PM Transcripts

No. 116.
PERIOD. 1ST1! JUNE, 1946, TO 10TH JULY, 1946.
By Autboh,:
L F. Jomm#. C~ mmonwealh Govenimem Pdnt. CAbs
( Printed in Awiufim)
COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT.
DIGEST OF DECISIONS
AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
IMPORTANT SPEECHES
BY
THE PRIME MINISTER
( THE RIGHT HON. J. B. CHIFLEY).

MIGRATION.
PASSPORTS--RESTRICTIONS, RELAXATIONS.
On 18th June, 1946, the Minister for Immigration ( Mr. Calwell) announced
that restrictions imposed under National Security Act Regulations on the
issue of passports would be lifted from 1st July, 1946. Passports for Japanl
would be excepted. Any person would then be able to secure a passport
to leave Australia by complying with the usual conditions. Restrictions
on the issue of passports to doctors and nurses would be lifted. Previously,
passports had been issued only to doctors and nurses wishing to do postgraduate
courses or gain experience in overseas hospitals. Persons going
to Britain must undertake to remain away for twelve months or until shipping
facilities became available for their return without inconveniencing
persons in the priority classes.
BRITISH MIGRANTS-CHILDREN.
On 2nd July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
Legal guardianship of British children who were evacuated to Australia
during 1940 for the duration of the war was vested in the Minister for the
Interior ( later changed to the Minister for Immigration), and through him
in the various State Child Welfare Departments under National Security
( Oversea Children) Regulations. Of the 577 children who came to Australia,
over 100 are remaining here, some temporarily to complete educational
courses or apprenticeships and others permanently.
Cabinet decided to-day that, with the expiry of the National Security
Act on 31st December, 1946, legislation be introduced to enable the Minister
for himnigration to continue as the legal guardian of overseas children who
remain in Australia and also as the legal guardian of children brought to Australia
under any governmental or non-governmental immigration organization."
INDUSTRIAL.
STRIKES-COMPARATIVE FIGURES.
In Parliament.-On 19th June, 1946, the Minister for Labour ( Mr.
Holloway) said-
The number of industrial disputes and working days lost fron 1939-45
inclusive have been-Disputes. Days Lost.
1939 416 459,154
1940 350 1,507,252
1941 567 984,174
1942 602 378,195
1943 785 990,161
1944 941 912,752
1945 45 2,119,641
( For earlier references, please see No. 103, page

STRIKES-PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH.
In Parliament.-On 4th July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley)
said-Rightly or wrongly, and I am not entering into that at the moment,
men in Queensland are on strike. I am not attempting to condone the
strike I merely point out that if the men have decided that they will not
work, they cannot be forced by law to go to work. What then is the next
step They may be fined, and if they do not pay the fine they may be
sent to jail. But the application of such a policy has never been successful
in settling an industrial dispute. 1 defy anybody to prove to me that such
action has ever produced industrial peace or effected a settlement of an
industrial dispute. I have been associated with many industrial disputes.
Even if a mistress has a difference with her house-maid, I am expected to
intervene. The Leader of the Country Party ( Mr. Fadden) wants me, on
behalf of the Government, to intervene in the Queensland meat dispute,
Ilthough the State Industrial Court is in control of it and the State Govltenent,
under its emergency powers, is operating the. relevant legislation
to deal with it. What form of intervention does he propose Does he
want me to order the men back to work
I cannot visualize the Commonwealth Government intervening in this
dispute, regrettable though it is. I do not attempt to condone it. The
State Industrial Court, and the State Government with its emergency powers,
has all the law that is needed. Will the enforcement of that law bring
the dispute to an end We know that it will not. Intervention ly tile
Commonrwealth Government would only make confusion worse confounded.
All the parties to the dispute have been strong-minded, and have
hotly supported the stand they have taken. There is too much strongmindedness
in many industrial disputes. I do not deny that I would have
tried to induce the parties to come together. I could not, of course,
approach the Industrial Court. I do not know whether the State Government
or the Premier would be able to make any approach to the court,
because it has made the declaration, You must go back to work before
we shall do ; nything'. The employers say, We will not meet you until
you go back to work The reply of the employees is, We will not return
to work except under pre-strike conditions'. Mr. Fadden has urged that
the Commonwealth Government should intervene because of the influence
that is being wielded by Communists. I have received hundreds of telegrams
from those whom he has described as Communists, asking me to
intervene in total disregard of the State Industrial Court and the State
Government. To do that would be to destroy the effect of the Queensland
law and the judgment of the Industrial Court; not that that would worry
me very much, because I believe that there are some faults on that side.
In my opinion, had the employers been prepared to give way a little, the
strike could have been settled.
Mr. Fadden wants me to override the State Industrial Court and the
State Government, by the exercise of a power possessed by the Common.-
wealth in other words, to flout the Queensland law and the State court.
We have been unable to discern in what way any law that we could operate
would be more effective than the laws which the Queensland Government

has the power to operate. Their application, of course, does not get the
men back to work. There a great deal that I could say about the dispute
but I do not waut to add fuel to the fire. I have been very disappointed
at the trend of events. As a matter of fact, almost every day since I
returned front abroad I have been told that negotiations were proceeding
, and that the dispute would be settled. Yet it has dragged on from day to
day. I do not want Mr. Fadden or this House to believe that I am happy
about the position. If the Commonwealth were to engage in a fight not
nily with the strikers, but also, if you like, with the'employers, the Queensland
Government and the State Industrial Court, the state cf affairs would
be akin to legislative anarchy. Had the Commonwealth Government issued
an order stating that the meat-workers should return to work under prestrike
conditions, the order would have been obeyed. But that would
have been a complete flouting of the Queensland Industrial Court. It
would have 1le e totally at variance withl the wishes of the State Government
; aid would have been violently opposed by the employers. Merely because
we did not wish to flout other laws that were operating in respect of the
matter, such an order was not issued.
The matter does not involve a return to work at award rates.
Apparently, some agreements between the employers and employees have
been operating for a period of years, giving to the employees considerable
benefits which are not provided for in the award. At least, that claim is
made by the employers and the court. The matter does not . touch the
tour men who were dismissed from their employment in a bacon factory.
I believe that their dispute could have been settled by the court separately.
The Communists, near-Communists, or Cryptos-call them what you willare
the very people who have been asking us to step in and override the
State laws by saying to the employees, ' Go back to work on pre-strike
conditions The dispute is most unfortunate. I do not make any apology,
nor does the Minister for Agriculture ( Mr. Scullv), for having asked the
Meat Controller to see whether personal contact would produce a better
feeling and result in the men returning to work.
We cannot drive men back to work. They are really in no different
position from that of the milk producers who refused to supply milk. Men
have the right to refuse to work. I admit that it is unjust to the community.
In the final analysis, I suppose men have the right to dispose
of their labour just as the man who produces wheat or any other commodity
has the right to dispose of it.
I believe that if suitable action had been taken to bring employers and
employees together a settlement might have been reached long ago. However,
I cannot see why the Commonwealth Government should attempt to
override the State Industrial Court in opposition to the State Government,
, or why we should attempt to override the State emergency legislation."
UNEMPLOYMENT-FIGURES.
In Parliament.-On 4th July, 1946, the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction
( Mr. Dedman) said-
The total number of persons unemployed in Australia on 21st June,
1946, was 11,100, about 60 per cent. of whom were receiving unemployment

benefit. The other 40 per cent. were receiving a re-employment allowance
as ex-servicemen while awaiting employment in the type of work thrlv
desired." PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.
POULTRY FARMING-EGGS, CONTROL, CESSATION FIXED.
On 19th June, 1946, the Minister for Agriculture ( Mr. Scully) announced
that the control of the egg industry under National Security Act Regulations
would continue in operation until 31st December, 1946, when the Act expired.
It was previously proposed that control should cease on 30th June, 1946,
in view of the establishment of a central organization by the several State
Egg Marketing Boards known as Egg Boards of Australia Limited which
intended to take over control of the industry as from 1st July, 1946.
Circumstances precluded the company from commencing operations and he
had authorized continuance of Commonwealth control until 31st December.
1946, before which date the position regarding the organization should he
clarified. EXPORTS TO BRITAIN--EGGS.
On 19th June, 1946, Mr. Scully announced that exports to the British
Ministry of Food from Ist July to 31st December, 1946, would be 1,000,000
cases of eggs, equivalent to 30,000,000 dozen eggs as well as about 20,000,0C. 1
lb. of frozen egg pulp, equivalent to nearly 17,000,000 dozen eggs.
COTTON-BOUNTY.
On 2nd July, 1946, the Minister for Customs ( Senator Fraser) said that
the Raw Cotton Bounty Act would expire on 31st December, 1946, and the
Government had decided to introduce legislation to extend the operation
of the Act sc that producers would be guaranteed that the present net
return of 15d. per lb. of raw cotton above the grade known as strict good
ordinary" would be continued on cotton produced in Australia during
1947 and each year until 31st December, 1951. The guaranteed net returns
would be computed after taking into account the net return from by-products
of raw cotton. Raw cotton of '. strict good ordinary" or lower grades
would continue to receive bounty at half the appropriate rate as provided
under the Act. The bounty had been extended subject to'the Queensland
Government making every endeavour to implement undertakings given
during 1939-40 to improve the efficiency of cotton growing.
PARLIAMENT.
BROADCASTING-BILL INTRODUCED.
In Parliament.-On 19th June, 1946, the Postmaster-General ( Senator
Cameron) introduced the Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting Bill.
Senator Cameron said-
The broadcasting of the proceedings of the Commonwealth Parliament
has received the careful consideration of the Government, and it has decided
that arrangements be made for these broadcasts to be introduced during

tihe present session. Investigations have demonstrated that it is not
practicable to ( establish a separate network of medium-wave stations to
broadcast the proceedings of Parliament. In any case, the establishment
of such a network would involve an expenditure in the neighbourhood of
' 500,000. The Goverunment considers that it would be preferable to commence
the service on some modified plan which would not cause so much disturbanice
to existing programme arrangements. The Government has reached
the conclusion that the service should be commenced on an experimental
basis, the broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings being confined at the
outset to the second national station in the capital city of each State and
in Newca: ttle. If, as expected, the innovation proves acceptable to the
public, it will 1) 0bnee cessary to determine from time to time the extent to
which the facilities it is intended to use at first should be expanded. Accordingly,
provision has been made in the bill for the employment of such of the
other national stations as may be prescribed. Consideration would, of
course, be given to the use of short-wave stations.
The Government holds the. view that control of the broadcasts should
lie exercised by Parliament itself through a joint parliamentary committee.
The bill accordingly provides for the appointment of a committee including
the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
It will be appreciated that there are a number of details to be settled in connexion
with the apportionment of broadcasting time between both Houses
of the Parliament when they are sitting simultaneously, and in regard to
the rights of members, technical and programme arrangements. It is the
Government's desire that the joint committee should examine all these
questions and recommend to Parliament the general principles on which
the broadcasts should be undertaken. After the adoption of its recommendations
by both Houses, the joint committee will control the subsequent
arrangements. From tinm'' to time questions may arise which will require
prompt attention and it is desirable that the joint committee should have
authority to delegate, to a sub-committee, its powers to determine the days
on which, and the periods during which, the proceedings of either House
shall be broadcast.
" The Government accepts the view that the immunities and privileges
applying to debates within Parliament should be extended to the broadcasts
parliamentary proceedings.
The Bill embraces the foregoing conclusions and, in anticipation of
it being acceptable to Parliament, arrangements have been made, with the
concurrence of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, for the erection of a control booth in each House and for
the installation of such equipment as is necessary to enable the broadcasts
to be undertaken. It should be practicable to commence the broadcasting
of parliamentary proceedings before the end of the present session, the actual
' late being determined'by the joint committee, which will be selected as
; oon as the measure becomes law."

