Senate
12 March 1941

16th Parliament · 1st Session



The President (Senator the Hon. J. B. Hayes) took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers.

page 3

DEATH OF MR. DAVID SYDNEY JACKSON

Senator McLEAY:
Postmaster-General · South Australia · UAP

– It is with regret that I inform honorable senators of the death of a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. David Sydney Jackson, who died in Launceston, Tasmania, on the 28th February last. The late Mr. Jackson was elected to the House of Representatives for the Division of Bass in 1919, and again in 1922, 1925 and 1928. He was a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Public Works from May, 1921, to October, 1925, and from February to ‘September in 1929. He was also a member of the Sectional Committee of the Public Works Committee on Northern Territory matters in 1922. In 1928 he visited Canada as a member of the Commonwealth delegation of the Empire Parliamentary Association. I extend to his widow our deepest sympathy, and I move -

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr. David Sydney Jackson, a former member of the House of Represen tatives for the Division of Bass, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and tenders its sincere sympathy to his widow in her bereavement.

Senator COLLINGS:
QueenslandLeader of the Opposition

– I had not the privilege of acquaintance with the deceased gentleman, but, having heard his excellent record stated by the Leader of the Senate (Senator McLeay), I desire to associate every member of the Opposition with the remarks of the Minister. It is more than fitting that we should pay our tribute of respect to the memory of deceased members of this Parliament, who have rendered good public service that too often is not recognized until they are no longer with us. The Opposition supports the motion, and desires its condolences to be forwarded to the widow of the deceased.

Senator GIBSON:
Victoria

– The members of the Country party in the Senate desire to be associated with this motion. I knew the late Mr. Jackson during the whole of the period of about nine years when he was a member of the House of Representatives. He was a very active member, and was associated with various parliamentary committees, one of which investigated Northern Territory problems and submitted a valuable report. The Country party offers its sympathy to Mrs. Jackson, and considers that a good man has gone to his long rest.

Senator LAMP:
Tasmania

– I also support the motion. I knew the late Mr. J Jackson for many years before he became a member of this Parliament. I knew him to be a great Australian, who took a leading part in many phases of public life. He was a keen protectionist, and in that capacity he served Australia well. During the time he was a member of the Parliamentary Public Works Committee he did a great deal of publicity work for Australia. He displayed lantern slides throughout Tasmania, and .thus made the mainland of Australia better known to the people of his native State. The whole of. the proceeds of these lectures were devoted to the Bush Nursing Association. His work in the interests of charitable organizations in Tasmania was well known. Apart from his practical interest in the Bush Nursing Association, he was actively associated with the Musical Competitions Association, and his work in the interests of music generally was greatly appreciated throughout the State. Above all, he was a good employer. He brought no political pressure to bear upon his own employees, but paid them better than award rates. In my opinion, he was one of the best employers and one of the best citizens Launceston has produced. He was a very courageous gentleman, and his loss will be keenly felt in Tasmania as well as throughout Australia.

Senator FOLL:
Minister for the Interior · Queensland · UAP

– I desire to be associated with this motion. The late Mr. Sydney Jackson was a close personal friend of mine. When he visited the Northern Territory it was my pleasure to be in his company, and I am able to testify that what Senator Lamp has said is perfectly true. The deceased gentleman was a big Australian in every sense of the word. He was instrumental in having the work being done in Central and Northern Australia by the Australian Inland Mission recognized by the government of the day. Mr. Jackson died at an early age. We thought he had many years of useful service ahead of him. I place on record my tribute to his memory and offer my condolence to his widow.

