I am afraid that the Government may delay too long. It has been reported that Russia is conscripting German technicians and removing them to Russia; Australia may enter the field too late. If we asked these Germans to volunteer to migrate to Australia, I believe that they would come. Mr. Beasley assured me that they were prepared to do so. If Great Britain and Russia are taking advantage of the skill and knowledge of German technicians, Australia should do likewise. At one plant which I inspected, the Germans were producing synthetic butter from coal - an extraordinary achievement. Almost all of the synthetic dyes and plastics being used in Germany to-day are produced from coal and shale.

I revert to the subject of the treatment of German children. Frequently 1 allow my heart to run away with my head, but .1 believe that I voice the sentiments of all British people when I say that we should . assist those children. Many of them are homeless, and we need migrants. Our immigration authorities should take action to bring some of them to Australia. As the honorable member for Barker (Mr. Archie Cameron) knows, German citizens who settled in South Australia many years ago ha.ve proved themselves to be good Australians. I have been told that the record of their enlistments to fight for the British Commonwealth of Nations in World War I. and World War II. was wonderful. Therefore, I urge that we bring some of Germany’s homeless children to this country. Let us be generous and remove them from their conditions of poverty and despair so that there will not arise amongst them a desire to seek revenge for their sufferings. There is also another elementin Germany that we should eliminate. It consists mainly of youths between the ages of eleven years and fourteen years. I have seen such boys goose-step along what had once been a street, but was then merely a track between heaps of rubble marking former blocks of nouses, until they came within a few feet of an English soldier, and then turn their backs to h, im. At the time I passed the remark that they would not get away with such behaviour in front of an Australian soldier. I know that an Australian “ digger “ would “ root “ them out of the way with a foot applied in the appropriate part of the anatomy. Are we to allow those boys to perpetuate the spirit of Nazi-ism in Germany? They constitute the nucleus of a new force of hatred. I listened with great attention to the remarks of the honorable member for Perth (Mr. Burke) during the debate on international affairs. He mentioned the fact-

The CHAIRMAN (Mr. J. I. Clark).Order ! The honorable member is not entitled to refer to a previous debate.

Mr JAMES:

– I merely intend to connect my remarks with those of the honorable member for Perth on the subject of German children. I believe that I shall be in order in doing so during the budget debate, which allows a great deal of latitude. I have bitter recollections of what I saw in Germany and of the picture, recently published in the newspapers, of the. son of one of the . high Nazi officials who were recently hanged waiting outside the gaol, starved and emaciated, to hear of the death of his father. An invitation could be given to all those to whom I have referred. To come out here where they could be treated decently; thereby we might eliminate a bitterness which otherwise will grow in them. I should not like them to settle in colonies, as occurred in South Australia, even though, according to my understanding, those settlers became very good Australian citizens. There are wide open spaces in this country in which they could be settled. Children could be brought also from other devastated countries. We must develop this country until it has reached the stage of carrying the population which, I am informed, it is capable of carrying. One of my dreams of its future is that it will have a population of not 7,000,000 but 170,000,000.

My overseas visit was a great experience to me and enlarged considerably the mining knowledge I already possessed. I look forward to the development of the Balmain colliery, which has a depth of 3,000 feet. According to our mining engineers, the seam is too deep to mine. If it could be worked, it would have an advantage in respect of production costs of 10s. a ton compared with any other colliery in Australia, because, being right at the source of consumption, no rail or shipping freights would have to be incurred. In Germany, I went down a mine adjacent to the one at Dortmund, in which an explosion occurred three weeks after I had left it; there were only two survivors. At this other mine, coal is being hauled without difficulty from a depth of 4,000 feet at the rate of 12,000 tons a day. The thickness of the seam of coal on the different levels averages from 2 feet to 6 feet. Some Australian mining engineers should be sent to Germany for the sole purpose of examining the methods used there for the extraction of’ coal from very deep seams. Mechanization has progressed much further in Germany than in Great Britain. I went down mines in practically every mining district in England, Wales and Scotland, and did not see in them anything that could compare with the- conveyor system which operated underground in Germany, where strata 3 feet or 4 feet in thickness have to be brushed away in order to extract a seam of a thickness of only 2 feet, compared with a thickness in Australia of between 20 feet and 37 feet, thus adding considerably to the cost of mining operations. They have four wheels instead of two wheels on the poppet head, and two ropes instead of one rope attached to every cage, each of which has a haulage capacity of 16 tons, thus increasing the measure of safety afforded, because wear and tear is lessened on the wheels at the poppet heads as well as on the ropes, which are from 2-J inches to 3 inches in diameter. Should anything happen to one rope, safety is provided by the second rope. The ropes are more pliable, and naturally the two ropes last longer than would one thicker rope.

I compliment the Government on the splendid work it has done in the past, and am confident that it will do as well in the future. I hope that coal-mining methods in this country will reach the high standard to which they have attained in other countries, so that mining will be made more attractive, and will not be shunned, as it is to-day, when parents are pleading with .their children to reach the higher branches of education so that they will not have to work in the mines and suffer from dust, maimed bodies, loss of limbs and perhaps fatal injury. Safety measures are the order of the day in Britain, and the amenities provided are exceptionally good. Instead of all the men having to use a large common bathroom, all of them have separate cubicles. Common decency demands the provision of separate cubicles in this country. Mining towns should be made more attractive, and the housing conditions should bc improved. The mine-owners in Australia make no attempt to provide housing facilities for their men. In Great Britain, the mine-owners have built houses for their employees, who are allowed to occupy the dwellings rent free, If a miner lives in his own house, he is allowed the equivalent of the rent. In Great Britain the houses are frequently arranged in terraces, which have a barrack-like appearance. I should not like to see such buildings erected in Australia. At Douai, in northern France, [ saw an excellent housing . scheme for the accommodation of coal-miners. Each home was detached from the rest. Since the ‘conclusion of World War II., France has. instituted national control of the coalmining industry. When the board to be appointed under legislation passed recently by this Parliament has had time to deal with the matters that will engage its attention, the complaints of the people regard ing unrest in the coal-mining industry will, I feel sure, cease. To prevent unrest we must recognize that the miners play an important part in the industrial activities of the country, and that they are entitled to be treated as human beings. We should remember that they risk their lives, and frequently shed their blood, in supplying the coal which is essential in providing transport facilities far the public, in the heating of houses and in the operation of many refrigerators. I am confident that when the legislation with regard to coal-mining recently passed at the instance of the present Government has been in operation a little longer, people will say that they regret it was not passed 50 or 60 years ago.

Mr TURNBULL:
Wimmera

.- I compliment the honorable member for

Hunter (Mr. James) upon his remarks about the necessity for providing food for the people of Great Britain. In view of his recent experience overseas his observations constituted a valuable contribution to the debate on the matter. The Opposition’ has suggested that action should be taken to provide more food than at present for the starving peoples of Europe, particularly for the hungry people of Great Britain, and I cordially support the remarks of the honorable member. He also claimed that we should encourage the migration to Australia of German children and the children of other aliens. Perhaps he has not given sufficient consideration to the importance of encouraging migrants from the United Kingdom. I am sure that he, like many other honorable members, would be glad to welcome, in preference to all other migrants, our own kith and kin. It has already been suggested to the Minister for Immigration (Mr. Calwell) that the claims of certain people in Great Britain who would like to migrate to Australia should receive favorable consideration. I refer to men collected by Mr. Hanger, of the Young Men’s Christian Association, from prison camps in Malaya. They fought for the Empire in the recent war, and they would willingly come to Australia if given an opportunity to do so. They have had experience in agriculture, and, being men of integrity, as well as being of our own race, their claims should be investigated. They are men of enterprise who would do well in the wide open spaces referred to by the honorable member for Hunter. Why should he contend that people from an ex-enemy country should receive preference over people of British stock.