In Parliament.-On 20th June, 1946, Senator Cameron moved the
following amendment:-
One of the members of the committee shall be the President of the Senate, one
member shall be the Speaker of the Hou.' e of Representatives, and, of the other four
members of the committee, two shall be members of, and appointed by, the Senate
and two shall be members of, and appointed by, the House of Representatives.
[ The amendlment w~ is carried.]
In Parliament.-On 4th July, 1946, the Minister for Information ( Mr.
Calwell) moved an amendment to the Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting
Bill to provide that the Joint Committee on the broadcasting of
parliamentary proceedings -hlould comprise nine members inst-:: r! of six.
[ The amendment was carried and, later, was carried in the Senate.]
[ The bill was passed.]
In Parliament.-On 5th July, 1946, the Speaker ( Mr. Roscvear), chairman,
the President ( Senator Brown), Senators Arnold and Gib-, o, Messrs.
Corser, Fraser, Haylen, Holt and Sheehan were appointed members of thl
Joint Committee on the Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings.
In Parliament.-On 5th July, 1946, the Joint Committee submitted the
following report:-
Days on which proceedings shall be broadcast: The proceedings of Parliament.
shall be broadcast on each day on which either House is sitting.
Period during which proceedings shall be broadcast: The broadcast shall commence
on each sitting day at the time fixed for the meeting of the House whose opening
proceedings are to be broadcast on that day as determined by the Joint Committee.
and shall cease when the adjournment is moved in the House which is being broadcast
at that time.
Allocation of broadcasting time between the Senate and tie House of Representatives:
The allocation of broadcasting time between the Senate and the House of Representatives
shall be in accordance with the views of the Joint Committee, or its sub-committee,
on the importance of the impending debate and the public interest attaching thereto.
The committee recognizes that in practice more time will be allotted to the House of
Representatives than to the Senate.
Re-broadcast of questions without notice and answers Within the limits of time
available, questions without notice and answers in each House shall be re-broadcast
between 7.20 p. m. and 7.55 p. m. on each sitting day.
Broadcast and re-broadcast through national stations: No broadcast or re.
broadcast of the proceedings of either House shall be made except through national
broadcasting stations unless the Joint Committee otherwise determines.
[ The report was adopted.]
PRIVILEGE-PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS.
In Parliament.--On 4th July, 1946, the Acting Attorney-General
( Mr. Holloway) introduced the Parliamentary Papers Bill. Mr. Holloway
said-This bill proposes to give absolute protection against civil or criminal
proceedings, for example proceedings for libel, in respect of the publication
under the authority of a parliamentary committee of any document laid
before the committee or of any evidence given befo: re the committee.
The Parliamentary Papers Act, which the bill proposes to amend, provides,
amongst other things, that no action or proceedings, civil or criminal
shall lie against any person for publishing any document published under
the authority of the Senate or the House of Representatives. Tlhe act does
not apply to publication under the authority of a parliamentary committee

but where the evidence given before a parliamentary committee is tabled
in either House of the Parliament and ordered by that House to be printed
the protection given by the act applies.
However, when evidence is tabled and ordered to be printed, a large
number of copies must be printed to meet the requirements of the circulation
list for parliamentary papers. For example, on the tabling of the report
of the Standing Committee on Broadcasting regarding proposed staff
regulations for the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the number of
copies printed was 660. It is considered that the expense of printing the
weidence before parliamentary committees as a parliamentary paper is not
always justified. As an instance, the Standing Committee on Broadcasting
considers that the number of copies of the evidence given before it which,
generally speaking, need be printed is about 40. I feel sure that where a
committee itself arranges the publication of evidence before it with the
object of saving public money, it should not be deprived of the protection
of the Parliamentary Papers Act. It may be that the publication is already
privileged either at common law or by virtue of section 49 of the Commonwealth
Constitution, but it is considered desirable to put the matter beyond
doubt. The bill is designed to achieve this object and applies to documents
; nd evidene, published after 23rd September, 1943." [ The bill was passed.]
ENEMY ALIENS.
OVERSEAS INTERNEES-INQUIRY, MR. JUSTICE SIMPSON'S
REPORT.
In Parliament.-On 19th June, 1946, the Minister for Immigration
Calwell) said-
Mr. Justice Simpson was appointed by the Government to inquire
into the cases of a number of enemy aliens who were still being held in
internment. He was asked to report to the Government as to which
persons should be released to remain in residence in this country, and as
to which persons should be repatriated to their homelands. The Government
has decided to carry out Mr. Justice Simpson's recommendations in
their entirety. A number of perons are being held in internment pending
repatriation they will be repatriated as soon as shipping is available.
If shipping is not available before the expiration of the National Security
Act, special legislation will be enacted to enable me to give effect to
Mr. Justice Simpson's recommendations."
On 2nd July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
When the National Security Act ceases on 31st December, 1946, there
will be no power by which enemy aliens interned during the war and whose
repatriation has been recommended by a Supreme Court judge in the
interests of public safety and the defence of the Commonwealth can be
repatriated. Further, because of lack of shipping, it may not be possible
to give effect to the judge's recommendatious before the act expires.
S" Cabinet to-day decided that the Minister for Immigration ( Mr. Calwell)
prepare a bill to provide for the repatriation of aliens who were interned

during the war and after an inquiry by a judicial authority are deemed to
be a menace to the security of the Commonwealth the control of the movements
of aliens interned during the war and released while awaiting
repatriation following a judicial inquiry which deemed them to be a menace
to the security of the Commonwealth and the repatriation of aliens who,
after a judicial inquiry, are deemed to be a danger to the security of the
Commonwealth." NATIONAL UNIVERSITY.
BILL INTRODUCED.
In PI'rliaentl.--On 19th June, 1946, the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction
( Mr. Dedman) introduced the Australian National University
Bill. Mr. Dedman said--
The Government is anxious that the national university which this
bill seeks to establish should be established in such manner that it will bring
credit to Australia, advance the cause of learning and research in general,
and take its rightful place among the great universities of the world. For
this reason I will sympathetically consider any amendment, with th,.
object of helping the university achieve these ends.
" Australia has gained a justifiably high reputation in university
teaching and research, and the Government believes that the establishment
of an Australian national university at Canberra will bring still further
credit to our country, not only by the work done within its own walls by its
own staff and research students, but also by collaboration and co-operation
between its members and the research workers and teachers of the other
Australian universities. With the help and encouragement of other
universities, anid of all men and women'of good will, the national university
will soon be in a px: ition to take its share in solving many complex problems
which are the joint responsibility of all universities.
The establishment of a university is a matter of considerable complexity
and a very great responsibility. For this reason the Government
has not acted hastily. I have discussed the problems involved with the
Minister for the Interior ( Mr. Johnson), with other Ministers concerned.
with the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Sydney and Melbourne
and with groups of distinguished scientists who have been called together
by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Education to advise on the
general and detailed questions associated with this project. In addition.
the Government has had the help and advice of the Canberra University
College Council.
The essence of democratic government is that all national issues must
ultimately be decided by the people themselves. To me it is more than
ever important at tais stage in Australia's development that the Australian
people should have available everything they need to permit their decisions
to be made wisely and after a full understanding of the issues involved.
Both in Australia and in the world at large, innumerable problems await
solution if the future is to be made safe and the people placed in a position
to enjoy the fruits of the developments in science and in human relationships
during the last six years. The first thing that must be done is to

ensure that these developments are studied in relation particularly to their
. Lpplication in Australia. Progress in physical science has culminated in
the harnessing of atomic energy and this has brought the world to its final
crossroads. Mishandled, these discoveries in the physical world can make
peace and prosperity impossible. Properly used' they may introduce an
era of happiness and prosperity unparalleled in world history. It is essential
that Australia, in common with the other nations of the world, should do
ieverything possible to foster that careful research which will allow us to
become the masters, not the servants, of our physical environment. In
medicine, too, the outstanding achievements of the war years await full and
proper application to the civil needs of our people. Once again this implies
patient research by all the talent at our disposal and demands the establishnient
of appropriate institutions at which this research may be conducted.
The Government feels that the university now proposed for Canberra is
nHe appropriate place in which this research may be carried out. On the
side of human relationships, our continued development, and a full under-
-tanding of our problems, requires that we encourage research into the
social sciences. Here, more than in any other field of learning, Australia
lhas an outstanding contribution to make to the world at large. In
economics, history, law, anthropology, and in all the related social sciences,
Australia i n a particularly advantageous position.
We lave also greatly increased responsibility to shoulder in relation
to other people, and particularly to those with whom we are associated
aI a Pacific power. The whole field of Pacific studies awaits fuller development
than it has previously received in Australia. Our relations with the
East, with the Americas, with the East Indies, New Zealand, New Guinea
, ad all the Pacific islands, must be carefully studied so that they may
l,' come friondly and fruitful if our future is to be safeguarded and if we
to make our full contri! bution in the councils of the nations. Here,
iur opportunities are unique. Our remoteness enables us to consider the
fundamental issues involved, free from the day to day fears and turmoil
tliht beset, many of the great Powers. For that reason we have a duty
to the world at large which we must recognize if we are to be accepted as
a world Power.
The Iill is very straightforward and needs little amplification. It
follows in broad outline the general plan of government which operates
successfully in other universities, both in Australia and overseas. It will
be noted that the functions of the university lay particular stress on postgraduate
research and the research schools of immediate importance to
Australia are set out, but nothing in the bill prevents the establishment
of other research schools that may appear essential to the governing body
f the university. It is recognized that facilities must be made available
in Canberra to meet the increasing needs for undergraduate studies anud
for special training for officers of government departments and provision
is made to enablb this to be done.
The governing authority of the university is to be council consisting
of not more than 30 members and to be composed partly of elected members
and partly of members appointed by the Govcrnor-General and by the