Senator HERBERT HAYS:
Tasmania

– I support the motion. The late

Mr. Jackson was well.known to most of us, and particularly to members of the House of Representatives, where for many years he most ably represented the Division of Bass. He was also an excellent representative of his native State as a whole. In addition to his work as a member his services were greatly appreciated by the people in his electorate, and in the city of Launceston, of which he was an excellent citizen. He was associated with most movements in that city which had for their object the welfare of the people, and, as has already been stated, he was an admirable employer. He was an enterprising business man, and the city of Launceston is the poorer for his passing.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.

page 4

MINISTERIAL DUTIES

Senator McLEAY:
Postmaster.General · South Australia · UAP

by leave - I desire formally to inform the Senate that, in connexion with the departure overseas of the Right Honorable R. G. Menzies, the Honorable A. W. Fadden was appointed Acting Prime Minister . and Acting Minister for Defence Co-ordination. During the absence of Mr. Menzies, the Minister for Commerce (Sir Earle Page) and the Minister for Supply and Development and Minister for Munitions (Senator McBride) are to be members of the War Cabinet. I wish also to inform honorable senators that, in addition to the duties previously performed by them, the Honorable T. J. Collins is to assist the Postmaster-General, and Senator the Honorable J. W. Leckie is to assist the Minister for the Army. Senator Leckie will also represent the Minister for Health and Social Services in the Senate.

page 4

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following bills reported : -

Income Tax Assessment Bill (No. 2) 1940. States Grants Bill 1940. Defence Equipment Bill 1940. Wheat Tax (War-time) Assessment Bill 1940.

Wheat Tax (War-time) Bill 1940. Wheat Industry (War-time Control) Bill 1940.

Loan (Drought Belief) Bill 1940.

States Grants (Drought Relief) Bill 1940.

Apple and Pear (Appropriation) Bill 1940.

Wire Netting Bounty Bill 1940.

Morgan-Whyalla Waterworks Agreement Bill1940.

Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Bill 1940.

Sales Tax Bills (Nos. 1a to 9a) 1940.

Officers’ Rights Declaration Bill 1940.

Northern Territory (Administration) Bill (No. 2) 1940.

Commonwealth Public Service Bill 1940.

Income Tax Bill (No. 2) 1940.

War-time (Company) Tax Assessment Bill 1940.

War-time (Company) Tax Bill 1940.

Wine Export Bounty Bill 1940.

Treasury Bills Bill 1940.

Post and Telegraph Rates (Defence Forces) Bill (No. 2) 1940.

Gold Tax Collection Bill (No. 2) 1940.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Bill (No. 2) 1940.

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Bill 1940.

Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1940-41.

Appropriation Bill 1940-41.

page 5

LABOUR PARTIES

SenatorAMOUR (New South Wales). - by leave - I wish to announce that the party which my colleague, Senator Armstrong, and I represented in the Senate is now included in the official Opposition. We now acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Collings) as our Leader in the Senate.

page 5

DEATH OF COLONEL PERCY PHIPPS ABBOTT, C.M.G., V.D

The PRESIDENT (Hon J B Hayes:
TASMANIA

– I have to announce to the Senate that I have received from Mrs. E. M. Abbott a letter of thanks and appreciation for the motion of sympathy and condolence passed by the Senate on the occasion of the death of Colonel Percy Phipps Abbott, C.M.G., V.D.

page 5

QUESTION

PETROL RATIONING

Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Can the Minister for Supply and Development inform me what has been the percentage reduction of petrol in each of the States under the Petrol Rationing Scheme?

Senator McBRIDE:
Minister for Munitions · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · UAP

– I shall not be in a position for some time to answer that question. Honorable senators will understand that whilst it is competent for me to give a percentage reduction on the licensed gallonage, it is impossible to say what the actual reduction will be until the expiration of the current tickets.

Later:

Senator FRASER:

– Will the Minister for Supply and Development ascertain which States have and those which have not effected the savings of petrol contemplated under the original petrol rationing scheme, and use the figures so obtained as the basis for the new scheme?