Mr James:

– I did not advocate that preference be given to them.

Mi-. TURNBULL.- Why should their claims be supported, and those of the others to whom I have referred bc said to be of no great importance?

Mr James:

– I referred to the desirability of obtaining immigrants from all countries.

Mr TURNBULL:

– Let us give preference to immigrants from the United Kingdom and from any part of the British Empire.

Mr JAMES:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP; LANG LAB from 1931; ALP from 1936

– The honorable member should not misrepresent me. I stand for preference to immigrants from Great Britain.

Mr TURNBULL:

– I have no wish to misrepresent the honorable member.

In a budget debate we should consider what the Government has been doing with the revenue that has been collected, and consider what should be done with revenue received in future. Although expenditure has been undertaken in connexion with the decentralization of industry, the Government, through the Postmaster-General’s Department, should make a move to decentralize the amenities of life in Australia. I wish to make it clear, however, that I support the establishment of secondary industries in rural areas. In the town of Ouyen in my electorate, a telephone call to Melbourne costs 3s. 4d. When a primary producer desires to order a small duplicate part for an agricultural machine, a three-minute call costs him lis. 4d., and he may require an extension or two before the order can be satisfactorily placed, with the result that the call may cost 10s. If a person engaged in industry in a capital city needs to replace a machine part, the telephone call costs him only 2d., and for that fee he may use the telephone for as long a period as he wishes. People will settle, where the best conditions and amenities are provided. The only way in which to attract additional people to the land is to improve the living conditions in rural districts, particularly the postal facilities.

On the subject of postal facilities, I desire to mention one case which I have brought before the department previously in correspondence and by questions asked in this House. I should not mention it now had I been able to obtain satisfaction before, because it would not have been fair to the Minister. It concerns the Post Office at Marnoo, where the premises were adversely reported upon by the local Medical Officer, Dr. J. E. Thomas, as is shown in the following letter from him to the Stawell- Shire Council : -

The Marnoo post office was inspected with the shire health inspector. It was noted that the rear room at the back of the post office, size 10x12 approximately was used to accommodate a switchboard, and to provide sleeping accommodation for the male operator on night duty. In the daytime the switch isoperated by a female telephonist. The accommodation is far too small for the purpose,, the ceiling is too low, and there are no adequate sanitary conveniences for both sexes.

I am of opinion that the switchboard room, is too small and low for the purpose used,, that it is most undesirable that a small room, of this nature be used for sleeping accommodation at night, and that the sanitary accomodation is inadequate.

I strongly recommend that representations be made to the postal authorities to remedy this state of affairs.

I have myself made frequent representations along the same lines. The present Government goes under the name of a Labour Government, but it ill becomes such a Government to allow its employees to work, eat and sleep in a building which has been practically condemned.

Mr Pollard:

– Why was the - matter not dealt with by previous governments when there were plenty of materials and labour?

Mr TURNBULL:

– I hold no brief for past governments. We must deal with the position as it now exists, and try to remove this disability.

Primary producers bear a very heavy burden of taxation, but in spite of this a further burden has recently been laid upon thom. I refer to the contributory charge of 5 per cent, which has been levied on the gross receipts from the sale of wool. I have here the account sa.’les for 14 bales of wool sold through a reputable firm, the New Zealand Loan & Mercantile Agency Limited. The gross return for the wool was £343 17s. 10d., and out of that the Commonwealth Government has taken 5 per cent, in the form of a contributory charge amounting to £17 3s. lid.

The Treasurer, in his budget speech, said that during the fifteen months which had elapsed since hostilities had ceased, Australia’s war organization had been in large part dismantled. It has certainly been dismantled, but it is competent for me to inquire in this budget debate about the manner in which the Government has disposed of the goods that were left over. An honorable member stated here to-day that only £2 10s. each had been obtained for motor ears that, had been sold subsequently for thirty times as much. Such results do not show efficiency or proper organization on the part of those who handle these matters. We are told that 520,000 men and women have been released from the services and that practically all of them, as well as many thousands of people formerly engaged in war industry, have found civil occupations. In arriving at those figures the Government concludes that unless an ex-serviceman has applied for unemployment relief he has been satisfactorily absorbed in industry. That is a wrong basis. Let us consider this matter in relation to some of the departments which are administering regulations that are hampering production. I have been struck by the number of ex-servicemen employed in some . government departments. The Government takes credit to itself for having given employment to these men, but a closer examination of the situation reveals that many of them are, in fact, only temporarily employed because they are attached not to permanent departments but are engaged in work of a more or less transitory nature. Such men are to be found, not in hundreds, but in thousands in government departments. If the departments in which they work are to be continued permanently, we shall have in this country a form of government previously unknown in the British Empire. On the other hand, if the departments are abolished, these ex-servicemen, whom the Government claims have been satisfactorily absorbed in industry, will be thrown on the labour market.

Mr Haylen:

– There are 40,000 jobs awaiting ex-servicemen.

Mr TURNBULL:

– The men employed in these departments are satisfied at the moment, but the time ia coming when the real rehabilitation of ex-servicemen will become a pressing problem. It is ridiculous to claim that a man has been re-absorbed into industry merely because be has not applied for unemployment relief.

There is something wrong in connexion with the settlement of ex-servicemen on the land. The honorable member for Swan (Mr. Hamilton) asked whether even one man had been settled on the land in Western Australia. His question could be applied also to Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, and even the Northern Territory. Throughout Australia thousands of ex-servicemen are waiting for the Government to take action to settle them on the land. This is a matter which calls for urgent attention. The Department of Post-war Reconstruction, and other departments, are being maintained on their war-time footing because they are supposed to be engaged on the re-establishment in industry of members of the fighting forces. I believe1 that the Government has good intentions in this matter, but it seems to be following a policy of putting off the evil day. Instead of taking definite action it seems always to be waiting for something to turn up. Such haphazard methods can only result in chaos.

Another paragraph in the Treasurer’s budget speech reads -

Various commitments arising from the wai st nd its aftermath have still to be met. Some of these will be cleared up in a year or two. Others will continue from year to year far into the future, so that this generation will not see the end of them.

That is true, but there are other things besides -those mentioned by the right honorable gentleman which will continue from generation to generation. One honorable member, speaking in this chamber recently, said that we should get as far away from the war as possible. We cannot, and must not, attempt to escape from our obligations to the men and women who saved Australia. Among our obligations to them is the obligation to pay 3s. a day to the men who were prisoners of war in Japanese hands. During the period of their imprisonment, budgets covering Army expenditure were presented to this Parliament, and I assume that authority was given for the expenditure of money for feeding and clothing- men of the Eighth Division. The Government was: not called upon to feed and clothe those men while they were prisoners of war. It now has an obligation towards them. Their story is a grim one. There is no opposition in this House to recompense being made to these men. I know that many supporters of the Government favour action being taken, and that the people of Australia expect the right thing to be done.

Mr Haylen:

– What sum of money is involved?