Parliament. The university must be free to administer its own affairs
without any pressure from outside, otherwise decisions on highly complex
technical matters may be taken which are not in the best interests of the
university, and which may prevent it from carrying out its work efficiently.
The appropriate safeguards against such outside interference are contained
in the bill which specifically refers all matters connected with the
government of the university to the council.
" I do not anticipate that the university will be in full operation for
some time, but it is essential that as much basic planning as possible be
completed so that the necessary plans can be laid for buildings and other
essential work. The acute shortage of labour and materials for building
will prevent an immediate start being made on any accommodation for the
university. I propose that the bill be amended to permit the appointment
of an interim council to carry out the work of the council until that body
can be properly constituted and appointed, and in particular to undertake
the preliminary work relating to the planning of the university.
The Government is concerned that the university should be able to
plan ahead, particularly cn its research side, and I propose to provide the
university with a grant which will be reviewed every five years rather than
to leave it dependent on the funds voted annually by Parliament. The
Government proposes to make available in the first five years, commencing
with the financial year 1951-52, the sum of œ 325,000 a year. The amount
will be reviewed every five years thereafter. In the period before July,
1951, such amount will be made available, to a maximum of œ 325,000 a
year, as is actually needed to meet running expenses. The Government
will provide sufficient funds to enable the university to start with buildings
worthy of the objects for which they are built and in keeping with the best
types of architecture in the Capital Territory. Accordingly the Government
has approved œ 872,500 for buildings for the university. This amount
will not be required immediately, nor will it be drawn from any one budget.
The vice-chancellor, as the administrative head of the university,
will be, in many ways, the key member of its staff. In the first instance,
it is proposed that the vice-chancellor be appointed by the Governor-
General for five years. All subsequent appointments to that office will
be made by the council. It is vital that the vice-chancellor be a man of
outstanding administrative ability, and, if possible, of high academic
standing. I believe that he must at all costs secure men of world reputation
to supervise the work of the various research schools." [ The bill was passed.]
COAL-MINING INDUSTRY.
CONTROL-COAL CLIFF COLLIERY.
In Parliament.-On 20th June, 1946, the Minister for Supply ( Senator
Ashley) said that losses in the operation of Coal Cliff colliery by the Commonwealtb
had been-
Year ended March, 1945, œ 28,350; year ended March, 1946, œ 27,652.

LITERARY CENSORSHIP BOARD.
MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED.
On 20th June, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) announced that
Dr. L. H. Allen ( chairman), Prof. J. F. M. Haydon and Mr. K. Binns had
been re-appointed members of the Literature Censorship Board for three
years from 25th June, 1946. Sir Robert Garran had been re-appointed
Appeal Censor for the same period from the same date.
DEFENCE.
POST-WAR-RIFLE CLUBS.
In Parlirmeni.-On 20th June, 1946, the Minister for the Army ( Mr.
Forde) said--
The Government has authorized the re-establishment of rifle clubs as
from 1st July, 1946. The departmental organization for the administration
of the rifle club movement will be on the lines in force before 1931, when
the rifle clubs were a civil movement under the Department of Defence.
POST-WAR-BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE.
On 27th June, 1946, the acting Minister for Defence ( Mr. Forde)
announced that Lieutenant-Generals S. F. Rowell, C. A. Clowes and F. H.
Berrvnan, and Brigadier R. King would attend a defence conference of the
commanders-in-chief of all British army commands at home and overseas
and of representatives of the Dominions in Britain in August, 1946.
WOOL.
MANUFACTURES-SUBSIDY.
On 20th June, 1946, the Minister for Customs ( Senator Fraser) announced
that subsidy would be paid to maintain existing prices of wool to Australian
manufacturers for utilization in goods for domestic consumption, when
auction sales recommenced after 30th June, 1946. The purpose of the
subsidy was to enable Australian manufacturers to compete with overseas
buyers in a manner that will avoid interference with normal auction purchases.
Subsidies would be paid to manufacturers to re-imburse any excess
paid in purchasing at prices for domestic consumption but not in excess
of the average market level for individual wool types at a series of auction
sales. That ensured that manufacturers would not bid extravagantly on
the assumption that the Conunmmonwealth Government would meet deficiencies
resulting from unlimited bidding.
WHEAT STABILIZATION SCHEME.
POST-WAR-BILL INTRODUCED.
In Parliament.-On 20th June, 1946, the Minister for Agriculture ( Mr.
Scully) introduced the Wheat Industry Stabilization Bill. Mr. Scully
said-Wheat has been a troubled industry for many years. For a decade
before the war, it was frequently in a depressed condition and constant
assistance from governments was. required. Prices were low and growers

could not obtain a reasonable living from their labour. Other wheatproducing
countries were in a similar plight, and wheat presented the
world's greatest agricultural problem. The need for stabilization in Australia
was recognized, but it is beyond the power of any Commonwealth
Iovernment to stabilize the industry. Joint action by all Australian
governments is necessary, because both States and Commonwealth are
vitally affected by matters concerning the wheat inditstry. Although the
prcblem is old, to date it has not been possible to get agreement on a plan,
and the method of operating it.
The bill is intended to give security to the wheat industry in Australia.
It provides growers with a guaranteed minimum price for wheat for five
years, and has the machinery to maintain minimum price guarantees as a
permanent feature. The effect will be to remove the feature which disturbed
the industry most in the past; that is, the impact of unduly low
prices. It will be replaced by a system under which wheat farmers will
know, for a period of years in advance, that they will receive a definite
price for their wheat. They can plan their farm programme with an assured
return, and with the knowldge that they will not be ruined by market
changes which cannot be foreseen or controlled. The stabilization proposals
represent the considered judgment of governments and growers, first, as to
the measures needed for tlh industry, and, second, as to the best way to
effect them. Co-operation with the States is an essential part of the plan.
The States control production, and production must be regulated according
to the markets available for our wheat. In marketing, Commonwealth and
States must use their constitutional powers in harmony if the plan is to be
effective; neither can provide effective marketing unaided. In the plan
now proposed. the States have shown their willingness to co-operate with
the Commonwealth. It has been discussed in detail with State Gove lnmn.-
its, and they have agreed to bring complementary legislation befdre
their parliaments. The Government has consulted wheat-growers' organizations.
The' plan was discussed with the Wheat Growers' Federation in
December, 1945, and growers' views on its details were then expounded
fully. The various points stressed received consideration and it has been
possible to meet them in full. The bill represents the greatest practicable
measure of co-operation between governments and growers to settle the
problem of the wheat industry.
The plan provides a miinimum guaranteed price for wheat for the
period 1945-46 to 1949-50. It provides for review during the currency
of the scheme, with a view to its extension beyond the five years. Growers
will contribute to ai stabilization fund, when prices are high, and the
contribution will be not more than 50 per cent. of the excess of the export
price above the guaranteed minimum price. The Commonwealth will
meet any deficiency in any one year should the stabilization fund become
exhausted. A central marketing organization will be responsible for the
marketing of the Australian wheat crop, and production will be regulated
in accordance with thl markets available. The guaranteed price for the
seasons 1945-46 to 19,19-50, is 5s. 2d. a bushel f. o. r. ports for f. a. q. bagged
wheat. This miinimum will apply to the whole of the marketed crops.

At present, a home-consumption price applies to wheat used locally for
flour. This will be extended to cover other wheat used locally. There is;
in addition, the very important point of the guarantee for export wheat.
Control over local wheat prices is always possible, but the grower will now
get protection against slumps which have been a regular feature of world
markets, and the Commonwealth will take a financial risk to give that
protection. It is intended that the guaranteed price will apply for five
seasons, but, . before the period is up, the plan will be reviewed, and a fresh
guarantee given for a further period. The intention is to have regular
reviews, and to maintain always a guaranteed price for some seasons ahead.
The first period has been fixed as a reasonable period of security and a
reasonable period for a fixed commitment. The guaranteed price is the
minimum return, and growers will get more when export prices are high.
They are given a definite floor price.
A contribution from growers is provided for. It is considered that,
in principle, a government guarantee, which is really a guarantee from the
taxpayer should be accompanied by contributions from growers when
prices are high. This principle is accepted by growers and a 50-50 contribution
is generally conceded to be fair. When prices are high, growers will
contribute up to 50 per cent. of the excess above the guaranteed price of
export wlheat. The money so subscribed will go into a stabilization fund,
and will be used to meet the guarantee when prices fall. The fund will
be a trust fund. There is no intention of building up an excessively large
fund, and, if prices remain higher than is now expected, the contribution
will be reduced below 50 per cent. The effect is that growers will make a
reasonable but not an excessive contribution, and the Commonwealth will
meet the guarantee if a run of low prices exhausts the fund. This means
that growers will share in the extra amounts from high price years, and are
assured in advance against a price below 5s. 21.
It is not proposed, that returns shall be permanently out of line with
the export price, nor that the industry will be continually subsidized. Twothirds
of our wheat goes on to the export market, and we must compete
with other countries for our markets. The plan gives time for adjustments
to meet changing world conditions, and it protects growers against a rapid
fall on the export market. It cannot relieve them of the need to meet
world competition in the export trade. It is hoped, however, that an
effective internatiolal agreement will protect . export markets in future.
For the next five years, come what may in the export field, growers are
guaranteed against the effect of a world slump. They will not receive in
any one of the five years less than 5s. 2d.
The difficulties of making a guarantee effective can hardly be overcome
without a central organization for marketing. A wheat board will be set
up to handle and sell the crops with the benefits of war-time experience
and of an efficient organization. The board will succeed the war-time Wheat
Board and carry on its -work. In its new set-up it will operate under joint
powers conferred by Commonwealth and States, and the statutory power
to operate will relate almost entirely to wheat covered by the State acts.
Regulation of production is a part of the plan in which action would
be impossible without full State co-operation. The long history of wheat