Senator McBRIDE:
UAP

– The Commonwealth Government cannot introduce one scale of rationing for one State, and a different scale for another State. It is not proposed to alter or vary the classifications as between the States, but full consideration will be given to the needs of individual users.

page 5

QUESTION

EASTERN GROUP SUPPLY COUNCIL

Senator AMOUR:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– Can the Minister representing the Attorney-General inform the Senate whether officers of the Investigation Branch of the Attorney-General’s Department have had occasion at any time to investigate the alleged alien affiliations of a Mr. Lewis who has gone to Delhi as secretary to the Commonwealth Delegation under Sir Bertram Stevens? Can he state whether Mr. Lewis was appointed to this post by the Commonwealth Government or privately by Sir Bertram Stevens? By whom is Mr. Lewis’ salary being paid?

Senator McLEAY:
UAP

– I shall bring the honorable senator’s question under the notice of the Attorney-General.

page 5

QUESTION

MILITARY HIGHWAYS

Senator E B JOHNSTON:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– In view of the announcement that it is the Government’s intention to build a military highway between Mount Isa and Tennant Creek, can the Minister for the Interior say whether it is also the intention of the Government to build a main military highway to connect South Australia and Western Australia?

Senator FOLL:
UAP

– The question of the construction of military highwaysis under the consideration of the Department of the Army.

page 6

QUESTION

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION

Senator CAMERON:
VICTORIA

– Would the Minister for Information be prepared to make available to honorable senators requiring them copies of all articles prepared for publication by the Department of Information between the 19th February and the 10th March, inclusive?

Senator FOLL:
UAP

– It would be almost impossible to do so, in view of the large number of articles produced, but if the honorable senator desires copies of any particular articles, I shall be glad to let him have them.

Senator BROWN:
QUEENSLAND

– Oan the Minister for Information indicate briefly to the Senate the major changes in the Department of Information which have taken place since he assumed control of the department? Has information about the war become more or less limited since the honorable senator became Minister for Information ?

Senator FOLL:

– It would be difficult to do other than make a carefully prepared statement as to the changes which have taken place. I anticipate making such a statement at the appropriate time.

page 6

QUESTION

MOTOR TORPEDO BOATS

Senator COURTICE:
QUEENSLAND

– Can the Minister representing the Minister for the Navy tell me whether the Government has given effect to the promise made by the former Minister for the Navy (Mr. Archie Cameron) that consideration would be given to the question of building motor torpedo boats to guard the Australian coastline? Is the Government aware that facilities exist- in Queensland for that work?

Senator FOLL:
UAP

– The honorable senator could hardly expect me to give details as to the types of naval vessels which are being constructed, but I assure him that the Government has this matter well in hand and avails itself of all facilities which exist for naval construction in Australia.

Senator COURTICE:

– The person I have in mind is building pleasure boats.

Senator FOLL:

– Will the honorable senator supply me with his name?

page 6

QUESTION

MUNITIONS

Senator CUNNINGHAM:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Is the Minister for Supply and Development aware that several plants equipped with lathes and tools capable of making munitions are now idle in Western Australia? If so, will he utilize those plants for defence purposes.

Senator McBRIDE:
UAP

– I am not aware that that position exists. In each State we have a Board of Area Management, whose function is to ascertain the engi neering capacity in the States. I assure the honorable senator that our requirements are so great that any unused plant capable of producing munitions will be employed.

page 6

QUESTION

OATLANDS FLAX MILL

Senator AYLETT:
TASMANIA

– ‘Can the Minister for Supply and Development inform me whether the argument has been settled between the Department of Supply and Development and the Department of the Interior as to who should do the wiring for the electricity supply at the Oatlands flax mill ? If it has been settled, has the wiring been done, and is the mill in operation ?

Senator McBRIDE:
UAP

– I do not know of any such argument.

Senator Foll:

– Neither do I.

Senator McBRIDE:

– It is not the function of the Department of Supply and Development to do any wiring, although it may be its duty to supply wire.

page 6

QUESTION

ASSETS OF INTERNED ENEMY ALIENS

Senator ALLAN MacDONALD.Will the Minister representing the Minister for the Army institute inquiries into the organization in each State for looking after the valuable assets of interned enemy subjects and satisfy himself that it is adequate and commensurate with the problems which will arise after the war ends?

