100

As the functions of this agency have been transÂ­ ferred to the Australian Federal Police,  the Minister for.   Administrative Services has provided the following answer:

While the Bureau ceased to function, as from 8  November, as part of the Department of Business and Consumer  Affairs, staff and resources were transferred to the  Australian Federal Police and have continued to operate in

their normal manner since that date under the control of the  Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Sir Colin Woods. The  continuance of all matters under investigation has therefore  been assured and there has been no waste of time spent

prior to 8 November in surveillance and developing lines of  inquiry into illicit drug traffickers undertaken, as the  normal follow-up procedures will maintain.

.  Such has already been demonstrated in the seizure  of 0.14 kg of No.4 Heroin at Melbourne Airport on 30 NovemÂ­ ber and of 1.3 kg of No .3 Heroin at Sydney Airport on 5  December. Both incidents, which included the arrest of perÂ­

sons, were the culmination of inquiries commenced prior to 8  November. Additionally, a number of less significant  seizures have resulted from similar inquiries. .  Â·

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20 February 1980  Page 167

HYDROGEN BOMB

SENATOR DURACK - On 6 November 1979 Senator Messner asked me a question without notice concerning an article published in 1  The National Student*  1  regarding the production process of  the hydrogen bomb. The question and my answer were as  fol lows:

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101

SENATOR MESSNER - Is the Attorney-General aware of an  article published recently in the newspaper 1  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

the 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?

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

I now supply the following information:

I am informed that the information to which the quesÂ­ tion relate.s had previously been published on different  occasions in the United States. I understand that  although the U.S. authorities had by court action resÂ­

trained its publication by certain parties, they abanÂ­ doned those controls when publication by other occurÂ­ red. In view of those occasions of prior publication in  the United States it has not been considered that  action should.be taken in respect of the latter publicÂ­

ation of the same material in Australia.

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