Mr TURNBULL:

– I do not know, but it would be a considerable sum, probably £1,000,000. The honorable member for Parkes (Mr. Haylen) is interested in this subject, and I recall that he asked a similar question on an earlier occasion. I give to him now the same answer that I gave to him then, namely, that it is not so much a matter of the number of men or the sum involved, as of justice being done. The more men involved -the more urgent the case becomes because of the greater need. Commitments entered into in war-time have to be met in times of peace.

Another matter to which the Treasurer should have given attention when, drawing up the budget is the desirability of fostering the National Fitness campaign. In order to bring about greater productivity we should do everything to raise the standard of health of the community. Hand in hand with the national fitness campaign, there should be a programme for the betterment of our educational standards. Committees interested in the promotion of national fitness have been established throughout the country; their efforts to improve the physical standard of the community should, be recognized by the Commonwealth and State governments by the granting of larger sums for the promotion of the campaign. I have received a letter from one of my constituents which, in part, reads as follows : -

As president of the National Fitness Committee, I desire to draw your attention to the need for increased support by both Federal and State governments to meet the demand? of the ever-increasing, expanding and very desirable work of national fitness committees.

The writer goes an to outline the work clone by these committees and. urges that the Government be asked to take a greater interest in their important work. The raising bf the standard of health of the people, through the medium of the National Fitness Council, would achieve much in bringing about harmony among the people and will, I. trust, be given further consideration by the Government in the not distant future. The Leader of the Opposition has: said that the establishment of prosperity would solve tha problem of- industrial unrest. It. would appear that the right honorable gentleman had in mind a Utopian state of affaire conjured up by the Prime Minister’s hope that the golden age was being ushered in. It: was also said that prosperity would bring about good feelings between employers, and employees. That, of course, would depend upon the degree of. prosperity afforded to each, individual member of the community. One has only to recall Aesop’s, fable of the monkey and the cheese to foresee the disastrous effects of any proposal which did not have for i its abject the equitable distribution of the national wealth. Under the. present system, employers, employees and the Government, share- in the. proceeds of production,, but the Government, like the monkey in. the fable, takes another share from both employer and employee, until finally it receives practically the whole of the proceeds. The morals in the fables are truths that have stood the test of the age3. If an employer gets a fair return for his investment, and the employee is paid a fail- wage, all is well; but if the Government steps in and takes- too much from both, production becomes stagnant-

One of the features of the budget is the proposed reduction of the petrol tax by Id. a gallon. This -trifling reduction is of no practical value to> the average car owner. A motorist who uses 50 gallons a week, which is considerably more than the private user’s allowance, will save only 4s. 2d. a week by this concession. My concern-,. however, is not so much about a reduction of the petrol tax as about the utilization of the proceeds of the tax. When- the petrol tax was- imposed in the first instance it was intended that the proceeds be utilized for the- maintenance and extension of roads, chiefly those in country areas, as> a means of fostering the opening up of new areas for cultivation of the products that this country and the world need so much to-day. But what has happened? The greater the yield from the petrol tax, the more money goes into the Consolidated Revenue of the Commonwealth or to the revenues of the States for use for purposes other than that for which the tax was levied. The proceeds of the tax should be made available to shire councils and roads boards to enable them to keep their roads in good repair, and to municipal authorities- for the repair and maintenance of roads in country towns which, in this modern age, are used almost exclusively by motorists.

Sitting suspended from 6 to 8 p.m.

Mk. TURNBULL.- I. turn now to the reduction, of taxes generally. Every one agrees^ that the greatest need of Australia at present is greater production, not- only to stabilize o.ur own economy, but also to maintain a standard, of living: wich will enable us to hold our position as a. great primary producing unit of the British Empire. We- must be able to supply the food-stuffs which the United Kingdom so urgently needs at present. The Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley) has said that the key- to- reduction of taxes is production ; but everybody else knows the reverse is the case - that tax reduction is the key to production. Apparently, the PrimeMinister expects individuals- to increase production under their present heavy burden of taxation; and when they have- produced more to come back to him and say, “,Sire, we have produced more; will you now relieve us of this great burden of tax?” And thePrime Minister will reply, “ You have done a fairly good job, I will make another little reduction “. The fact of thematter is the people expect the Government to give a lead in issues of such vital national importance. If we cannot expect the Government to give a lead, to whom can the people look? That is the question which is agitating- their minds to-day. Every one agrees that reduction of taxes will give an incentive to increase production. Why cannot the Government effect further reductions of taxes? It says that the expense of running the country is abnormally high immediately following the war, and therefore, it cannot reduce taxes further. Obviously, the Government is not sincere in that contention because it is now embarking upon new fields of expenditure. We have little hope of obtaining further reduction of taxes while the Government continues to increase its expenditure. I have in mind particularly its proposal to expend millions of pounds on the standardization of railway gauges. The legislation to give effect to that proposal was passed in the dying hours of the last Parliament. That project is entirely unnecessary at present. The Government advocates it mainly as a defence measure, but in view of scientific defence developments that claim cannot be justified. The advent of the atomic bomb makes such a project obsolete as :a means of improving our defences. When I was serving with the forces in Malaya, the Japanese blasted with only small bombs the railway from Bukit Tim ah to Kuala Lumpur. In view of the destructiveness of small bombs, one can imagine what would be the fate of railways subject to .bombing with atomic bombs. Again, the Government plans to undertake new expenditure on the provision of an independent news service for the Australian Broadcasting Commission. That, service -is being established smiply because certain members want the news collected and presented in a way most suitable to the Government. That service will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, hut it will be superfluous. In these circumstances, it. is no wonder the Government says it cannot reduce taxes further. Lt is also continuing expenditure in respect of departments which are charged with the administration of various controls to which the Government still clings. Can any one offer a legitimate reason why the Department of Information, for instance, should be kept in existence. The claim for the retention of that department cannot be substantiated. We are told that an agreement has been entered into with the United Kingdom Government for the abolition of double taxation.

In Melbourne the other day Mr. Cyril Ritchards, when he heard of this development, said “ Hooray for Mr. Chifley “. However, it has since been stated that the new arrangement may not benefit visiting actors. If the Government were sincere, it could immediately effect further reductions of taxes. I do not object to the proposed reduction of indirect taxes. Indeed, I support the proposals announced in the budget in that respect, because indirect taxes are weighing heavily upon the general community. Perhaps I can best sum up their effect by relating a conversation I had with a gentleman recently. He said to me, “ Every time I take a cigarette out of my pocket I see Mr. Chifley taking two cigarettes from mo. Whenever I line up at a bar for a drink, I see the Prime Minister beside me and he has a couple at my expense. Every time, I drive my car 100 miles and put it back in the garage, I know that Mr. Chifley, metaphorically speaking, unlocks the door and drives the car twice as far as I did “. That is the effect of indirect taxes. By reducing them the Government will increase the purchasing power of the community. Instead of embarking upon new expenditure, the Government should reduce direct and indirect taxes to the greatest possible degree in order to increase production and maintain the standard of living which we have enjoyed in the past. Supporters of all political parties are crying out for tax relief. They are advocating provision of adequate housing accommodation. The uni versify college at Mildura may be jeopardized because housing accommodation cannot be found locally for the professorial and tutorial staffs. The shortage of homes is the greatest problem confronting the country at present. We cannot hope to establish goodwill between employer and employee unless the employees are adequately housed and given domestic stability. To-day, however, thousands of employees are pushed about the country and live constantly under the fear of eviction. Under such conditions we cannot build up a contented Australian community; we must expect only industrial and social unrest. If we have money to expend after that, let us use it for the conservation of water. We must build dams and weirs to irrigate the dry lands, which are capable of growing a variety of produce, if given water. We must construct pipe lines so as to prevent the loss of water through seepage and evaporation. An increase of our productivity will help us to develop on a firm national economic basis, and make Australia the finest primary producing country in the world.