Senator FOLL:
UAP

– I shall be glad to place the honorable senator’s question before my colleague.

page 7

KALGOORLIE-FREMANTLE RAILWAY GAUGE

Senator ALLAN MacDONALD. Has the Minister for the Interior recently received a formal request from Western Australia with regard to the widening of the gauge of the railway from Kalgoorlie to Fremantle ? Will the Minister prepare a statement showing the position as regards such an application, and if possible indicate the intentions of the Commonwealth Government?

Senator FOLL:
UAP

– I have not received any representations in that regard. A request by the State Government would be made to the Acting Prime Minister. I shall inquire into the matter and advise the honorable senator.

page 7

QUESTION

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

Senator BROWN:

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for the Army whether it is not a fact that the Government is finding great difficulty in expending money already appropriated for defence purposes? Is it not also a fact that many soldiers, instead of being trained for the defence of this country, are engaged on work that could be done by navvies? If the Government is finding difficulty in expending money, will it see that some of it is expended in the employment of men who are now workless?

Senator FOLL:
UAP

– A general survey is being made by a committee representative of the various parties in Parliament in order to ascertain how more of the labour available in Australia can be utilized for war work. I have no knowledge of soldiers, either in the Militia or in the Australian Imperial Force, doing work which, as the honorable senator suggests, might be done by navvies, but the training of soldiers often entails work of various kinds which forms a portion of their training. The lag in expenditure has resulted from various causes. Unfortunately, there has been delay in production, owing in some cases to industrial difficulties, but that is not responsible for the lag. In addition, there has been a considerable scarcity of skilled men, not only for munitions work, but also in connexion with our construction programme. Difficulty has also been experienced in obtaining supplies of certain materials owing to the shipping problem. The result has been that expenditure on defence works has not been maintained at the rate anticipated. I can assure the honorable senator that the Government regards it essential that money should be expended wisely instead of expending it merely for the sake of doing so. However, the lag to which the honorable senator has referred is being overtaken rapidly, and many of the minor difficulties responsible for a delay in production are being overcome.

Senator BROWN:

– As the Minister for the Interior has admitted that there has been a definite lag in the expenditure of defence money, I ask the Minister representing the Treasurer whether an effort could be made to relieve poverty-stricken persons who are paying income taxes by extending the period in which taxes have to be paid from six months to twelve months?

Senator McBRIDE:
UAP

– The suggestion of the honorable senator will be considered.

page 7

QUESTION

TECHNICIANS

Senator FRASER:

– Will the Minister for Supply and Development state whether a survey has been made to ascertain the number of technicians in the Navy, Army and Air Force? In view of the statement of the Minister for the Interior a few moments ago that there is a shortage of skilled men, I should like to know whether action has been taken to release technicians from the services mentioned in order to increase the production of munitions?

Senator McBRIDE:
UAP

– That matter is considered by the Man-Power Committee which functions in connexion with recruiting for the three services. It is the responsibility of that committee to ascertain whether recruits are in reserved occupations. Instead of there being a surplus of technicians in the Navy, Army and Air Force, the Government has had to train men for those services.

page 7

QUESTION

APPLE AND PEAR MARKETING BOARD

Senator HERBERT HAYS:

– Can the Minister representing the Minister for Commerce state whether the Apple and

Pear Marketing Board has yet presented its report and balance-sheet on the marketing of last season’s crops? If not, when is it expected that the report will be made available to honorable senators ?