gluts and wheat shortages has shown how easy it is to go from one extreme
to the other. Wheat gluts build up fast, and the low prices which result
have had a disastrous effect in past years on wheat farmers here and overseas.
Over-production must be avoided in the future. We wish to produce all
the wheat we reasonably can, and to sell it at a price fair to growers and
consumers. We want to avoid temporary high-price expansion in the
industry which would leave it over-capitalized and unable to carry on when
prices recede. Deliberate regulation according to markets available is a
new departure, but it offers the best prospect for avoiding a return to the
disastrous see-saw from glut to scarcity. It may seem odd at present to
be thinking of regulating wheat production. Australia is now trying to
produce the maximum crop and to supply everything possible to meet overseas
needs. But we must prepare for whatever may come in the future,
and it is likely that, within a short time, a wheat glut may recur. If it
does, farmers will again be faced with depression, and precautions against
that must be taken now.
Normal pre-war basis of production can be maintained and it will be
practicable to include in the industry soldier settlers and farmers' sons.
I hope that conditions of world trade in the years to come will give an
outlet for all the wheat which Australia can produce. If so, there will be
room for expansion to the limit of economic productive capacity. It must,
however, be realized that farmers cannot go into the wheat industry one
season, and out of it the next. Once in it, they are committed to heavy
outlay and years of production. Boom years are a menace because of the
danger of high land prices and over-capitalized farms, leading to a financial
structure which is not able to meet low or medium price years. For that
reason, the production basis must be decided with the greatest care. The
plan is intended to make the wheat industry sound financially. Regublltion
Sof production-not restriction of production-has been recognized over
the years us one requisite for any plan. That is recognized not only by
governmnts but by the growers; and growers are willing to co-operate
in regulation of the industry to secure the wide benefits of stabilization.
Regulation of production was brought in as a war-time measure, and now
can readily be adapted to peace-time needs. It is a State function, and
Commonwealth and States will co-operate to secure uniformity in administration.
There aire two Commoniwealth bills, and complementary legislation
will be necessary in each State. It is considered the State legislation can
be covered by one act, and one object of the discussions was to secure
uniformity among the States. The Wheat Industry Stabilization Bill
provides the mechanism for carrying out the plan I have outlined, and for
co-operating with the States in all necessary matters. The Wheat Export
Charge Bill completes the work by providing for the charge which forms the
Urowers' contribution to the hill. Difficult problems will be met in administration.
I am confident that they will be overcome by the partnership of
Commonwealth and States.
The Wheat Charges Bill, to be introduced later, provides for a maximum
contribution of 50 per cent., or a lower rate if prescribed, of the difference
between the guaranteed price of 5s. 2d. and the average export price in

; any one year or such part of the export price as is prescribed. It is proposed
for the 1945--46 crop, that the contribution be 50 per cent. of the difference
between 5s. 2d. and 9s. 6d. bagged. The average export return isestimated
to be ] 0s. Growers will be paid from the pool on the following basis:-
2d. a bushel for domestically consumed wheat, and for export wheat
2d. a bushel plus 50 per cent. of the difference between 5s. 2d., the guaranteed
price, and 9s. 6d.-which is 2s. 2d. and a further 6d. on export
wheat, this being the difference between 10s. and 9s. 6d. It is estimated
that, for the whole of the wheat marketed local and export, the grower will
receive 6s. 7d. a bushel f. o. r. at ports bagged.
Summarized, the two bills provide-
The preservation over five years of a price of 5s. 2d. a bushel f. o. r. at ports. bagged
for all wheat consumed within Australia.
A guarantee by the Government of a minimum price for export of 5s. 2d. a bushel
f. o. r. at ports bagged.
When the export price exceeds the guaranteed price, growers to contribute to a
fund to an amount not exceeding 50 per cent. of the difference between the export price
and the guaranteed price of 5s. 2d.
When the export price falls below 5s. 2d., the fund will be called upon to provide
the amount necessary to bring the export price up to 5s. 2d.
If and when the fund is exhausted in any one year, the Government under its
guarantee will provide, out of general revenue, the funds necessary to bring export prices
up to 5s. 2d.
For the 1945-46 crop, the Government proposes that the grower will be paid on
export wheat 5s. 2d., plus 2s. 2d., plus the excess of export returns over 9s. 6d. Under
this arrangement, it is calculated that, for the whole of his sales, export and local, the
grower will receive 6s. 7d. a bushel f. o. r. at ports bagged.
The scheme, including the guarantee, is to operate for five years. During its
: urrency, however, reviews will be made with a view to continuing it under conditions
which may or may not be revised, beyond five years.
The plan is designed to provide for stabilized returns over a period of years. Funds
will be held on account of growers in years of high prices and paid out in years of low
prices. But the Government underwrites the scheme to the extent of guaranteeing
that, whatever be the rise or fall of the market over five years, the farmer will get a
return not less than 5s. 2d. a bushel f. o. r. bagged at ports. [ The bill was passed.]
( For earlier references, please see No. 108, p. 44; 110, p.
EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS.
FUTURE POLICY-TELECOMMUNICATIONS, BILL INTRODUCED.
In Parliament.-On 20th June, 1946, the Minister for Information
( Mr. Calwell) introduced the Overseas Telecommunications Bill. Mr.
Calwell said-
This bill deals with the transfer to national ownership of the external
telecommunication services now owned and operated by Amalgamated
Wireless ( Australasia) Limited and the establishment of a statutory
corporation to operate both radio and cable services linking Australia with
other countries. This bill is one of similar pieces of legislation which will
be enacted by the parliaments of all self-governing countries in the British
Commonwealth and Empire. The step being taken in Australia is part
of a unified plan. recommended by the British Commonwealth Telecominunications
Conference in July and August, 1945. The conference reached
the unanimous conclusion that, to secure the desired strengthening and

better ordering of the British Commonwealth telecommunications system,
a fundamental change in the present organization was necessary. The
conference recommended-
That the private shareholder interest in the ownership of overseas telecommunication
services of Britain, the Dominions and India should be replaced by public ownership.
That the government in each country should acquire the ownership of the telecom.
munication assets in its territories.
That the type of organization established in each country to own and operate the
external telecommunication services should as far as possible be uniform.
That a Commonwealth Telecommunication Board be established to replace the
Commonwealth Communications Council, with functions mainly advisory in character.
but extending to all the national organizations throughout the Empire instead of being
related only to the London organization as under present conditions.
The conference also worked out a system of pooling of net revenues.
in a central fund, from which out-payments for the maintenance of the
board and the maintenance of the submrine cables could be met, after
which the residues would be returned to the respective national bodies.
Legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the conference
has been introduced in the British House of Commons and provides for the
acquisition of the shares of Cable and Wireless Limited, apart from the
2,600,000 shares which it already owns, : nd the payment of compensation
to the shareholders. Another bill is to be introduced later for the establishment
of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Board and for the carrying
into effect of the full scheme recommended by the 1945 conference.
The bill before this House provides for the full implementation of the
recommendations of the conference and the ratification of an overall agreement
in the form set out in the first schedule to the bill. The bill provides
for the establishment in Australia of a government commission as a
corporate body, to acquire the ownership of and to maintain and operate
the overseas telecommunication services at present conducted by Amalgamated
Wireless ( Australasia) Limited and by Cable and Wireless Limited
in the -territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The commission will
be called the Overseas Telecommunications Commission ( Australia).
Provision is made for the assessment of the compensation which will he
payable to Amalgamated Wireless ( Australasia) Limited. The bill provides
that the amount may be determined by agreement between the commission
and the company. In the event of agreement not being reached, the
amount may be determined by a compensation board. If either party is
dissatisfied with the amount of compensation determined by the board,
an appeal may be made to the High Court. The assets of Cable and Wireless
Limited to be taken over by the commission will be transferred by the
British Govermnent to the commission at an agreed price to be paid in cash
Employees of the two companies who have been exclusively employed
by them on telecommunications in Australia for three years or over, and
for whom suitable employment can be found by the commission, will become
entitled to appointment to positions in the service of the commission, with
preservation of their accrued pension, superannuation, furlough and other
rights. If it is not found possible to re-engage all the employees affected.
it is proposed to come to an arrangement with the companies so that the
employees affected will not be placed at a disadvantage.

The commission will acquire, operate and maintain all the overseas
telecommunication services hitherto owned and operated in Australia by
Cable and Wireless Limited and Amalgamated Wireless ( Australasia)
Limited, including in the latter case the operation of coastal and island
radio stations which handle wireless traffic with ships at sea and similar
traffic exchanged within and between territories of the Commonwealth.
The national corporations throughout the Empire will undertake research
: tad developmental work to improve the efficiency of services. This work
will be co-ordinated by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Board in
London, and that board will also undertake research work on behalf of all
partner governments. It is contemplated that the commission shall, if
so desired by another national body, undertake to act as agent on agreed
terms in maintaining and operating overseas telecommunication services in
regional areas adjacent to Australia.
Power is conferred on the Miiister to approve of any contracts where
-upply, either directly or indirectly, of imported equipment or material
of a value exceeding œ 5,000 is involved. This provision will ensure that
lue consideration is given by the commission to the use of equipment manuf1ctured
in Australia before steps are taken to import material of any
ippreciable value from abroad. The powers conferred on the commission
io not detract in any way from those entrusted to the Minister administering
the Wireless Telegrapliy and the Post and Telegraph Acts.
Conditions under which advances will be made to the commission shall
be determined by the Treasurer. The form in which the commission will
keep its accounts will be subject to the approval of the Treasurer and to
inspection and audit by the Auditor-General. Annual reports and financial
statements of the commission, accompanied by a certificate of the Auditor-
(' cncral. will be submitted to Parliament.
The c-inmluission will arrange free handling of meteorological telegrams
exchanged with ships at sea and of similar messages exchanged between
Commonwealth meteorological offices and stations. The commission will
handle free on behalf of the Post Office other telegrams for transmission
within the Commonwealth in cases cf interruption to land-lines, in return
for which the Post Office will arrange free transmission of messages relating
to the commission's administrative affairs.
The duties and functions of the Commonwealth Telecommunications
Board are set out in detail in the overall agreement which becomes a part
of the bill. The costs of the board are to be met in agreed proportions
from the net revenues of the several national bodies.
In the overall agreement, a form of tripartite agreement is drawn up
for execution in due course by each partner government concerned, the
Commonwealth Telecommunications Board and the local national telecommunications
body. This tripartite agreement defines the relationship
which will exist between the several parties thereto and, in particular, to
mutual responsibilities of the local national body and the Commonwealth
Telecommunications Board. It provides for the establishment of a central
fund into which the national bodies will pay annually their net revenues.