I believe that the Government is paying too much attention to placing more men in factories, and is almost disregarding the necessity to place more men on the land. We must decentralize our population and induce people to engage in primary production. Honorable members will recall the words, “ One ship goes east, one ship goes west. It is the set of the sail, not the gale that determines the course they ‘take “. This Government has set the sail. Its policy is one of centralization. It is building up departments which administer restrictions. Its short-sighted policy burdens the people with heavy taxes. If taxes were decreased, our purchasing power would increase. Our main policy should be to build more homes for the people, and engage in big water conservation and irrigation projects. If the Government will adopt that policy, it will play its part in what I hope will be the building of the greatest nation in the world. Only by reducing taxes shall we give to people the opportunity to increase production, and, by increasing production, bring prosperity permanently to Australia.

Mr HAYLEN:
Parkes

.- References which have been made during the debate to migration have caused me to wonder whether we are not making a blunder in relation to this vital problem. To my mind, migration is tied up almost completely with the reconstruction of this country, and its future development. Lt does seem a pity that honorable members on both sides of the chamber, blown by the winds of chance, influenced by rumour, and by any report that is published in the press, believe that we should adopt a certain policy in relation ‘to migration. I know that we have a good plan for migration. I know also that time is the factor that we are hoping to defeat, so that our migration plan shall be implemented. But there is sometimes a sentimental approach in relation to migration - one that is canvassed too freely and too often - and that ‘is in regard to child migration. Some people appear to think in this way: “ Here is a jolly good thing that we can do. We can bring all these children from starving, war-torn Europe to Australia and do something for them”. I plead with honorable members to consider this matter from the standpoint of the future that will await these people in Australia. Prom my own observations and investigations, my own experience and my own deepest convictions, I am convinced that there is a myth called child migration. There is a sentimental approach to what should be a problem of State, which ties this thing up in quite the wrong language and in the wrong atmosphere. To begin with, the recent investigations made in Europe in relation to child migration reveal that no country wishes to part with its children.

Mr Gullett:

– Why then, has the Government asked for £65,000 to bring children to Australia?

Mr HAYLEN:

– If the honorable member will listen, I shall explain it to him. Incidentally the amount was much more than £65,000. It is said that we can bring children willy - nilly from any part of Europe, thinking in our sentimentality that, first of all, they want to come here; secondly, that their governments will part with them cheerfully; and, thirdly, that when we get them here, we will turn them into Australians who will be able to earn a living in this country.

Mr White:

– The Fairbridge Farm School was a great success.

Mr HAYLEN:

– It is indeed a fine system. That is the point which I am trying to make. Any government as an angel of mercy in relation to moving people from devastated areas, particularly the young, is not the best medium. The job can be done better by welfare organizations and religious groups which have done so well in the past. From my own personal experience, I know that other countries dislike the Australian attitude towards migration - the attitude that we are able to take children from overseas, and care for them in the belief that their own countries do not want them.

Quite .apart from that, we have to1 study the economics of this scheme ; what it would cost the nation to make a .child migrant a ‘good Australian and an economic factor in the community. An interdepartmental report on this matter, issued about eighteen ‘months or ‘two years ago, stated that the setting up of institutions and ‘the organization for bringing child migrants to this country, would cost, in the .aggregate, about £70,000,000. This country is screaming for technicians and man-power to help us to keep up our waraccelerated industries. Child ‘migration means cheap ‘ migrants, or ‘getting migrants on the cheap. The family is the best migration unit. We should look at migration soundly and firmly, and ask ourselves, “ Are there any people in need of our ‘help ? Are these children in need of removal to Australia ? Are ‘the governments concerned prepared to help ‘us?” The answer inmost cases, so far as Great Britain, France, Holland and certain other countries are concerned, is “ No “. They prefer to look after those children, [f honorable members will look into the whirlpool of central Europe, they will find thousands, perhaps millions of children who could be brought to Australia. But if we were to bring them here, we might import complications that .might be. highly dangerous to the children themselves. The .honorable member for Hunter (.Mt. James) stated - and. I pay .great ‘tribute to his compassion and humanity - that we .should bring to .Australia German children. He contended that we should’ not rest on the young Shoulders of the children the misdeeds of their parents during ‘World ‘War TI., and that, after all, wars come and igo, and the children are invariably the victims of conflict. He suggested that in any migration scheme, we should consider bringing young Germans to Australia. .But I remind honorable members that there is a more clamant call in Europe than that of .the young Germans. In Norway there arc 9,000 children who -are the victims .of German aggression - the .sons and daughters of German soldiers .and Norwegian girls who are ostracized by their own country. They are housed and well cared for, and the ordi- nary facilities of life are available to them, but there is no friendship or kindness;given to these children of this strange mesalliance of war. Strange ‘and understandable ! There are 9,00.0 of those children who are unwanted, .and who could be .brought to. Australia, or, for that matter, to any other country. They are the pathetic examples of the lost children of Europe. It may be a ;job for the Immigration Committee of the United Nations, or the joint responsibility of the United Nations itself, .to see what shall .be the ultimate destination o’f these children. If the religious .institutions and welfare .organizations are interested in ‘child migration, I remind them that there are these 9,000 unwanted children in Norway to whom they could extend their ;hands of mercy. Because of their tragic history these children would have to be rendered anonymous. Their early life could be blotted out in the land of “Begin Again “. That would be very simple, easy and a. worthy way -of trying an experiment in relation to children -who are not wanted in Europe.

– The honorable member no doubt hopes that it will reach the amount of the Australian Workers Union’s annual income. I turn now to page 323 of the Estimates wherein is portrayed a detailed statement of expenditure on salaries for this department. I find that the annual salaries are set down as £12,400. If there is a department listed in this document which requires a thorough examination with a microscope it is the Department of Information.

Mr Rankin:

– With a fine-tooth comb !

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:

– The honorable member for Bendigo (Mr. Rankin), would probably prefer to use DDT; it would at least be more effective. Upon examining the list of officers in the administrative section of the department, I find that there are only twelve.- First we have the directorgeneral with a salary of £1,450 ; then a production manager- - what he produces the Lord only knows - with a salary of £832 ; then there is a technical supervisor at £712; a. cinematographer - I tried to get him to Central Australia, but he has not been able- to “ make it “ yet - who gets £634; one projectionist, £382; one processor, £382; and two clerks, £830. It is interesting to note that the clerks get more than the processor or the projectionist. Provision is also made for one assistant private secretary, £319; and, finally, three typists, £751. In addition provision is made for officers on loan from other departments, and for various allowances and exchange on salaries paid abroad, making a total for the administrative staff of £12,400. Those are the only salaries shown, notwithstanding that the total expenditure for the department this year is estimated to be £324,000. It is time the Minister for Information (Mr. Calwell) came to the table to give an explanation of how he has arrived at a total expenditure of £324,000 for a totally unnecessary, useless and futile department. My friends opposite cannot divest themselves of some responsibility for this expenditure of the taxpayers’ money.

