1942-09-03 16 1 7 SENATE 63 0 Senate. 1942-09-03 The President (Senator the Hon. J. Cunningham) took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers. 63 Questions 63 63 KQF 0 0 LAMP, Charles Senator LAMP - Has the Leader of the Senate read an article published in the Sydney Daily Telegraph on the 20th August last, and written by Mr. A.R. Penfold, Curator of the Sydney Technological Museum, pointing out the possibility of manufacturing synthetic rubber in Tasmania? If he has not read the article, will he do so and bring it to the notice of the Prime Minister, with a view to having action taken to develop the deposits in Tasmania from which carbide is produced for the purpose of using carbide in the manufacture of synthetic rubber. 63 K7P ALP 1 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - I have not read the article referred to by the honorable senator, but I shall obtain a copy of it and take action along the lines suggested by him. 63 63 JZD 1 0 FOLL, Hattil Senator FOLL In view of the statement by the Government yesterday to the effect that it proposes to submit at an early date certain proposals for an alteration of the Constitution, will the Leader of the Senate state whether at the same time the Government will give to the people of Australia an opportunity to record their vote as to whether they are in favour of the abolition of State Parliaments? 63 K7P ALP 1 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - The honorable senator is aware that the intentions of the Government with regard to matters of policy are not disclosed in reply to questions. 63 JZD 1 0 FOLL, Hattil Senator FOLL Will the Government give consideration to the proposal? 63 K7P 0 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - I shall give no answer other than that already supplied. 63 miscellaneous 63 KTR SOUTH AUSTRALIA NAT 0 0 MCLACHLAN, Alexander Senator A J McLACHLAN - In accordance with its terms of reference, I present a statement from the Joint Committee on War Expenditure indicating subjects on which confidential memorandums have been addressed to the Prime Minister for the consideration of the War Cabinet. 63 Questions 63 63 K0Z 0 0 AYLETT, William Senator AYLETT - Will the Minister representing the Minister forSupply and Development state the number of motor tyres applied for in Tasmania, for which delivery is now awaited under priorities Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4? What was the number of tyres sold in Tasmania in each month for the year 1940, or for the year 1941, whichever is the easier to obtain? If the Minister does not wish to make the information public, will he give it to me privately? 64 KKR ALP 1 0 FRASER, James Senator FRASER - I shall give consideration to the honorable senator's question. 64 64 K7M 0 0 COLLETT, Herbert Senator COLLETT asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice - Has the right honorable the Prime Minister had brought under his notice the statements made in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly on the 11th August of this year, by Mr. J. T. Tonkin, the member for North-east Fremantle, reflecting upon the administration of the Department of Munitions and the Department of Air in respect to the manufacture or proposed manufacture of certain munitions of war in Western Australia ? In any event, will the Prime Minister have the statements examined and give the Senate the benefit of his views thereon? 64 K7P ALP 1 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - The Prime Minister has supplied the following answers : - I have read the statements made by Mr. J. T. Tonkin, M.L.A. The circumstances of the case mentioned have already been inquired into, but in view of the representations of the honorable senator further consideration will be given to the matter, as well as to the other matters relating to the manufacture of munitions in Western Australia. 64 Commonwealth Temporary Clerks Association - Preference to Returned Soldiers - Appointments 64 K7M 0 0 COLLETT, Herbert Senator COLLETT asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice - Is there in existence a duly registered association known as the Commonwealth Temporary Clerks Association? If so, is it a fact that the Public Service Board has issued a direction that all persons temporarily employed in a clerical capacity in the Commonwealth Public Service must join this association if they desire to benefit from any later determination of the Public Service Arbitrator? If such a direction has been issued, does the Government approve of the action of the Public Service Board in this instance? 