" Of the subscribed capital in Amalgamated Wireless ( Australasia)
Limited, amounting to œ 985,518, the Government owns 500,001 fully paid
shares and private interests 485,517 shares. Under the agreements to which
I have referred the measure of control exercisable by the Government is
incommensurate with its majority shareholding. The agreements are so
greatly in favour of the company that, apart from approval or veto of'
tariffs and the granting or withholding of licences for new services and--
even this later right by the Government has been denied by the company-.
the Government has virtually little or no control at all over the policy of th,
company. Government representation on the Board of Directors is limited
to three out of a total of seven directors constituting the board. Effective
co-ordination and control of overseas telecommunication services in
Australia in the national interest is impracticable of realization so long as
two separate companies own and operate the two respective means of
overseas communication, cable and radio. The transfer of the services of'
both companies to the Government will enable their complete co-ordination
under a single operating authority, and will ultimately enable cheaper rates
to be offered to the users of the services through the avoidance of existing
duplication of effort and of overhead costs resulting from the conduct of
the respective services by two separate undertakings. The acquisition by
the Government of the telecommunication assets of Amalgamated Wireless
( Australasia) Limited will involve a reconstitution of the company to enable
it to continue as a manufacturing, commercial broadcasting and patentholding
sales and servicing organization. The Government proposes to
retain its proportionate shareholding in the reconstituted company, if the
private shareholders of Amalgamated Wireless ( Australasia) Limited so
desire. Provision for this would not be appropriate in this bill, and
suitable steps towards this end will be taken later, if necessary."
[ The bill was passed.]
( For earlier references, please see No. 93, p. 80; 105, p. 26; 108, p. 27.)
AIRMAIL TO NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES.
On 8th July, 1946, the Postmaster-General ( Senator Cameron)
announced that airmail facilities had been resumed between Australia
and the Netherlands East Indies.
REVIEW OF RENTS.
REGULATIONS-OPERATION REVIEWED.
On 22nd June, 1946, the Minister for Housing ( Mr. Lazzarini) said that,
because of National Security ( Landlord and Tenant) Regulations, there
had been an overall rental reduction of 14.4 per cent. in shared accommodation
cases determined since the deputy rent controllers commenced operations
in October, 1945. A summary of determinations of rents of shared

accommodation for the quarters ended 31.4t December, 1945, and 31st
March, 1946, was-Number of Deter-Rent Rtent Rent
mnatione iadc. Decreased. Unchanged. Increased.
Dec. Afar. Dec Mar Dec. War. Dec. Mar.
Qtr. Qtr. Qr. Qtr. Qtr. Qtr. Qtr. Qtr.
New South Wales 952 1,947 548 1,211 219 397 185 339
Victoria.. 612 1,560 -394 1,051 193 418 25 91
Queensland 366 416 274 242 56 113 36 61
Tasmania 42 61 17 26 24 33 1 2
Total 1,972 3,984 1,233 2,530 492 961 247 493
( For earlier reference, please see No. 111, p. 13.)
WOOL AGREEMENT.
NEW AGREEMENT-JOINT ORGANIZATION, FIRST MEETING..
On 23rd June, 1.946, the Prime Miniister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
" The first meetings of the Dominion and British directors of United
Kingdom-Dominion Wool Disposals Limited have been held in London.
The company has been entrusted by the Governments of Britain, Australia,
New Zealand and South Africa with the double task of effecting orderl * y
disposal of accumulated war-time surpluses of wool and at the same tim' 4
maintaining anl appropriate degree of stability in prices.
It will attempt to achieve the first objective by offerinc, at auctionl
its stocks of wool alongside current clips in accordance with supply and
demand in the world's markets and to achieve the second objective by
regulation of offerings and by means of reserve ' prices at which it will be
prepared to buy in growers' wool at auction. It will, at all times, endeavour
to act impartially towards tbe interests of the various parts affected or
likely to be affected by its decisions and the company makes the following
preliminary announcement:
His Majesty's Governments in Britain, Australia, New Zealand
and South Africa have considered the recommendation made by tho
Joint Organization pursuant to the terms of paragraph 6 of the Wool
Disposals Plan and have decided that the initial general level of
reserve prices for DoiioDs' Wools sold in the Dominions shall be
the same as tbe present average selling price, ex store, in the
Dominion concerned. It is the intention that this inlitial level shall,
in the absence of circumstances at present quite unforeseen, be
maintained throughout the wool year 1946-47.
Individual reserve prices for the wool year 1946-47, apart fronm
exceptional cases, will not be changed throughout the year.
The sale of wool at fixed prices b or on behalf of, the Joint
Organization will cease on 30th June, 1946.
Orders agaiinst which allocation of wool has no~ t been made, oil
or before 30th June, 1946, will be cancelled.

Sales by auction will commence in Australia at the beginning of
September, in South Africa at the beginning of September, in New
Zealand of crutchings and of old wool at the beginning of September
and of new wool in November, and in Britain in September. The
precise dates on which auctions will commence and details of the
selling programme will he announced later.
Details in broad technical descriptions of the stock estimated to be
held by the organization at 30th June, 1946, will be announced as soon as
possible." On 27th June, 1946, the Minister for Agriculture ( Mr. Scully) announced
that the Wool ( Contributory Charge) Assessment Act and the Wool
( Contributory Charge) Act, assented to on 11th October, 1945, as an
essential part of the plan for the stabilized marketing of accumulated stocks
of wool in conjunction with current clips, had been proclaimed to operate
as from 1st July, 1946.
In Parliament.-On 27th June, 1946, Mr. Scully said-
The agreement between the Governments of Britain; Australia, New
Zealand and South Africa for the disposal of accumulated stocks of wool
and of oncoming clips provided for decisions by the four Governments,
of a reserve price for the season, below which sales would not be made, and
for a contributory charge which would be struck in each country to meet
the industry's share of the cost of administration. The general reserve
price agreed upon is that price at which wool is at present being sold
ex store. For Australia, this is, on average, 18. l1 ( Aust.) a lb. The
contributory charge decided upon by the Comuonwealth Government is
per cent. of the value of the wool, which works out at .91d. ( Aust.) a lb.
average. The price of 18.15d. a lb., less the cnurributory charge of .91l., gives
a net average return of 17.24d. and this is 1.79d. ( Aust.) more than
the average price of 15.45d. ( Aust.) over the whole clip payable by Britain
under the war-time agreement. This must be considered very satisfactory
to growers, because it gives to them, in effect, an overall minimum
guaranteed return substantially greater than that received by them under
the war-time contract." WAR ARCHIVES.
On 25th June, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
In 1942, the then Prime Minister ( the late Mr. Curtin) formed a War
Archives Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. C. E. W. Bean, who
was historian of World War to investigate measures for the preservation
of Australian records and documents relating to World War II.
I have now approved of the scope of the committee being broadened
so that its functions include the preservation of all Conunonwealth records
and not only records relating to the war. The committee will be known
as the Commonwealth Archives Committee. Its functions will be to study
archival principles and practices and to submit recommendations for the
establishment, when circunistances permit, of a permanent archival system

23
for the Commonwealth. Pending the establishment of such system, it will
advise the Government on general questions of collection and preservation.
of records, for the collection or preservation of which adequate steps are
not being taken by a Commonwealth authority, and will formulate proposals
for the preservation of records and documents or Commonwealth
departments, and lay down broad principles to be observed by Commonwealth
departments and provisional archival authorities. The members of
the committee will be---
Dr. Bean ( chairman), Messrs. H. S. Temby ( Prime Minister's Department).
P. Hasluck ( Department of External Affairs), J. G. B. Castieau ( Attorney-General's
Department), K. Binns ( Commonwealth Librarian), LL-Colonel J. L. Treloar ( Director.
Australian War Memorial), Mr. A. W. Bazley ( Assistant Director, Historical Records,
Australian War Memorial), and a representative of the Department of the Interior.
TEXTILE TRADE.
WOOLLEN TEXTILES--EXPORTS.
On 26th June, 19416, the Minister for Customs ( Senator Fraser) said
that export of woollen cloths related to all woollen and worsteds and
included shipments to Unrra as well as commercial exports. Of the
3,000,000 square yards exported during the current trade year, about
2,000,000 square yards of woollen piece goods went to Unrra, and a large
quantity of it was stock the trade was glad to dispose of as it was unsaleable
in Australia. The remaining 1,000,000 square yards of commercial exports
of woollen and worsted piece goods represented only 4 per cent. of the
total production of woollens and worsteds and included all types of woollen
cloth. Suitings exported represented only a small proportion as the
Governmeut -had established strict quotas for worsted exports. Apart
from a small quota to New Zealand, the only exports of worsteds were on
a token basis to maintain overseas markets.
BUDGET, 1945-46.
APPROPRIATION BILL-EXCESS REVENUE.
In Parliament.-On 26th June, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley)
introduced the Appropriation Bill. Mr. Chifley said-
The purpose of this bill is to obtain parliamentary appropriation for
the expenditure of an additional œ 20,000,000 of revenue for war purposes.
When the budget was presented in September, 1945, I estimated that total
revenue would be œ 374,000,000. The. budget was framed to provide an
appropriation from revenue for non-war items aggregating œ 166,000,000.
The balance of œ 208,000,000 was appropriated for war purposes.
It is now anticipated that some revenue items will exceed the estimate.
With the end of the war and the relaxation of controls, there has been a
marked buoyancy in customs and excise revenue, and indications are that
the estimate will he exceeded by œ 7,000,000. Increased sales of civilian
goods, mainly due to demobilization of the forces, may result in an increase
of sales tax revenue of œ 5,000,000. Income tax may yield an increased
amount of œ 5,000,000. Estate duty and s: ome other items of revenue will
show small increases.