Senator McBRIDE:
UAP

– The report has not yet been presented, but I shall ascertain the exact position in that regard.

page 8

QUESTION

NATIONAL CREDIT

Senator DARCEY:
TASMANIA

asked the Minister representing the Acting Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. Will the Minister explain what is meant by using the national credit within the limit of safety?
  2. Why does the Government not follow the finding of the Royal Commission on Banking and use the national credit to the full productive capacity of the nation?
Senator McLEAY:
UAP

– The Acting Prime Minister has supplied the following answers : -

  1. . It is not customary to make statements of policy in answers to questions. I would refer the honorable senator, however, to the full statements contained in the budget speeches and financial statements made since the outbreak of war.
  2. A reading of the report of the Royal Commission on Banking does not disclose a finding in the terms referred to ‘by the honorable senator.

page 8

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH GRANTS COMMISSION

Senator DARCEY:

asked the Minister representing the Acting Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. What is the total cost of administering the Commonwealth Grants Commission for 1938-39 and 1939-40?
  2. What is the personnel of the Commonwealth Grants Commission and what salary is paid to each member?
Senator McLEAY:
UAP

– The Acting Prime Minister has supplied the following answers : -

  1. The cost of the Commonwealth Grants Commission for the years 1938-39 and 1939-40 was as follows: -

In addition, members receive a fee of £55s. for each day upon which they attend meetings of the commission.

page 8

QUESTION

TASMANIA’S INTERSTATE TRADE

Senator DARCEY:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

What percentage of Tasmania’s total trade for 1939-40 was interstate trade?

Senator LECKIE:
Minister without portfolio assisting the Minister for Trade and Customs · VICTORIA · UAP

– The Minister for Trade and Customs has furnished the following answer: -

The proportion of the interstate trade of Tasmania to the total trade of that State measured by value in 1939-40 was approximately as follows: -

page 8

ESTIMATES AND BUDGETPAPERS 1940-41

Order of the Day - Estimates and Budget-Papers 1940-41, resumption of debate - read and discharged.

page 8

INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

Secret Meeting of Senators and Members

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. J. B. Hayes). - I have been asked by the Acting Prime Minister (Mr. Fadden) to announce to honorable senators that a meeting of all members of this Parliament will be held in the House of Representatives shortly and honorable senators are invited to attend the meeting.

page 8

ADJOURNMENT

Export of Fat Lambs - Defence Activities

Motion (by Senator McLeay) proposed -

That the Senate do now adjourn.

Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– In directing the attention of the Minister representing the Minister for Commerce (Sir Earle Page) to the position of the fat lamb industry in Australia, I should like to learn whether the Government has taken any action to safeguard the industry. The matter is serious because shipping space for export is greatly restricted, and further it is intended, I understand, to reduce the export of fat lambs by about 20 per cent.- The industry has been established for many years and action by the Government is urgently needed to prevent the industry from getting into a chaotic condition. If shipping space is to be further restricted, the Government should ensure that each State and each exporting firm is allotted a fair quota of the space made available. Pools have been established in the interests of the wheat-growers and the growers of apples and pears, and I suggest that the Government should take similar action to protect the small producers, as the large producers of fat lambs could, because of their larger holdings, go back to wool production. This could not be done by the small holders. If Government action is not taken, the small producers will not be able to dispose of their fat lambs, which represent their means of livelihood, and probably the chaotic condition into which the industry will drift will encourage speculation. The present serious situation of the fat lamb industry is not peculiar to Western Australia. The situation is serious in other States, and I am sure that the Minister for Supply and Development (Senator McBride) realizes the need for the Government to assist the producers in South Australia. The port of Albany in Western Australia has practically been carried on by holders of small areas who have embarked on the raising of fat lambs for export, but they are unable to convert to wool-growing because of the small acreage of their holdings. Most of the small land holders in Western Australia who have adapted themselves to the export trade will soon find themselves in a precarious situation unless prompt action is taken by the Government.

Senator A J McLACHLAN:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

– What action does the honorable senator suggest should be taken by the Government?

Senator FRASER:

– I suggest the establishment of a pool. The honorable senator may not agree with that suggestion, but if he can submit a more practicable proposal I shall give it favorable consideration. I hope that the Minister for Commerce will make a statement on this subject.