64 K7P ALP 1 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - The Prime Minister has supplied the following answers : - Yes. At the ' direction of the Government the Public Service Board notified all departments that the provision of any determination made by the Public Service Arbitrator and not in force on the 19th May, 1942, and any determination made subsequent to that date should be applied only to returned soldiers and to members of an organization within the meaning of the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act. 64 JQP 0 0 COOPER, Walter Senator COOPER asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice - What is the number of male non-returned soldiers appointed to permanent positions in the Commonwealth Public Service, Third Division, during the present war? What is the number of returned soldiers appointed to permanent positions in the Commonwealth Public Service, Third Division, during the present war? What is the number of male non-returned soldiers appointed to permanent positions in other divisions of the Commonwealth Public Service during the present war? What is the number of returned soldier: appointed to permanent positions in other divisions of the Commonwealth Public Service during the present war? What is the probable number of vacancies in permanent positions in the Commonwealth Public Service, all divisions, during the next three years? What steps have been taken to ensure that the greatest number of returned soldiers will be absorbed in permanent positions in the Commonwealth Public Service? 64 K7P 0 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - The Prime Minister has supplied the following answer : - The information is being obtained and a reply will be furnished to the honorable senator as early as possible. 64 K7M 0 0 COLLETT, Herbert Senator COLLETT asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice - Is the Government prepared to now announce its policy in respect to returned soldiers and preference in appointment and/or promotion in the Commonwealth Public Service? 64 K7P 0 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - The Prime Minister has supplied the following answer : - All matters associated with returned soldiers and their repatriation to private life are being considered and the Government's policy will be announced at as early a date as practicable. 64 64 K7M 0 0 COLLETT, Herbert Senator COLLETT asked the Minister representing the Minister for Commerce, upon notice - Is the Minister satisfied that the price of wheat, as recently fixed by him, 1b appropriate and equitable when applied to the farmers in Western Australia who grow the greater part of the annual crop of that State? (a) Is it proposed to appoint Mr. T. H. Powell to be a member of the Australian Wheat Board; (b) if so, what are Mr. Powell's qualifications for such an appointment? 65 KKR ALP 1 0 FRASER, James Senator FRASER - The Minister for Commerce has supplied the following answers : - Yes. The Government has under consideration the reconstitution of the Australian Wheat Board and an announcement concerning the personnel of the board will be made at the appropriate time. 65 65 K7M 0 0 COLLETT, Herbert Senator COLLETT asked the Minister representing the Minister for Labour and National Service, upon notice - Is it a fact that the Operative Bakers Union in Western Australia has approached the Minister for Labour and National Service with a. request that he take action, under the powers conferred by the National Security Act, to abolish night baking? Is it also a. fact that the Minister has promised to take action as requested and is in communication with the union as to the terms of the proposed regulation and this without any reference to the master bakers or regard for the needs of the community? 65 K0W ALP 1 0 ASHLEY, William Senator ASHLEY - The Minister for Labour and National Service has supplied the following answers: - Yes. No. The promise was that the matter would receive the consideration of the Government. As a result of investigations made by the Department of Labour and National Service,a recommendation was made that - (i) baking of bread to be prohibited between the hours of6 p.m. and 5 a.m.; and (ii) no bread to be sold until it is out of the oven twelve hours. It has now been decided that an expert committee representing all sections of the baking industry be appointed by the Minister for War Organization of Industry to examine all aspects of the question. 65 65 KOF 0 0 HAYES, John Senator J B HAYES asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice - What was the amount paid in interest on loans - both Federal and State - for the years ending 30th June, 1922, 1932, and 1942, and the capital amount owing on each of the above dates? What were the interest payments per head of population on the same dates? 65 KE4 ALP 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE - The Treasurer has supplied the following answer: - Inquiries are being made and a reply will be furnished as soon as possible. 