It is anticipated that non-war expenditure will be approximately the
same as the budget estimate. An accurate forecast of the total revenue
for 1945-16 is difficult, but the improvement will be from œ 15,000,000 to
œ 20,000,000. To permit this increase of revenue to be utilized to meet
war expenditure, it is necessary to provide an additional appropriation
of œ 20,000,000. The budget provided for total war expenditure of
œ 360,000,000. Owing mainly to the acceleration of demcbilization, this
estimate will be exceeded. The appropriation of œ 20,000,000 will enable
the actual improvement of revenue to be applied to war expenditure, thus
reducing the amount chargeable to loan." [ The bill was passed.]
IMPORTS.
CIGARETTE PAPERS.
On 26th June, 1946, the Minister for Customs ( Senator Fraser) announced
that, in view of the shortage of cigarette papers in Australia, licences would
be issued for the importation of reasonable quantities of cigarette papers.
BANKING CONTROL.
LEGISLATION-COMMONWEALTH BANK ACT, INDUSTRIAL
DEPARTMENT.
In Parliament.-On 26th June, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley)
said that to 20th March, 1946, applications to the Industrial Loan Department
of the Commonwealth Bank totalled 964. of which 782 had been dealt
with. Applications totalling 501 and involving œ 78, T738 had been granted.
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE.
AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY.
On 26th June, 1943, the Governor-General announc.-d the filluwing
awards:-Commander of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empiire
Commodores A. M. Charlesworth, A. L. Walter., ( lcoupcaptain
A. M. Murdoch.
Distingished Service Order.-Group-captain D. W. Kingwell.
Oficer of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire
Group Captains N. M. Heath, A. D. Charlton, Wing Commanders A. W.
Raymond, M. H. Meyers.
Member of the Military Dirision of the Order of the British EmPire
-Flight Lieutenants R. F. Parker, 0. C. Ripley.
Military Cross.--Flight Lieutenant N. M. Kater, Pilot Officer R. Stuart.
Br to the Distinguished Flying Cross.-Squadron Leaders B. E. Brown,
J. R. Kinninmont, N. T. Quinn, Flight Lieutenant F. R. Schaaf.
Distinguished Flying Cross.--Wing Commanders J. O. F. Burton,
C. H. C. Thompson, Squadron Leaders B. Todd, B. B. Watson, A. R. Emslie,
Flight Lieutenants G. S. Hodges, J. L. Macalister, A. G. Stuart, A. F. Tutt,

A. P. Walters, J. Bell, J. G. B. Caimbeil, R. W. Crawlvord, P. Cuirtis,
E. E. Garside, B. Ciffin, D. H. Kellyv, W. J. Madigan. W. E. Miller, R.
McD. Muirhead, V. A. Ruile, E. L. Sly, A. B. Taylor, A. E. Thomson,
W. JTW. ilkinson, Ekving Officers J. C. Meacleier, 1. A. Pedersein, J. A. 1' rettv.
Air Force Oro.-Wing ConimandcrEl. V. Reao, Flight I~ e'utendlnts S. J.
Raie. Sladle, F. r1B. all, F. C. Chaney, W. R. Mlills, Flvinga Officers W.
Bridges, R. JTC. ar~ or, F. Weir.
British Empire Medil-Fight Sergeant R. C. Blut. Lleading Aircraft-,
mian C. H. Couper.
Onl 3rd July, 1946. the Goverinor-Genieial announced the award of tht;
British Empire Modal to Sergeant M. T. Goode.
RECONSTRUCTION.
SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT-RE VIEW OF OPERATIONS.
Onl 26thT June, 1946, the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction ( Mr. Dedman)
said that statistics of progress in war service land settlement since the
Comm-onwealth Act xvtis assented to onl 11th October, 1945, to 18th Junie.
1946, were-Arems leferrd back IUn der ( Jou-Submisiozi
Approved, to State. sideratio ii. Withdrawn.
Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres.
New South Wales Western
Land Leases 329,799
New South Wales 302,167 115,584 46,458 24,267
New South Wales Group Settle.-
ment 803
Victoria 63,940 5,160
Queensland 414,991 1,313,194 230,281
South Australia 64,189 54,350 83,255
Western Australia 90,072 334 76,599
Tasmania 134,516 23,016
Total 1,400,477 10648 4,73 24,267
Onl 26th June, 1946, Mr. Dedman said that rural loans mnade for wa r
service land settlement to 31st May, 1946, , vere-
New South Wales, 668 applications, œ 461,334 Victoria, 100, œ 66,219 Queensland,
47, œ 26,332 South Australia, 75, œ 55,074 Western Australia, 444, œ E365,510;
Tasmania, 26, œ 18,451 total, 1,360, œ 992,920.
GOVERNMENT'S PLAN-NATIONAL WORKS COUNCIL, LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREAS.
On 1st July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
SThe question has beeni asked whether the Commnonwealth Government
would give financial assistance to local authorities to implement their plans
for local works, improvemlents and facilities, or arrange For the granting
of interest free loans to such bodies.

26
It must be remembered that these local authorities are self-governing
bodies, responsible to the electors, and that powers exist under State law
for them to raise loans, as well as obtain revenue by the levying of rates.
As to concessional interest rates, I think it would be difficult to justify the
selection of one class of borrowing for favoured treatment in this respect.
Moreover, a concession to one class of borrowers presents the problem of
adjusting upwards the rates to other borrowers if a net loss in interest
receipts from all advances--involving an additional charge on the Budget--
is to be avoided.
The Commonwealth Government is aware of the problems associated
with the financing of public work programmes and has actively pursued a
policy which will provide the most favorable terms over the widest field
of prospective borrowers. I refer particularly to the fact that borrowings
by governments, and semi-and local government authorities, may now be
negotiated on more favorable terms than ever before and this is directly
. ttributable to the policy of low interest rates by the Commonwealth.
It is essential to the continued success of financial policy, that all
. pproaches to the market for loan funds should be properly co-ordinated.
This is particularly important during the next few years, when it will be
necessary to introduce the public works requirements of Commonwealth,
State and local government bodies in an ordered way so as to avoid undue
, competition for available building and works facilities. Similarly, it is
-sscntial that financial needs be co-ordinated and related to available money.
The fact that the Commonwealth, foreseeing these potential needs,
: onvened the National Works Council, and was instrumental in having a
long-term public works programme planned by the States, must not be
interpreted as an indication that the Commonwealth Government desires to
usurp the sovereign responsibilities of the States in the field of local government,
nor that it is prepared to support a financial arrangement which
would give strong preference to local government bodies in respect of public
works finance which could not be extended to other Commonwealth and
State financial requirements for public works and buildings programmes.
At its first meeting in January, 1944, the National Works Council
agreed to. the preparation of a programme of public works in three classifications
of urgency and amounting in all to roughly œ 200,000,000 as a reservoir
of worhs to facilitate the stabilization of the early post-war economic
condition. It was resolved that the programme for each State should be
endorsed by that State Government and that the administering authority
of the programme should indicate its agreement to accept the financial
responsibility entailed. Among the items included in the States' programmes
would be works planned by local government authorities and
authorized by the State Government concerned as sufficiently urgent to be
included in its programme. At the second meeting of the National Works
Council in August, 1944, progress was reviewed and it was again emphasized
that the responsibility for the financing of the works programmes planned
rested on the States. Local government authorities should, therefore,
submit their loan proposals to their State Governments."

27
UNITED NATIONS FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATIONAUSTRALIAN
BODY.
On 2nd July, 1946, Mr. Chifley said---
The Fcod and Agriculture Organization is now becoming effectively
established as an integral part of the new international machinery of the
United Nations. The first conference, to which Australia sent a delegation,
was held in 1945. Following the conference, steps have been taken to build
up a permanent secretariat to carry out its functions.
In 1944, Full Cabinet approved of an inter-departmental committee
being established, comprising representatives of the Departments of the
Treasury, External Affairs, Post-war Reconstruction, Commerce and Agriculture,
and Health, to consider matters associated with the subject as
they arose and to report to the Minister for External Affairs. A request
has now been received from the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture
Organization that an Australian committee be set up to provide a
liaison between the appropria: e agencies in Australia and the secretariat
of the organization.
" Cabinet decided to-day that the Inter-departmental Committee be
S replaced by an Australian Food and Agriculture Organization Committee
to be set up in conformity with the request of the Director-General of F. A. O.,
comprising representatives of the Departments of the Treasury, External
S Affairs, Commerce and Agriculture, Information, Interior, Health, and of
the Bureau of Agricultural Economics ( now with the Department of Post-
S war Reconstruction), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,
the Commonwealth Statistician, and the Forestry and Timber Bureau.
The Australian F. A. O. Committee has the following duties and responsibilities
To advise the Government on policy questions in regard to F. A. O.
To collect information and statistics required by the F. A. O. secretariat from
Australia and to approve such matter before despatch.
To disseminate information provided by F. A. O.
To bring to the notice of appropriate authorities any action required on their part
S to carry out the purposes of F. A. O.
To prepare the draft brief for Australian representatives attending conferences and
other meetings of the F. A. O.
To furnish a quarterly progress report to Cabinet and to report at other times as
circumstances require.
To arrange suitable publicity for F. A. O. activities through the Department of
Information.
S To co-operate with State authorities through the Department of Commerce and
Agriculture and the Australian Agricultural Council.
WORLD ORGANIZATION--ATOMIC ENERGY.
In Parliament.-On 3rd July, 1946, Mr. Chifley said--
On the general subject of the control of atomic energy and the materials
used in the manufacture of atomic bombs, a conference has been sitting for
some time. The Minister for External Affairs ( Dr. Evatt) is representing
Australia. I cannot say what final decisions are likely to be reached, but
the general view has been expressed by this Government, and has been
submitted to the conference, that the control of atomic energy should be
placed under the United Nations. Having regard to the dreadful possibilities
of the use of uranium and other ingredients in the production of

atomic bombs, and to the future peace of the world, our belief is that this
new discovery should be developed to produce industrial power and not
hombs for war purposes. Dr. Evatt is making this clear at the conference."
SECONDARY INDUSTRIES COMMISSION-PLYWOOD INDUSTRY
PANEL.
On 3rd July, 1946, Mr. Dedman announced the formation of a Plywood
Industry Advisory Panel to function within the Secondary Industries
Division of his department comprising-
Mr. I. H. Boas, chairman, the secretary of the Department of Forests, Papua-New
Guinea ( Mr. J. B. McAdam), Messrs. J. F. Brett and C. R. Paterson ( Australian Plywood
Board), Mr. C. Mitchell ( Associated Country Saw Millers of New South Wales), the
secretary of the Furnishing Trad-es Union ( Mr. O. Schreiber), the secretary of the
Timber Workers' Union ( Mr. J. A. Weir), and Mr. A. H. Crane ( Forestry Division,
Queensland Department of Lands).
The panel would report on--
The pro-war and post-war requirements of plywood by types to determine the degree
of permanency of any increased demand.
The present day relation between established demand and. available supplies
expressed in terms of local production capacity, plus importation potential.
The location and availability of logs with particular reference to unexploited home
: and adjacent island stands of timber.
Action to secure an adequate supply of logs for the plywood industry to meet
current and expected demands.
WHEAT POOLS PAYMENTS.
No. 8 WHEAT POOL-THIRD ADVANCE.
On 26th June, 1946, the Minister for Agriculture ( Mr. Scully) announced
; a third advance in No. 8 pool of 9d. a bushel bulk quota wheat and Is. lid.
a bushel for non-quota wheat, less freight in each case. An extra Id. would
be paid on bagged wheat. The advance brought payments of the pool to
4s. llAd. a bushel, less freight bagged basis.
TARIFF.
EXPORTS PROHIBITED.
On 27th Jtune, 1946, the Minister for Customs ( Senator Fraser) announced
that exportation of pig lead, scrap lead and manufactures of lead had been
prohibited. On 3rd July, 1946, Senator Fraser announced that exportation of
tobacco, cigars and cigarettes had been prohibited.
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY.
AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY.
On 27th June, 1946, the Governor-General announced the award of the
Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant G. J. B. Crabb.