I pass now to another important department, one of those controlled by my right honorable friend, the Minister for External Affairs (Dr. Evatt). I believe it is high time that this committee took cognizance of the way we are going with our external affairs policy. We had an interesting debate on that subject last week, and I realize that it would not be in order for me to discuss it during this debate. We are now, however, dealing with the cost of that policy which was so lucidly expounded on the last two successive Fridays by the right honorable gentleman. The administrative costs of the Department of External Affairs for the current financial year are estimated to amount to £225,100. In addition provision is made for the Australian Legation, United States of America, £93,500; the Australian Legation, China, £44,000; the Australian Legation, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, £27,000 - we have not had a Minister there since Mr. Maloney left, and I understand that volunteers for the office are as scarce as they are for the occupation force of Japan ; the Australian Legation, France, £32,300; the Australian Legation, Brazil, £30,900; the Australian Legation, Chile, £32,500; the Australian Legation, The Netherlands, £20,200 - I do not know if that vote is affected by the relationship that exists between us and the Dutch East Indies; High Commissioner’s Office, Canada, £27,500; High Commissioner’s Office, New Zealand, £12,700; High Commissioner’s Office, India, £25,700; High Commissioner’s Office, Eire, £18,000 - I have always believed: that the High Commissioner in London could carry out in one day a month any business we had to transact in Dublin; High Commissioner’s Office, South Africa, £19,000 ; consular representation abroad, £102,300 ; and, finally, other representation abroad, a mere matter of £44,400. The total cost of that department is no less than £756,000. Then we can go through the special estimates of the Prime Minister’s Department, in which provision is made, for instance, in respect of the national fitness campaign. The honorable member for Wimmera (Mr. Turnbull) spoke in favour of that campaign. I do not agree with one word he said on the matter. That activity has been an absolute excrescence, a fraud and a frost. We are not justified in maintaining the present high rate3 of taxes while we continue to spend money on activities of that kind. I happened to be a member of the government which instituted the national fitness campaign, and my opinion about that activity has not changed. Going through the budget one can cite item after item in each department which reveals the scantiest consideration on the part of the Government for the welfare of the taxpayers and the Australian economy as a whole. The Government must look a little ahead. Present high prices and conditions cannot last. Back in the nineteenthirties, it was said that we had a depression because there was overproduction, that we could not get rid of the goods we produced. All sorts of explanations were offered for that depression. At the rate this country is going to-day we are heading for another depression, and it will be caused by our failure to produce commodities. Our people have accumulated in the savings banks record deposits. Although there is always a large amount of deposits held in the savings banks, the present huge reservoir of deposits exists to-day for only one reason - (because the people who own them cannot exchange that , money for goods which they require and urgently desire. They cannot get houses. If they want to go for a holiday some blessed railway system in some States is held up by a strike. They cannot buy goods at reasonable prices because black markets are in operation. Consequently, we have banked up a great reservoir of deposits for which there is no commensurate supply of goods and services available. If the production methods which the Government seems to regard with complacency be persisted with we must end up in a first-class national disaster. The problem of the coal-mining industry has been raised on previous occasions in this House. We cannot carry on modern civilization effectively in Australia unless coal is produced in this continent. This problem must be solved. W e cannot carry on without transport. But transport is held up for any, or no, excuse at all, and, as the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Menzies) pointed out this afternoon, the Government is pursuing a policy which allows these hold-ups to pay a dividend which is in keeping with that paid by Commonwealth Oil Refineries Limited. At any rate, the Government is consistent on that point. This policy must cease. No doubt this Government will be in office for the next three years. So far as we can see there is nothing to interrupt its course, unless certain things happen; but J. shall not be in order in dealing with that subject. Unless the Government takes a pretty firm grip of the situation I say to honorable members opposite that they will not occupy the ministerial benches for three years, because if the system of strikes and disruption - deliberate, premeditated, calculated - which has gone on in the Commonwealth for the last eighteen months, or two years, is of such a character that it will not only wreck industry but also put into oblivion any government which is foolish enough to allow it to continue. I hope that in due course the Government will show what it has not shown up to date; that is, its intention, will and capacity to grasp the industrial nettle in both hands and uproot it.

Mr THOMPSON:
Hindmarsh

– The budget, which concerns the future wefare of Australia, should deal with three matters: first, the employment and prosperity of the masses of our people; secondly, provision with respect to taxes in order to enable the Government to function; and, thirdly, the effect of the budget .upon the States which form the federation. I was very much impressed by the desire of the Leader of the Opposition ,(Mr. Menzies), when he was speaking this afternoon, to bring before the people the difficulties existing with regard to production. All of us agree that a country must produce in order to ensure prosperity and employment in the community. But the right honorable gentleman seemed to go out of his way to blame the Government for something for which it is not responsible. I did not mind that so much, because very often an opposition takes that attitude automatically, believing that its main duty is to belittle the Government. However, in view of the right honorable gentleman’s knowledge of politics, I was surprised at his. premeditated attempt to boost the very people of whom he was complaining. Instead of dealing with the budget on its merits he went out of his way to give encouragement to Communist leaders in this country. He said that the leaders of the Communists had done something in the railway strike in “Victoria that was returning a dividend. I ask him whether the dividend that has been returned to the railwaymen and tramwaymen in Victoria is unjust, or anything to which they are not entitled. The men working in those callings, particularly employees in the traffic branch of the railways, have been for years among that section of the community which has received the least degree of justice, having regard to the value, importance and efficiency of the services they render to the community. In practically every State, government employees have been battling along under almost unbearable conditions. ‘ I have first-hand knowledge of the position’ in South Australia. For years, discontent has existed among railway and tramway employees in that State. The tramway service in Adelaide was held up for weeks as the result of a strike which was undertaken by the men as a protest against their conditions of employment, and the amazing thing was that the general public sympathized with the men. They realized the unfairness of the conditions under which the men were obliged to work on pegged wages. Honorable members opposite may talk about increases of the basic wage, and what they mean to these men; but, in reply to the Leader of the Opposition, I point out that it waa not simply the ability of the Communist leader which caused the men to go on strike in Victoria. What prompted them to cease work was the unfair treatment that they have endured for years. I do not blame the present Labour Government, or the previous Liberal Go vernment in Victoria, for that condition of affairs, because the wages were fixed by industrial tribunals. The Leader of the Opposition stated that he believed in arbitration and conciliation, and that he was opposed to strikes or lock-outs. He said also that the people who were affected by industrial unrest were not only the employers and employees, but also the great majority of the general public. Although I have been ‘ associated with industrial organizations for many years, I have always considered that a strike should be the last resort of any employees. I would not deprive the men of the right to strike any more than I would deprive the employer of the right to say that a certain employee was -not suitable and would be dismissed. No member of the Opposition would desire to deny to the employer that right. .By acknowledging that principle, we .must be prepared also to concede to the employee the right to decide .not to work .if he is dissatisfied with his wages and conditions.

– I doubt whether that legislation would have been passed by the Legislative Council had it not been for the support given to it by the five Labour members, who were able to make up for lack of support by Government members. Where the job of land settlement is not being done thoroughly and properly, the fault lies with those who are opposed to land settlement and obstruct legislation designed to that end. If I were to mention anything about the nationalization of land, some honorable members would be shocked. I shall not deal with that matter to-night. If Australia is to prosper, and if ex-servicemen are to be placed on farming properties with a chance of succeeding, some of the big areas of beautiful rich country which are not now being worked effectively must be subdivided and put to more profitable use. If wre desire to afford the people an opportunity to obtain maximum production from the land, the day will come when we shall have to give serious consideration to the ownership of the land by the nation.