Senator ALLAN MacDONALD:
Western Australia

– There will be serious consequences in Western Australia if action is not taken by the Government to improve the present condition of the fat lamb industry caused by the shortage of shipping. Western Australia is not as far advanced in the export of fat stock as are the other States, and consequently the exporters in that State are not sufficiently strong financially to withstand the strain which no doubt is being placed upon them, and which will become heavier in the next few months because I consider that the shipping situation will become worse before it improves. The financial resources of the smaller concerns in Western Australia, which have been killing and storing carcass meat for export, must be near breaking point. T suggest that the Government should consider the advisableness of providing these concerns with financial accommodation at a low rate of interest so as to enable them to hold carcass meat until a larger volume of shipping is made available. The holding of carcass meat in Western Australia is becoming increasingly difficult. The refrigeration space available for storage is limited, and, unless the shipping situation is relieved appreciably, much more refrigeration space will have to be provided. Western Australia is now producing a large quantity of export pork which I do not think will see a ship’s hold for many months. The people who are putting their energy into this industry should receive some financial consideration, apart from the provision of increased refrigerated space. A large number of workmen are dependent upon this industry for a livelihood. I hope that the Minister will pay heed to the remarks of Senator Fraser, and see that further assistance is given to the meat export industry in Western Australia.

Senator GIBSON:
Victoria

.- In my opinion, the growers of muttion will have to take this matter into their own hands to some extent. The Government may be able to store a quantity of mutton and lamb, but, after a certain period, the meat deteriorates. The only remedy is for the growers to produce fewer fat lambs and to pay more attention to the production of wool.

Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– What about the men on small holdings?

Senator GIBSON:

– Unfortunately, many of the big pastoralists are turning th< ir attention to the production of fat lambs, whereas previously they grew sheep for wool. If the large pastoralists enter the meat industry, as they are largely doing in Victoria, they will destroy the fat-lamb trade, and with it cause the ruin of the small grower. It seems to me that Western Australia will have to do as the Victorian Government has done, and assist the fat-lamb growers.

Senator Fraser:

– I desire the small man to be placed on the same basis as the big man for the purposes of the export trade.

Senator GIBSON:

– That should be done, and I believe that the Commonwealth Government is co-operating with the- State authorities in the provision of additional cold-storage space.

Senator CAMERON:
Victoria

– When the Government finds difficulty in exporting fat lambs, mutton, beef, pork, or any other necessary commodity, I suggest that it should take into serious consideration the necessity for increasing the purchasing power of the consumers in Australia. Many thousands of unemployed men and women could, if their purchasing power were increased, buy more of those commodities, and would be glad to do so. Awards of the Arbitration Court, however, indicate a reduc-tion of purchasing power, and, owing to the operations of the Prices Commissioner, the workers generally find themselves unable to purchase as many of those commodities as they could before the declaration of war. In addition to meat which cannot be exported, and is likely to deteriorate in cold storage, we find that thousands of bushels of apples and pears are being destroyed because of the lack of purchasing power on the part of the consumers. I submit that we cannot successfully increase production unless the necessary provision is made for increased consumption, particularly when we find ourselves unable to export to overseas countries. The question to be decided, finally, is whether surplus meat and fruit shall be destroyed, whether production shall be restricted or whether the purchasing power of consumers shall be increased. These are matters which the Government should take into consideration.

Senator CLOTHIER:
Western Australia

– I draw the attention of the Government to the necessity for an equitable distribution of defence work throughout Australia. Although boards of management have been appointed in the various States to control the work already in progress, the less populous States are not receiving as many contracts as they could undertake. For many months I have been considering this matter, and I suggest that a committee consisting of one representative from each of the States, who knows what his State can do, should he established in either Sydney or Melbourne, in order to ensure that the States mentioned will be provided with defence work within their capacity. By this means, a satisfactory distribution of munitions and other contracts could be affected, and this would help to placate dissatisfied States.