PETROL SUPPLIES.
RATIONING SYSTEM-. ADJUSTMENT.
On 27th June, 1946, the Minister for Supply ( Senator Ashley) announced
that the adjustment promised in respect of petrol consumers in classes
3 to 7, whose licences covered both private and business running, would be
effected by making available an additional four gallons of motor spirit
monthly as from the August issue uniformly to each consumer in those
groups, thus making the actual ration available the gillonage shown on the.
face of ench consumer's licence, plus four.
( For earlier reference, please see No. 115, p. 18.)
AUSTRALIAN WAR EFFORT AND CAPACITY.
CONTROL OF TINPLATE--RE-INSTITUTED.
On 27th June, 1946, the Minister for Supply ( Senator Ashley) announced
that as from 1st July, 1946, control of the end use of tinplate, which had
been relaxed in October, 1945, would be re-instituted. Action had been
necessary because of serious cut-hacks in allocation:; of tinplate from the
United States and because substantial supplies of tinplate were not yet
coming forward from Britain. The Government was taking steps to meet
the position and had despatched a mission to Britain and the United States
to ensure that Australia's needs were fully known.
PHILIPPINES.
INDEPENDENCE-AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION.
On 27th June, 1946, the acting Minister for External Affairs ( Mr. Makin)
announced that Australia would be represented by Commodore J. A. Collins
and the Australian Consul-General in the Philippines ( Mr. H. A. Peterson)
; at the ceremonies attending the proclamation of Philippine independence
at Manilla on 4th July, 1946.
MORTGAGE BANK.
OPERATIONS TO JUNE, 1946.
In Parlianment.-On 28th June, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley)
said that to 25th June, 1946, applications for lcans to the Mortgage Bank
Department of the Commonwealth Bank totalled 2,535 of which 1,398 had
been approved, involving œ 2,924,105. TAXATION.
COMPARISONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.
On 28th June, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chilley) said that staterients
comparing the level of taxation in Australia with that of other
countries were misleading, unless qualified by a proper understanding of
the relative values of the several currencies and other relevant factors,
including the level of indirect taxation, such as customs and excise duties,
the level of social services expenditure, the standard of living in each
: ountry and whether the exchange rates were free or pegged. I

Tables of tax payable in sterling countries as compared with tax payable
in non-sterling countries should be treated with great caution before
drawing any conclusions from them. In the following table, setting out the
tax payable on selected incomes in Australia, New Zealand and Britain,
in each case the tax payable had been expressed in the currency of the
country concerned. The amounts shown in the statement included the
following levies
Australia-social services contribution. New Zealan!--social security
charge, Britain-national insurance at 4s. 10d. a week.
Income. Australia. New Zealand. I; ritaln.
150 9. 19 16
200 15 25
250 30 40 38
300 46 54
350 04 70
400 82 85
500 118 117 134
600 155 152 173
800 23 225 252
1,000 312 305 331
1,250 422 415 432
1,500 547 534 544
2,000 45 805 769
3,000 1,557 1,472 1,332
4,000 2,341 2,304 1,957
5,000 3,157 3,204 2,632
EXTERNAL TERRITORIES.
CIVIL ADMINISTRATION-FULL RESTORATION.
On 28th June, 1946, the Minister for External Territories ( Mr. Ward)
announced that the transfer of administrative control of the Rabaul and
Kokopo sub-districts of New Britain from the Australian Military Forces
to the Provisional Administration of the Territory of Papua-New Guinea
had been effected on 24th June, 1946. Restoration of civil administration
to the whole of the territories was now complete.
WHEAT STABILIZATION SCHEME.
POST-WAR-PRODUCTION COSTS.
On 1st July, 1946, the Minister for Agriculture ( Mr. Scully) said that h;,
had told the Australian Wheat-growers' Federation that day that he would
recommend to Cabinet that a commission of inquiry be set up to ascertain
the cost of producing wheat in Australia.

311
AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION.
REVENUE FROM LICENCES.
On 2nd July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
In June, 1945, Cabinet approved of the continuation of a special payment
to the Australian Broadcasting Commission of such additional amount
; Is is equivalent to Is. a full licence fee and 6d. a half licence fee for a period
of twelve months on the basis of licences in force on 30th June, 1945. This
was a further continuation of an arrangement approved in May, 1944.
Cabinet to-day decided to continue still further this special payment
tor a further v.: ar, pending a report on the subject by the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Broadcasting."
SOCIAL SECURITY.
TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS-COMMONWEALTH GRANT.
On 2nd July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said-
The Tuberculosis Act, passed by Parliament in October, 1945, came
into operation on 1st January, 1946, and provided for Commonwealth
grants for diagnostic facilities, after-care facilities, payment for patients in
State hospitals and special allowances to a sufferer or his or her dependants.
In regard to special allowances, the then Minister for Health ( Senator Fraser)
and I were directed by Cabinet to discuss with the State Ministers for Health
the question of the States distributing, on behalf of the Commonwealth,
the grant to be used as a special tubercul,) sis allowance.
To provide for policy and administrative questions arising from the
Act, Cabilnet to-dav decided that the Act be amended to provide that an
amount of œ 250,000 a year may be payable to States, the allocation to each
State to be determined by the Minister, on condition that the States distribute
the grant to or in respect of sufferers from tuberculosis or their
dependants in necessitous circumstances to achieve the object of encouraging
sufferers to cease work and take treatment; to assist in preventing the
spread of the disese and to promote the better treatment of the disease;
and that payments received by individuals in accordance with the proposed
new section shall not be regarded as income for the purposes of the Invalid
and Old-age Pensions Act and of the Unemployment and Sickness Benefits
Act. This will ensure that the tuberculosis special allowances are-excluded
from the means tests imposed in these two Acts, thus making the allowances
additional to any benefit the sufferer may be eligible to receive direct
from the Commonweilth by waY of sickness benefit or invalid pension."'
AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING ACT.
VENEREAL DISEASE, SEX TALKS.
On 3rd July, 1946, the Postmaster-General ( Senator Cameron) announced
that the Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee had recommended that
broadcast talks on venereal disease and sex matters should net be permitted.
The Government had adopted the recommendation and broadcasting stations
had been requested to refrain forthwith from broadcasting such talks.

32
PRICES.
U. S. REVOCATION-EFFECT ON AUSTRALIA.
On 3rd July, 1946, the Minister for Customs ( Senator Fraser) said that
the effect on Australian prices of the abandonment of price control in the
United States would depend on the. extent and direction of the inflationary
forces in America. It was not known whether American exports would be
affected or whether any increase in price would be significant. In any
case, it would be some months before goods purchased at currnat or future
prices would be landing in Australia and there was no present indication
that the local retail price level would be affected. It was difficult to make
any forecasts but Australia would watch developments in the United States
with great interest both from the point of view of the lesson to be learned
from the experiment, and the effects on the Australian economy.
SERVICE PAY RATES.
DEFERRED PAY-GOVERNMENT LIABILITY.
In Parliament.-On 3rd July, 1946, the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley)
said-Total expenditure on deferred pay for the financial year 1944-45 was
œ 9,674,273. To 30th May, 1946, expenditure was œ 67,711,892."
MEAT AGREEMENT.
EXPORTS-CONTROL, BILL INTRODUCED.
In Parliament.-On 3rd July, 1946, the Minister for Commerce ( Mr.
Scully) introduced the Meat Export Control Bill. Mr. Scully said-
The purpose of this bill, to amend the Meat Export Control Act, is to
provide for the reconstitution of the Australian Meat Board, and to grant
to the board additional powers necessary to enable it to carry out work in
relation to the long-term purchase agreement covering ncat for export,
entered into between the Commonw,. ealth Go-vernment and the British
Government. The Australian Meat Board will consist of twelve members, including
a Commonwealth Government representative, who will be appointed by the
Governor-General. He will be employed full-time on the business of the
board and will be chairman. Of the remaining eleven members, seven
members, constituting a clear majority of the board, will be representative
of producer interests. Producer members, comprising four representatives
of the lamb and mutton producers, two of the beef producers, and one of'
the pig producers, must be bona fide producers, and must be persons
nominated by producer organizations constituted on a Commonwealth
basis. Members appointed to represent the meat exporting companies arc
to be appointed after consultation with representative organizations of
meat exporters. The member appointed to represent the employees will
be appointed after co:, ulltation with the Federal Council of the Meat
Industry Employees Union. The member appointed to represent the
publicly-owned abattoirs and freezing works will be appointed by th'e
Governor-General.