I notice that £18,000,000 is proposed to be made available for aircraft equipment, including £8,000,000 for aircraft production in Australia. At Parafield aerodrome in South Australia, where about 400 men were employed, Dakotas have been manufactured, and remarkably good work has been done at a cost which compares favorably with that obtaining elsewhere. South Australia is anxious to retain the Parafield workshops, which are capable of producing aircraft and also of repairing and servicing the machines. The first question which I asked in this chamber was whether the policy of the Government was that proper facilities should be made available in each State to enable aircraft production and maintenance to be carried on effectively. I am pleased to know that on the edge of my electorate a large airport is to be constructed, capable of taking the largest aircraft that are likely to be used in this country.

I trust that the votes for the repatriation and re-establishment of exservicemen will be sufficient to enable them to be rehabilitated in their former employment or granted the necessary vocational training to fit them for useful work in the community. I am reminded that government is finance and that finance is government. Since the introduction of the uniform taxation system and the placing of the control of loan moneys in the hands of the Commonwealth, it behoves this Parliament to use its great power in the best interests of ex-service personnel.

The honorable member for Wimmera remarked that the national fitness campaign should be carried on more vigorously than at present, and the honorable member for Barker expressed dissatisfaction regarding the matter. Having, on my election to this Parliament, resigned from the National Fitness Council in Adelaide, I am in a position to say that that body has always expended the money granted to it in the best interests of the people. Regard should be had to the fitness of the people physically mentally and morally, and from my experienceI can say that the work done by the council has been of a kind calculated to develop physical and moral fitness among young people. The Commonwealth authorities should pay close attention to the needs of the youth of the community, and concentrate their attention on adolescents between the ages of fourteen and twenty years.

My first point to-night was theimportance of maintaining full employment and prosperity among the people, and I also referred to the necessity for exservicemen, who take up life on the land, to own their farms. Since the meeting of the new Parliament, we have not heard much from the Opposition about the reduction of the income tax by 20 per cent., as proposed by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Menzies) before the general elections. Probably the reaction of the people to the election proposals of the Opposition was so strong that honorable members opposite do not wish that subject to be resurrected. The reduction proposed by the Leader of the Opposition was that a taxpayer in receipt of £250 a year, with a wife and one child, and paying income tax amounting to £5 4s. a year, should have his tax reduced by 20 per cent. in order to provide him with an incentive to work. That would be a reduction of about £11s. a year. The Labour Government has granted to the workers £2 2s. a week towards their hospital expenses, and they also have the benefit of child endowment and invalid and old-age pensions, which are provided out of general revenue. Honorable members opposite are not in favour of granting sickness and unemployment benefits from general revenue, but desire the introduction of a contributory scheme and the abolition of the means test.

The CHAIRMAN:

– The honorable member’s time has expired.

Progress reported.

page 405

ADJOURNMENT

Re-establishment: Living Allowances for ex-Service University Students.

Motion (by Mr. Chifley) proposed -

That the House do now adjourn.

Broadcasting - Composite statement of programme and technical service accounts of Australian Broadcasting Commission and Postmaster-General’s Departmentin respect of the national broadcasting service for year 1944-45. Commonwealth Public Service Act - Appointments - Department -

Interior- F. E. Wells.

Labour and National Service - F. P.

Bridges, P. H. Cook.

Customs Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No.161.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired for -

Defence purposes -

Cabarlah, Queensland.

Carnarvon, Western Australia.

Postal purposes -

Footscray West, Victoria.

Moorabbin, Victoria.

Meat Export Control Act - Eleventh Annual

Report of the Australian Meat Board, for 1945-46, together with Statement by the Minister regarding the operation of the Act.

National Security Act - National Security (Prices) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 2738- 2767.

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

Ordinance - 194C - No. 8 - Tax Ordinances Repeal.

Regulations - 1946 - No. 3 (Crown Lands Ordinance).

Re-establishment and Employment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 141.

Sales Tax Assessment Act (Nos. 1-9) - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 159.

Sales Tax Procedure Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 158.

House adjourned at 10.17 p.m.

page 406

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The following answers to questions were circulated: -

Hides and Skins

Mr McBride:
WAKEFIELD, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

e asked the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture, upon notice -

Is it a fact that the prices ruling at local auction sales of hides and skins are much lower than those obtainable in export markets!
If so, does the Government intend to compensate producers for the loss sustained by them due to the embargo imposed upon the export of hides and skins from Australia?

Mr Pollard:
ALP

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

No. Hides and skins acquired by the Hide and Leather Industries Board and not taken up by tanners under allocation by the Board at Table of Limits prices are auctioned in Australia at prices approximating world parity prices.
There is not a complete embargo on exports of hides and skins from Australia, but action is taken to ensure that sufficient quantities are retained in Australia to meet local requirements of leather and footwear. Hides and skins for local consumption are allocated to tanners at prices in accordance with the Table of Limits and producers receive these prices plus proceeds of sales at open auction, together with the deferred payments on leather exported. During recent months, producers have been receiving prices 44 per cent. higher than those ruling pre-war.

Public Service

Mr Fadden:

n asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

How many of the 7,105 officers shown in the Commonwealth Public Service seniority list of officers of the second and third divisions, as at the 30th June, 1924, were still permanently employed in those divisions at 31st October, 1 946?
How many Commonwealth officers of the second and third divisions were on transfer to State Taxation Departments as at the 30th June1924?
Of the officers then on transfer, howmany were stillpermanently employed at 31st October 1946?

Mr Chifley:
ALP

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

3,372.
Figures at the 30th June, 1924, are not available, as the officers concerned were not then under the Commonwealth. The number of Commonwealth officers taken over by the States under the1923 agreement was 386.
One hundred and ninety -three of the officers concerned were permanently employed by the Commonwealth Public Service at the 31st October, 1946.

Apples and Pears.

Mr Adermann:

n asked the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture, upon notice -

Does the Government intend to pay to Queensland fruit-growers the profits accumulated as the result of sales under the operation of the Apple and Pear Board, particularly with reference to the last year of operations in that State; if so, when?

Mr Pollard:
ALP

– The last year of the apple and pear acquisition scheme in which Queensland was included was 1942. The Commonwealth Government incurred losses, not profits, in respect of the operations of that year. Consideration of claims by growers for additional compensation payments has been deferred pending the determination of compensation in accordance with the formula laid down in the Zerbe case, as directed by the High Court earlier this year. Until this has been done in detail for each individual claimant, it will not be possible to know whether or not a grower is entitled to any further compensation payment in respect of fruit acquired by the Commonwealth.

Milk Subsidy.

Mr Davidson:
CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

n asked the Minister for

Commerce and Agriculture, upon notice -

Is the Commonwealth Government’s milk subsidy still being paid to milk producers?
Has he yet reached a decision upon the representations made by the honorable member for Capricornia to his predecessor, on behalf of the Port Curtis Co-operative Dairy

Association, for a continuation of the subsidy until the end of the present disastrous drought in Queensland?

If not, in order to give much-needed relief to dairy-farmers, and to ensure vital milk supplies, will he treat the matter as one of extreme urgency and reach a favorable decision ?

Mr Pollard:
ALP

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

Yes.
The matter is under consideration by the Government in connexion with the general question of drought relief to dairy-farmers in Queensland, and a decision will be announced as soon as possible.
See answer to No. 2 above.