Senator McBRIDE:
South AustraliaMinister for Supply and Development · UAP

in reply - On behalf of the Minister for Commerce (Sir Earle Page) I assure Senators Fraser, Gibson and Cameron, that the subject of the shipment of frozen meat overseas is receiving the close attention of the Government. Of course, owing to the lack of shipping facilities, it is not possible to export meat on the same scale as previously, and, consequently, steps have been taken, in collaboration with the State authorities, to extend the cold-storage accommodation in each of the States. As Senator Gibson has pointed out, there is a limit to the period for which meat can be stored satisfactorily. It would be unwise for us to drift into the position that obtained after the last war, when, on account of the large quantity of meat held in storage for a considerable period, we were forced to sell meat of inferior quality overseas. It has been represented to me that that inferior meat had a most detrimental effect on the Australian meat trade for many years, and every effort should be made to avoid a repetition of the mistake that occurred after the last war. It is inevitable, as has been suggested by Senator Gibson, that there must be a transference from fat lamb raising to wool production. The whole of our output of wool has been sold for the duration of the war and one year afterwards, and producers would be well advised to avoid the production of a commodity for which it will be difficult to find purchasers in the immediate future.

As to the equitable allocation of the available space among individual growers, as suggested by Senator Fraser, I shall take that matter up with the Minister for Commerce, and see what can be done about it. It is not so easy as honorable senators may imagine to effect such an arrangement, because at present the bulk of the lambs are not exported on behalf of growers, but are bought at auction in the open market by meat exporters. Consequently it is not known at present what proportion of any yarding of lambs, or what proportion of a particular consignee’s yarding, is exported or used in the local trade.

Senator A J McLACHLAN:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

– A little more rigidity in regard to the inspection by the Commerce Department might be of assistance.

Senator McBRIDE:

– That matter also will be considered.

Senator Cameron has, as usual, based his argument on false premises. He said that, since the war, the purchasing power of the workers has actually decreased, but he knows that that is an absolute inaccuracy.

Senator Cameron:

– Quite the reverse.

Senator McBRIDE:

– Since the war, the wage fund of the workers has increased substantially, and so has their purchasing power. We have heard the views of the honorable senator on this matter on many occasions, and he is consistent, in that he rarely adheres to facts, when making a speech in this chamber.

I appreciate the concern of Senator Clothier with regard to the distribution of munition and other work among the various States, and I am prepared to take into consideration the suggestion that he has made; hut I repeat, for his information, that in each State there is a board of area management composed of industrialists in that State, whose duty it is to advise the Munitions Director of the engineering and other capacity of that State. I had the privilege of discussing the position in Western Australia a few days ago with the chairman of the area board of management in that State.

Senator Clothier:

– Delegates from each State would know what work could be done in their respective States.

Senator McBRIDE:

– But the area board of management is also in a position to advise the Government of the capacity of the various States for defence work. The problem is not one of finding work for existing capacity, but of finding engineering capacity to do the work required.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 11

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

National Security Act - National Security ( Prices ) Regulations - Declarations Nos. 47 to 51.

Norfolk Island - Report for year ended 30th June, 1940.

Air Force Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 279.

Air Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 16.

Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, &c. -

No. 32 of 1940 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

No. 33 of 1940- Commonwealth Temporary Clerks’ Association.

No. 1 of 1941 - Arms, Explosives and Munition Workers’ Federation of Australia.

No. 2 of 1941 - Fourth Division Postmasters, Postal Clerks and Telegraphists’ Union; and Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association of Australia.

Bankruptcy Act -

Twelfth Annual Report by the AttorneyGeneral, year ended 31st July, 1940.

Rules - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 12.

Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 280.

Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 292.

Commonwealth Public Service Act -

Appointments - Department of -

Civil Aviation - J. B. Abel, C. L. Alford, G. H. M. Birkbeck, K. N. E. Bradfield, N. M. Fricker, H. R. Heathcote, F. M. Eilgendorf, F. R. Meere, and J. K. Twycross.

Health - J. G. Kelleher and R. A. Turner.

Interior - R. J. Cull.

Labour and National Service - M. A. Hunter.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941,Nos. 18, 36, 42.

Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, Nos. 3, 4, 13, 14, 24, 30, 43.

Defence Act and Naval Defence Act - RegulationsStatutory Rules 1941, No. 22.

