-  56 -

some State laws.  The applications that may have been made in

relation to those matters are something which is not within  my area of responsibility. I will have to refer that aspect

of the question to the Minister for Business and Consumer  Affairs to ascertain from him whether there were any  considerations of applications in respect of State laws.

SENATOR WRIEDT - I ask a brief supplementary question. Is  the Minister aware whether any of his predecessors received  such a request and whether they granted permission for use  of those listening devices? If he is not able to give that

information now, which would be understandable, perhaps he  could give us a written answer in due course.

SENATOR DURACK - I will take note of that supplementary  question.

*  *  *  *  *

Ã¢ÂÂ¢M

Page 1866

HYDROGN BOMB

SENATOR MESSNER - Is the Attorney-General aware of an

article published recently in the newspaper '  The National  Student1  produced by the Australian Union of Students  outlining the production process of the hydrogen bomb,  which

raised considerable controversy in the United States when it  was first published? Is it a fact that the publication of  this sensitive information is contemplated by section 44 of  the Atomic Energy Act or sections of the Crimes Act? Will

the Attorney-General investigate the matter with a view to  ensuring that the national interest is protected?

-  57 -

SENATOR DURACK - I am aware of the publication to which  Senator Messner refers. The matter is under consideration at

the moment.

# Â· * * * #

Page 1866

LIBERAL PARTY DISPUTE IN NEW  SOUTH WALES

SENATOR CAVANAGH - I direct my question to the Leader of the

Government in the Senate,  although perhaps it should be  directed to the Attorney-General and the Minister represenÂ­ ting the Minister for Administrative Services. In relation  to the Commonwealth officers who made inquiries into the  upheaval in the North Sydney Branch of the Liberal Party,   was there a belief that there had been a breach of CommonÂ­ wealth laws or was there a belief that there was some danger

to security that necessitated the application of

Commonwealth officers to that inquiry?

SENATOR DURACK - I presume that Senator.Cavanagh's question  is really directed at some publicity which has been given to  an investigation into the method by which Mr Twaddell  recorded a telephone conversation. The facts of the matter  are that my attention was drawn to a statement made by Mr  Twaddell on 'PM' on the Thursday night before last. In that

interview on 'PM' he said he had illegally taped a telephone  conversation that he had withh Dr Solomon, as a result of

which I asked my Department to investigate the matter. The

matter is still under consideration.