Gammexane

Mr Francis:

s asked the Minister in charge of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, upon notice -

. Is it a fact that reports from Great Britain claim that gammexane, also known as 666. is fifteen times more powerful than DDT, and more efficient in the treatment of certain pests?
Is it a fact, as reported, that this new insecticide is effective in dealing with locusts, weevils, mosquitoes, horseflies, and wireworms, and has possibilities for the control of grasshoppers ?
Will he cause the council to obtain supplies of this insecticide and try out its effectiveness in combating these pests and determine the best methods to be used?
Will he also arrange for experiments to be conducted with a view to judging its effectiveness in combating cattle tick and buffalo fly?

Mr Dedman:
ALP

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

Statements have appeared in the press originating from Britain to the effect that gammexane is ten or more times as toxic to insect pests as DDT. While such a statement may be correct in regard to the use of gammexane in controlling certain insects, notably grasshoppers, it is misleading to describe gammexane as much more effective than DDT on all insect pests. The value of gammexane lies in the fact that against certain pests which are relatively resistant to DDT, it is most effective, but in regard to other insects DDT is still regarded as the better insecticide.
Yes, except in regard to wireworms, about which control cannot be judged until further information is available.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has already obtained ample supplies of gammexane, and has over the past two years been investigating the effect of this insecticide on all the pests mentioned with the exception of wireworms.
1. The investigation of the effect of gammexane on cattle tick has already been planned and experiments should be under way in the near future. In regard to the buffalo flY, there is no evidence to indicate that gammexane in its present form is more effective than DDT, which has given such excellent results. However, this aspect will be studied .by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Eggs: British Imports

Mr Ryan:
FLINDERS, VICTORIA

n asked the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture, upon notice -

What price, expressed in terms of Australian currency, is the Government of the United Kingdom now paying per dozen for abell eggs imported from (a) Australia, (6) Canada, (c) United States of America and (d) Denmark.

Mr Pollard:
ALP

– The price obtained from the British Ministry of Food for eggs in shell shipped from Australia during the 1946-47 season is ls. Sd. Australian currency f.o.b. Australian ports per dozen eggs of 15 lb. pack “with pro rata adjustments for lighter or heavier packs. Under the agreement between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Denmark it is understood that the British Government will pay 19s. 6d. sterling per long hundred f.o.b. for eggs from Denmark during the period 1st August, 1946, to 30th September, 1947, with the exception that during the period March-June inclusive the price will be 153. 6d. sterling, representing in Australian currency, approximately 2s. 5£d. and ls. Hid. per dozen f.o.b. Danish ports. However, it should be pointed out that the Australian and Danish prices are not comparable in that Australian eggs are cold stored for- considerable periods whilst Danish eggs are sold as fresh. Moreover, the freight cost and charges on Australian eggs are considerably higher than those on eggs from Denmark. No information is available regarding the prices being paid by the British Ministry of Food ‘for eggs from the United States of America and Canada.

War Service Homes

Mr Francis:

s asked the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

How much was expended on the building of war service homes in each State of the Commonwealth during each of the years 1940, 1(141. 1942, 1943, 1944. 1945 and 194C (to 31st October) ?
What was the number of war service homes built for members of the Australian Imperial Force and of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force in each State of the Commonwealth during those years?

Mr Lemmon:
ALP

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

Mr Francis:

s asked the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

. How many war service homes were erected in each State of the Commonwealth during each of the years 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946 (to 31st October) ?
How many applications for war .service homes were received in each State of the Commonwealth during each of those years?

Mr Lemmon:
ALP

– The information requested by the honorable member is being obtained and will be furnished as soon as possible. ‘

Mr Francis:

s asked the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

How -many applications for war service homes have been received, and how many have been completed and occupied in the following places for each of the years 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 and 1946 (to 31st October) :- Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gympie, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Warwick?

Mr Lemmon:
ALP

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

Tuberculosis.

Mr Chifley:
ALP

y. - On the 7th November, the honorable member ‘for Fremantle (Mr. Beazley) referred to the annual grant .of £350,000 made available by the Commonwealth to the States for the parpose of treating tuberculosis, and asked whether it was true that no State had yet applied for any part of the £100,000 of the above-mentioned grant which is available for capital expenditure, such as hospitals and fittings.

No application has been made by any State for any portion of the grant of £50,000 for provision of increased diagnostic facilities, nor of the sum of £50,000 for the provision of convalescent homes and methods of after-care. However, the States of South Australia and Victoria have ^applied for their portions of the £250,000, namely, £20,011 and £59,433 respectively, for the purpose of making payments to or in respect of sufferers or depend antsof sufferers from tuberculosis, in accordance with section 6 of the Tuberculosis Act.

Commonwealth Disposals Commission : Motor Vehiciles.

Mr Dedman:
ALP

n. - On the 13th. November, speaking on the motion for the adjournment of the House, the honorable member for Barker (Mr. Archie Cameron) asked a question concerning the sale of tractors and motor vehicles.

The Minister for Supply and Shipping has supplied the following information : -

In the sale of motor vehicles, as in the sale of all other commodities, the Commonwealth Disposals Commission adheres to the requirements of the Commonwealth Prices Commissioner. Inrare cases only are motor vehicles and allied equipment sold by public auction, and even when sales do take place by public auction, the auctioneer is required not to exceed ceiling prices as determined by the Prices Commissioner.

Ninety-nineper cent. of the motor vehicles sold on the Australian mainland, other than those in the Northern Territory, have been sold by the Commonwealth Disposals Commission through trade channels. In each case a ceiling price has been fixed for each individual make and model of vehicle, and the Prices Commissioner also controls the margins allowed to the motor trade.

The honorable member can be assured that, irrespective of ‘the methods employed by the Commonwealth Disposals Commission inthe liquidation of surplus stocks, there is complete co-operation with, and adherence to, the requirements of the Prices Commissioner. report on Aitape.

Mr Chambers:
Minister for the Army · ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

-On the 14th November, the honorable member for Wakefield (Mr. McBride) asked me if I would lay on the table of the House a report by SenatorFraser on Aitape.

The honorable member evidently referred to a report submitted by Senator Fraser as a result of a visit made by him, asActing Minister for the Army, to the operational areas in New Guinea, New Britain and Bougainville between the 5th , and the 16th April, 1945. This report was laid on the Table of the House on the 24th April, 1945, by the then Prime Minister, thelate Mr. JohnCurtin.

Re-establishment : Taxing of Allowances.

Mr Francis:

s asked the Treasurer, upon notice -

Has his attention been drawn to a statement published in , a Queensland paper, and creditedto the Leader of the Opposition in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, to the effect that the Federal Government is levying a tax on ex-servicemen’s land establishment allowance?
If so, and if the tax is being levied, is it just to withdraw from the ex-serviceman portion of the sum provided for his rehabilitation?
Will he give the House an assurance that this tax, if imposed, will be abolished?

Mr Chifley:
ALP

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

Yes. The allowance is payable under Division 4 of Part VI. of the Re-establishment and Employment Act1945 to ex-servicemen developing land, pending the productivity of the land.
The question of granting a tax exemption in respect of this class of allowance has been considered by the Government, but it has been found impracticable to grant such exemption while social services contribution (and’, in isolated cases, income tax) is levied on earnings and other income of a like amount.
See answer to No. 2.