Distillation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 281.

Dried Fruits Export Charges Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 45.

Income Tax Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 289.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired at-

Adelaide River, Northern Territory - For Defence purposes.

Bairnsdale, Victoria - For Defence purposes.

Ballarat, Victoria - For Defence purposes.

Carnarvon, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Chatswood, New South Wales - For Defence purposes.

Cootamundra, New South Wales - For Defence purposes.

Darwin, Northern Territory - For Defence purposes.

Dee Why, New South Wales- For Postal purposes.

Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales - For Defence purposes.

Hagley, Tasmania - For Defence purposes.

Kalkallo, Victoria - For Postal purposes.

Kilmore, Victoria - For Postal purposes.

Lidcombe, New South Wales - For Defence purposes.

Margaret River, Western Australia - For Postal purposes.

Maribyrnong, Victoria - For Defence purposes.

Mile End, South Australia - For Defence purposes.

Narromine, New South Wales - For Defence purposes.

North Fremantle, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Oatlands, Tasmania - For Defence purposes.

Pearce, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Port Adelaide, South Australia - For Defence purposes.

Rockdale, Municipality of, New South Wales - For Defence purposes.

Salisbury, South Australia - For Defence purposes.

Seymour, Victoria - For Defence purposes.

Townsville, Queensland - For Defence purposes.

Western Junction, Tasmania - For Defence purposes.

National Security Act -

Butter and Cheese Acquisition Regulations - Orders - Acquisition of Butter and Cheese. Returns.

National Security (Apple and Pear Acquisition ) Regulations - Order - Acquisition of Apples and Pears 1940-41.

National Security (Capital Issues) Regulations - Order of Exemption.

National Security (Exchange Control)

Regulations - Orders -

Exemptions (3).

Foreign Currency.

Foreign Securities - Return.

Money Orders.

Sterling Areas (Belgian Congo and Ruanda Urundi).

National Security (General) Regulations -

By-laws - Controlled Areas.

Orders -

Prohibited Places (8).

Prohibiting work on Land.

Taking possession of Land, &c. (37).

Use of Land (7).

Inventions and Designs (58).

National Security (Prices) Regulations - Orders Nos. 208 to 326.

Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1940, Nos. 282, 283, 286, 287, 288, 290, 291, 293, 294, 295. 1941, Nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33, 34. 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 21.

Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, Nos. 5, 23, 44.

New Guinea Act - Ordinances of 1940 -

No. 9 - Appropriation (No. 3) 1939-1940.

No. 10. -Mortgagors’ Relief.

No. 15 - Appropriation 1940-1941.

No. 17 - Mining (No. 2).

Norfolk Island Act - Ordinances of 1941 -

No. 1 - Public Service.

No. 2 - Provident Fund.

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and Northern Territory (Administration) Act - Ordinances of 1941 -

No. 1 -Mental Defectives.

No. 2 - Workmen’s Compensation.

No. 3 - Public Service.

No. 4 - Income Tax.

No. 5 - Licensing.

No. 6 - Local Courts.

Regulations - 1940 - No. 15 (Health

Ordinance ) .

Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 15.

Sales Tax Assessment Acts (Nos. 1 to 9) - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 284.

Sales Tax Procedure Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940, No. 285.

Seamen’s War Pensions and Allowances Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1940. No. 278.

Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act-

Ordinances of 1940 -

No. 22 - Court of Petty Sessions (No. 2).

No. 24 - Liquor (Renewal of Licences). Ordinances of 1941 -

No. 1 - Hawkers.

No. 2- Deserted Wives and Children. Regulations -

No. 8 of 1940 (Fish Protection Ordinance).

No, 1 of 1941 (Building and Services Ordinance).

Supply and Development Acts - Regulations -Statutory Rules 1940, Nos. 277, 296.

Trade Marks Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 31.

War-time ( Company ) Tax Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1941, No. 17.

Senate adjourned at 4.3 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 12 March 1941, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1941/19410312_senate_16_166/>.