65 Activities of Private Banks 65 JTR 0 0 DARCEY, Richard Senator DARCEY asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice - By what amount has Australia's national debt been increased since the declaration of war ? By what amount has it been increased by the present Government? What amounts in inscribed stock, war bonds and treasury-bills have the private banks purchased since the declaration of war? What amounts in treasury-bills have the banks converted in the same period? Will the private banks be allowed to purchase bonds in the forthcoming loan, and will they be permitted to advance money to enable the public to subscribe to this loan? 65 KE4 ALP 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE - The Treasurer has supplied the following answer: - Inquiries are being made,and a reply will be furnished as soon as possible. 65 65 KTX UAP 0 0 MCLACHLAN, James Senator JAMES McLACHLAN asked the Minister representing the Minister for Labour and National Service, upon notice - Will the Minister representing the Minister for Labour and National Service advise the Senate whether it is a fact as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald of the 1st September, that Mr. Ward has made efforts to secure the discharge from the Army of Private Wallace Henry Le Brocque, who is at present before a. military court martial on charges of desertion ? If so, and in view of the charges against this soldier, will the Minister make available to the Senate the reasons which have prompted Mr. Ward to take such action? 65 K0W ALP 1 0 ASHLEY, William Senator ASHLEY - The Minister for Labour and National Service has supplied the following answer: - A statement regarding this matter will be made by the Minister for Labour and National Service to-morrow, furnishing full information. 65 Engagement of Ms. Neville Cardus 65 KQF 0 0 LAMP, Charles Senator LAMP asked the Postmaster-General, upon notice - What are the terms of the engagement of Mr. Neville Cardus with the Australian Broadcasting Commission? 65 K0W ALP 1 0 ASHLEY, William Senator ASHLEY - It is undesirable that the commission should disclose information regarding the terms of engagement of its artists because such information would be useful to competitive stations. 66 66 KQF 0 0 LAMP, Charles Senator LAMP asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice - Will the Government issue instructions that all men exempt from military duty who are not engaged on munitions work are to perform a stated number of hours' duty with the Volunteer Defence Corps each week? 66 K7P ALP 1 0 COLLINGS, Joseph Senator COLLINGS - The Prime Minister has supplied the following answer : - Inquiries are being made and a reply will be furnished to the honorable senator as early as possible. 66 66 KQF 0 0 LAMP, Charles Senator LAMP asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice - Is it a fact that the incidence of venereal disease is increasing in Australia? If so, will the Government call a conference of all State Health Departments to formulate and put into operation a comprehensive campaign against this disease? 66 KE4 ALP 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE - The Minister for Health has supplied the following answers : - There has recently been a slight increase. A special conference is not considered necessary in view of the efficient legislation and administration under State control. The subject will be considered at the next meeting of the National Health and Medical Research Council in November. The matter was considered at the Premiers Conference recently in Melbourne. 66 66 KQF 0 0 LAMP, Charles Senator LAMP asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice - Will the Minister have an investigation made into the price of vegetable seeds now on sale in the retail market? Is it a fact that there is a difference of 2,200 per cent, between the retail price of onion seed and that offered by the Vegetable Seeds Committee? If so, will the Minister instruct the Prices Commissioner to fix the retail price more in keeping with the price offered by the Vegetable Seeds Committee? 66 KE4 ALP 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE - The answers to the honorable senator's questions are as follows : - The matter is at present being investigated. No. See answer to No. 2. 66 66 JTR 0 0 DARCEY, Richard Senator DARCEY asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice - What was the total cost of floating the First Liberty Loan of £35,000,000? What commission was paid to the private banks for their services in connexion with its flotation? When will the Government use the national credit through the Commonwealth Bank to raise the necessary credit for the prosecution of the war with interest-free money ? 66 KE4 ALP 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE - The Treasurer has supplied the following answers: - £134,332. £32,678. The rate of commission has since been varied from a flat rate of 5s. per cent, to 5s. per cent, up to £5,000 and 2s. 6d. per cent, thereafter. This subject is dealt with in my budget speech. 66 bill Bill received from the House of Representatives. Standing and Sessional Orders suspended. Bill (on motion by Senator Keane) read a first time. 66 66 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE .- I move - That the bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this bill is to validate up to, and including, the 5th March, 1943, the collection of duties under Customs Tariff Proposals No. 7, of the 5th March, 1942. As honorable senators will realize, time has not permitted the debating of these proposals, and unless they are validated by the 5th September, 1942, the authority to collect duty thereunder will lapse, and the revenue will be seriously affected. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and passed through its remaining stages without requests or debate. 66 bill Bill received from the House of Representatives. Standing and Sessional Orders suspended. Bill (on motion by Senator Keane) read a first time. Secondreading. 67 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE .- I move - That the bill be now read a second time. This measure is incidental to the Customs Tariff Validation Bill 1942 and proposes to validate until the 5th March, 1943, the exchange adjustment alterations made by Customs Tariff (Exchange Adjustment) Proposals of the 5th March, 1942. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and passed through its remaining stages without requests or debate. 67 bill Bill received from the House of Representatives. Standing and Sessional Orders suspended. Bill (on motion by Senator Keane) read a first time. Secondreading. 67 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE . - I move - That the bill be now read a second time. This bill is introduced for the purpose of validating until the 5th March, 1943, the collection of the special war duty imposed by proposals of the 5th March, 1942. The special war duty was imposed for war-time revenue purposes. Time does not permit the debating of the proposals at present, and validation of the collections of duty thereunder is necessary in order to protect the revenue. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and passed through its remaining stages without requests or debate. 67 bill Bill received from the House of Representatives. Standing and Sessional Orders suspended. Bill (on motion by Senator Keane) read a first time. 67 67 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE . -I move - That the bill be now read a second time. The Customs Tariff (New Zealand Preference) proposals of 5th March, 1942, provide for the imposition of a special duty on chewing gum confectionery of New Zealand origin, and this bill seeks to validate the collection of duty under the proposal until the 5th March, 1943. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and passed through its remaining stages without requests or debate. 67 bill Bill received from the House of Repre- , sentatives. Standing and Sessional Orders suspended. Bill (on motion by Senator Keane) read a first time. 67 67 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE .- I move - That the bill be now read a second time. This bill provides for the validation of the collection of the protective duty imposed on lifting jacks of Canadian origin by Customs Tariff (Canadian Preference) proposals of the 5th March, 1942. The period of validation is the same as for the other tariff proposals, namely, until the 5th March, 1943. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and passed through its remaining stages without requests or debate. 67 miscellaneous Message received from the House of Representatives intimating that Mr. Rosevear had been discharged from attendance on the Joint Committee on War Expenditure. 68 miscellaneous Message received from the House of Representatives intimating that the following members had been appointed members of the Broadcasting Committee : Mr. Barnard, Mr. Calwell, Mr. Johnson, Sir Charles Marr, Dr. Price, and Mr. Riordan. Motion (by Senator Ashley) - by leave - agreed to - That, in accordance with the provisions of the Australian Broadcasting Act 1942, the following senators be appointed members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Broadcasting: - Senator Amour, Senator Cooper, and Senator Herbert Hays. 68 miscellaneous 68 68 K0W New South Wales ALP Postmaster-General 1 0 ASHLEY, William Senator ASHLEY - by leave - read a copy of the ministerial statement delivered in the House of Representatives by the Minister for External Affairs (Dr. Evatt) (vide p. 78), and moved - That the paper be printed. Debate (on motion by Senator McLeay) adjourned. 68 miscellaneous 68 Motion (by Senator Collings) - by leave - agreed to - That a joint meeting of members of the Senate and of the House of Representatives be convened this day for the purpose of discussing in secret the present war and hearing confidential reports in relation thereto. 68 special adjournment Motion (by Senator Oolongs) agreed to- That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn to Thursday next at 3 p.m. 68 papers The following papers were presented : - Defence Act -Royal Military College - Report for 1941. National Security Act - National Security (General) Regulations - Orders - Prohibiting work on land (12). Taking possession of land, &c. (84) . Use of land (8). 68 16:18:00 Senate adjourned at 4.18 p.m.