Pay-Roll Tax

Mr Fadden:

n asked the Treasurer, upon notice -

What is the amount shown in the Statement ofConsolidated Revenue Fund as receipts in respect of pay-roll tax for the year 1945-46?
What is the total amount (actual or estimated) which employers were allowed to deduct from pay-roll tax in 1945-46 to reimburse them for subsidy in respect of the basic wage increase?
What is the reason for showing the net receipts only in Treasury and budget statements, and omitting the expenditure mentioned in paragraph 2 hereof?
Have such accounting methods been approved by the Auditor-General and do they conform with the terms of Commonwealth law, including the Audit Act?
Is it proposed to continue such methods throughout the financial year 1946-47 ?

Mr Chifley:
ALP

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

£11,409,243.
The total subsidy paid in 1945-46 in respect of recoup of basic wage adjustment was £555,372. Reimbursement is made to employers by one of the following two methods: - (a) Where an employer pays pay-roll tax - by deduction from the amount of the tax payment; (b) where an employer does not pay pay-roll tax (i.e.when wages paid during the month did not exceed £86 13s.. 4d.) - by cheque from the Treasury. To separate payments for the year under each of these heads would occasion a good deal of work. The amount paid under (b) would, however, be comparatively small.
The net receipts are not shown in the published statements. The Treasury published figures show the gross receipts for pay-roll tax and the gross expenditure for price stabilization subsidy in the recoup of basic wage adjustment. 4 and S. See answer to question No. 3.

Australian National Film Board

Mr Rankin:

n asked the Minister for Information, upon notice -

Has any extra staff been appointed to the Australian National Film Board since the 19th July, 1948?
If so, what are (a) their names, (b) official designations, (c) salaries, and (d) war service?
What is the total cost of (a) the Cinema Branch, including the National. Film Board, and (b) the Photographic Branch from its establishment to the latest available date?
What work, if any, has been done by this organization?

Mr.Calwell. - The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follows : -

No. The Australian National Film Board has no staff other than the Film Commissioner. The Films Division of the Department of Information is the Commonwealth authority responsible for the production of films recommended by the Australian National Film Board.
Since the 10th July,1946, theFilms Division of the Department of Information has appointed to its staff- (a) A. P. Watson; (b) laboratory manager; (c) £634 per annum; (d) Royal Australian Air Force. Mr. Watson, who is a permanent public servant, was employed in the Cinema and Photographic Section of the Department of Commerce and Agriculture before enlistment in the Royal Australian AirForce. It has employed, on a casual basis - (a) R. Sebastian; (b) film director; ( c ) £634 per annum ; ( d) Australian Imperial Force; (a) A. J- S. Monger; (5) electrician; (c) £6 14s, per week; (d) Royal Australian Air Force.
From the 1st July, 1945, to the 31st October, 1946- (a) £66,807; (b) £22,191.
In the twelve months, from the end of October, 1945 to the end of October, 1946, the Film Division of the Department of Information put into production and completed 28 filmsand another 28 are in hand. Six of these arc in the editing stages, fourteen in the shooting stages and eight in the research or planning stage. Of the 28 completed, fourteen were Treasury Loan shorts.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 November 1946, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1946/19461120_reps_18_189/>.

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House of Representatives20 November 1946

QUESTION

HOUE OF MEETING

Mr MENZIES:Leader of the Opposition · Kooyong

Mr Chifley:

FISH MARKETING

Mr FRASER:EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES

QUESTION

CUSTOMS SEIZURE OF LUGGAGE

Mr HARRISON:WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

Dr EVATT:Attorney-General · BARTON, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Mr SPEAKER:

Mr MENZIES:

Dr EVATT:

QUESTION

WHEAT

Mr HAMILTON:SWAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mr POLLARD:Minister for Commerce and Agriculture · BALLAARAT, VICTORIA · ALP

QUESTION

FOOD FOR. BRITAIN

Mr WHITE:BALACLAVA, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:ALP

Mr CALWELL:Minister for Information and Minister for Immigration · Melbourne · ALP

Dr EVATT:ALP

QUESTION

DROUGHT RELIEF

Mr EDMONDS:HERBERT, QUEENSLAND

Mr POLLARD:ALP

Mr TURNBULL:WIMMERA, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:ALP

Mr TURNBULL:

Mr POLLARD:

Mr ADERMANN:MARANOA, QUEENSLAND

Mr CHIFLEY:

QUESTION

IMMIGRATION

Mr JAMES:HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr CALWELL:ALP

QUESTION

AXE HANDLES

Mr THOMPSON:HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr POLLARD:ALP

QUESTION

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Mr ABBOTT:NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

Dr EVATT:ALP

QUESTION

TELEPHONE SERVICES

Mr FULLER:HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr CALWELL:ALP

QUESTION

NATIONAL SECURITY REGULATIONS

Mr BEALE:PARRAMATTA, NEW SOUTH WALES

QUESTION

INTEREST RATES

Mr BOWDEN:GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:ALP

QUESTION

REPATRIATION

Mr MULCAHY:LANG, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr BARNARD:Minister for Repatriation · BASS, TASMANIA · ALP

QUESTION

RE-ESTABLISHMENT

Mr FRANCIS:MORETON, QUEENSLAND

Mr DEDMAN:Minister for Defence · CORIO, VICTORIA · ALP

Mr HOWSE:CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr DEDMAN:

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:Postmaster-General · BARKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Mr DEDMAN:

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH DISPOSALS COMMISSION

Mr SHEEHAN:COOK, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr DEDMAN:ALP

Mr SPENDER:WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr DEDMAN:

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:ALP

Mr DEDMAN:

QUESTION

PUBLIC SERVICE

Mr BERNARD CORSER:WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

House of Representatives
20 November 1946

Mr MENZIES:
Leader of the Opposition · Kooyong

Mr FRASER:
EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HARRISON:
WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

Dr EVATT:
Attorney-General · BARTON, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Mr HAMILTON:
SWAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mr POLLARD:
Minister for Commerce and Agriculture · BALLAARAT, VICTORIA · ALP

Mr WHITE:
BALACLAVA, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr CALWELL:
Minister for Information and Minister for Immigration · Melbourne · ALP

Dr EVATT:
ALP

Mr EDMONDS:
HERBERT, QUEENSLAND

Mr POLLARD:
ALP

Mr TURNBULL:
WIMMERA, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr ADERMANN:
MARANOA, QUEENSLAND

Mr JAMES:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr CALWELL:
ALP

Mr THOMPSON:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr POLLARD:
ALP

Mr ABBOTT:
NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

Dr EVATT:
ALP

Mr FULLER:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr CALWELL:
ALP

Mr BEALE:
PARRAMATTA, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr BOWDEN:
GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr MULCAHY:
LANG, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr BARNARD:
Minister for Repatriation · BASS, TASMANIA · ALP

Mr FRANCIS:
MORETON, QUEENSLAND

Mr DEDMAN:
Minister for Defence · CORIO, VICTORIA · ALP

Mr HOWSE:
CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:
Postmaster-General · BARKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Mr SHEEHAN:
COOK, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr DEDMAN:
ALP

Mr SPENDER:
WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:
ALP

Mr BERNARD CORSER:
WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr HUTCHINSON:
DEAKIN, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr RANKIN:
BENDIGO, VICTORIA

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr POLLARD:
ALP

Sir EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr CHIFLEY:
ALP

Mr ARCHIE CAMERON:
ALP

Dr EVATT:
ALP

Mr DEDMAN:
ALP

Mr LEMMON:
Minister for Works and Housing · FORREST, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

Mr JOHNSON:
Minister for the Interior · KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

Mr MENZIES:
Leader of the Opposition · Kooyong