J'I
The bill gives the person presiding at a meeting tile right to dissent
from any decision of the board. This right is necessary because of the
Conmmn: nwealth Government's financial interest in the operations of thet
board. It is essential that the chairman shall have the right to bring to
thef Minister's notice immediately any resolutior which lie considers may
involve the Commonwealth Government in any way on a point of principle
or, on question of financial losses or gains.
So that all sections of the industry may be in a position to present
their views on matters affecting the ilndustry, provision has been made for
th' settini. g-up of State conmmittees. It will be competent for any duly
constituted State organization representing a section of the meat industry
to: ; ppl\ fcr representation on the State committee.
SAs the ainiistration of the long-term purchase agreement for meat
between the Commonwealth Government and the British Government will
li, a function of the board after the expiration of the ANatioil Security Act,
provision has been malde for the powers of the board to be extended to
includ the following
To purchase on behalf of the Conimonwealth Government any meat, meat product,
or edible offal.
To sell on behalf of the Commonwealth Government any meat, meat product, or
edible offal.
To manage and control as necessary, the handling, storage aifd shipment of any
meat, meat product, or edible offal.
Subject to the approval of the Commonwealth Government, to obtain advances
from the Commonwealth Bank under Commonwealth Government guarantee, for use
in the purchase of meat for export and the payment of expenses incurred in connexion
therewith. Attention is directed to the provision, of. special interest to producers,
that. the colnitions attaching to the issue by the board of an export licence
liav bieen extended to n ake it obligatory on the licensee, where the prodlucer-
wnier of such stock so requests, to treat stock on account of the
o) wn'r n weigh t and grade basis." [ The bill ats ipssed.]
In Parliament.--On 3rd July, 1946, Mr. Scully introduced the Meat
Industry Control Bill. Mr. Scully said
The purpose of this bill. which is supplementary to the Meat Export
Control Bill, is to transfer to the Australian Meat Board the powers arnd
functions at present exercised by the Controller of Meat Supplies and the
Meat Canning Committee under National Security Act regulations. It will
b) e appreciated that the transfer is to be temporary, and that, with the
expiration of the National Security Act, this act will cease to have the force
of law. Notwithstanding that, the interests of the Commonwealth Government
and of the meat industry, insofar as they relate to actions taken 1v
the Controller of Meat Supplies and the Meat Canning Committee ander
Nationa. l Secu-i ity Act regulations, must be protected. The bill provides
that these rights and obligatilns shall be assumed by the Australian Meat
Board. Since the rationing of meat and the control of meat prices n. re
nmatters which, for the time being ; t least, are closely linked with the
4420.--2 * i

general control of the meat industry, provision has been made for the temporary
appointment to the Australian Meat Board of additional memhers,
one to represent the Commonwealth Prices Commissioner, and one the
Director of Rationing. These members will automatically cease to hold
office upon the expiration of the National Scc rity Act."
[ The bill was passed.]
( For earlier references, please see No. 83, p. 37; No. 109, p. 8.)
NATIONALITY.
NATURALIZATION-NEW GUINEA.
In Parliamnent.-On 4th July, 1946, the Minister for Immigration ( Mr.
Calwell) introduced the Nationality Bill. Mr. Calwell said-
Under existing nationality law, an essential requirement for the grant
of a certificate of naturalization is that an applicant shall have resided for
a prescribed period within the British dominions. The Territory of New
Guinea does not form a part of the Briti., h dominions for the purposes of
nationality law, and residence in the territory cannot be counted as
residence for the grant of naturalization. This means that the only way
open at present to a person living in the territory to acquire British nationality,
which will be recognized in Australia, or other parts of the Empire,
is to abandon his domicile there and take up residence in Australia or some
other part of the British Commonwealth. The purpose of this bill is to
enable a resident of the territory to qualify for naturalization as a British
subject while maintaining his residence in the territory.
Commonwealth Crown Law authorities have expressed the opinion
that it is nQt possible to grant to residents of New Guinea naturalization
which would be effective throughout the British dominions. The Government
has decided that the next best should be given to residents of the
territory; that is, that they shall be accorded the privilege of qualifying
for the grant of British nationality which will have effect in the Commonwealth
and its territories. The hill makes that provision.
It is not the Government's intention that this shall be the final word
on the subject. It is proposed to hold a conference of representatives of
Britain and the Dominions in the near future to discuss certain nationality
questions. It is intended to raise at that conference the matter of making
provision that residence in New Guinea shall he regarded as a qualification
for the grant of a certificate of naturalization which will be effective, not
only in Australia and its territories, hut also throughout the whole of the
British Commonwealth.' [ Th7e bill wlr pased.]
JUDICIARY.
ARBITRATION C. OURT-PENSION RIGHTS.
In Ptli,, went.-On 4th July, 194i, the Minister for Labour ( Mr.
Hollow iv) introduced the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration
Bill. Mr. Holloway said
The object of this hill is to provide that, where a judge of the Common-l
weallth Arbitration Court has, before his appointment, served in any judicil
dflir, und.' r a State, his service umnder the State. up to a period of ten yeo,' rs,

shall be deemed to be part of his service as a judge of the Commonwealth
Arbitration Court for the purpose of calculating his pension rights. Under
the act in its present form, account may be taken of prior service in a
judicial office under the Commonwealth for the purposes of pension rights,
hlt no such provision is made in respect of prior service in a judicial office
under a State.
In other legislation, for example, the BaInkraptry Act, a limited period
of prior service in a judicial office under a State may be taken into account
for the purposes of pension. The idea is to establish a permanent basis
for settling matters of this kind. Recently, several new judges have been
appointed, and most ce them have served in a judicial capacity in a State."
[ The bill was passed.]
PATENTS.
BILL INTRODUCED.
In Pirliamein't.-On 4th July, 1946. the Acting Attorney-General ( Mr.
IIllowa.) introduced the Patents Bill. MJr. Holloway said-
The principal object of the bill is to remove certain disadvantages
which have occurred by. reason of the deltayv at present existing in the
examination work of the Patent Office. That delay has ibeen brought about
in plart , y the fact that a large nmber of exaniiners of patent. s--representing
over 60 per cent. of the stal'f-were released during the war fromn
the Patent Office for service in the forces and in other departments. The
de! ay has also been partly brought about by reason of an abnormal and
entirely unpredictable increase of the number of applications for patents.
This increase appears to be largely due to the great industrial development
which has taken place in Australia in recent years. Many overseas manufacturers
discovered during the war that the Australian market was worth-
\ vhile. and that they cannot obtain royalties for the use of their inventions
in Australia unless they patent them here. Tn 1939, the nunmb" r of applications
for patents was 5,700; last year it was 7,300; and it is expected
that. this year the iiumbier will exceed 10,000.
Every effort is being made to obtain the services of additional
examinrs of patents. It takes at least three years to train an examiner
full-in his work, and some considerable time will elapse before any substantial
reduction is made of the arrears of examination work in the Patent
Office. Anv serious delay in the examination of patent applications has a
dlerimental effect on inventors, and -m industrial development.
This bill proposes to amend, the law so as to provide for the publication
complete specifications forthwith after lodgment at the Patent Office
anld for a patentee whose invention has been used after publication to be
entitled to damages for infringement committed from the date of publication
forthwith after the lodgment instead of from the date of publication consequent
upon acceptance. Damages are recoverable only if a patent is
ultimnately sealed on the application and only in respect of valid claims.
As a corollary to the provisions referred to, the bill gives protection to
persons who may be threatened with infringement actions by applicants
4420.--

on the basis of questionable or iivali I claims, and prohibits the miking of
falso representations that articles are patented or the subject of ienlinr
applications. SThe bill proposes to imake periai. neit a; practice aidopte! durig the
war under ntional Security Act Regulations of not examiniung a pr, ov isiotial
specification until the complete specificetionll has len lodged. lI -aaiy
cases, applications are acconipanied I* v provisional specifications onvl and
lapse hb reason of the ailure oif the ipplicant to lodge a collnplt ; Is-cification.
The ti: e spent in exannliin provisional specifications 1whih0 via; v
lapse will he sa\ l ed Ylir eason of this allnendlinenit." [ The bill iwmci I"' ssd
( For earlier reference, please see No. 96, p. 47.)
SERVICE PAY RATES.
REP'ATRIA TION-MElD-E) ICAL CARE, COMMITTEE APPOJNTEU.
In Parlinvient.-On 5th July, 1946, thile Minister for Repatriaition ( Mr.
Frost) said that the Repatriation Coniissin, with his coienrr-no", h1o
oppointed the following coillillitte':
Colonel E. J. Parks, chaiiman, Major-Geueral S. R. Burston, Air Vi., e-Marshal
S. V. Hurley, Colonel K. Smith, and Captain C. Wheeler, secretary.
Its terms of referetce were-
To examine the existing metlical set-up of the Repatriation ( onnnission throughout
Australia; to consilder fully all facts antd factors affecting proper medical care anti
treatment of all mruembers of the Forces in the future suffering physically or mentally
as a result of their war service, and as a result of its investigations and deliberations
to advise as to the future policy, organization and administration of tilhe medical
services of the Repatriation Commission with a view to ensuring the best and most
efficient medical services and also to ensure, as far as possible, that ex-servicomen in
tilhe medical care of the Repatriation Commission have the ben-fit of thile Iatest arv. nce,
in medicine, surgery and medical rehabilitation.
( For earlier reference, please see No. 94. p. 3.)
DENMARK.
EXCHANGE OF KINISTERS-DANISH lMINTISTER.
OiL . th JUIlv. 1946, the Acting Miiiister for External Affairs ( 2Mr. Makin)
, nniouncedl that , i.' reeiuent has been reached on the exchange of diplomatic
miissionls ibetween Australia and Denmark. The first Danish Minister to
Ausrtralia ( Mr. C. lRottholi) would soon arrive in Australia. rThe Danish
bGovernm'ent Ilhal Iee informnel that it might not hie possile to appoint ii
Australint Miinist er innediatel. BRITAIN.
PROPOSED VISIT BY MR. ATTLEE--POSTPONED.
On 6th Jub-. 1946 the Prime Minister ( Mr. Chifley) said--
SThe B3ritishl Prime Minister and Mrs. Attlee have been looking for1ward
to visiting Australia and New Zealand at the invitation of their governments.
It was announced in April, 1946, that Mr. Attlee planued to leave Britain
in the last week of July, 1946, ibut that his plans were liable to revijion if
there should bie any public matters, requiring his personal attention, which
necessitated his presence in Britain in the period concerned. He has now
regretfully reached the conclusion that the decision recently announced to

summnioii the Peace Coaference at Paris onil 29th July, 1946, added to the
other pressing problems which confront the British Government at present,
render it impossible for hin to be absent froulnt Britain dluring the period
proposed for thile visit to Australia. and New Zealand. He has, accordingly,
informed mec that lie keenly regrets that. lie is obliged to cancel the arrangenernts
! L postponie the visit.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Attlee are acutely lisappointed at the loss of this
opportunity to see Australia and New Zealand, to meet their governments
and people and to express, on behalf of the people of Britain, the appreciation
of Britain of the minagnificent contribution made hY both the fighting
iten andl women and the civilians of each of the two Dominions ill the war.
They greatly hope that they imar have an ollpportunitY to visit Allstralia
;: nd New Zealand at a later ilatj'." HOUSING.
WAR WORKERS--REGULATIONS, REVOCATION.
On th J1ly, 1916, the Minister for Holusing ( Mr. Lazzaritti) anioiouced
the repeal of National Security ( Housing and Accommodation) Regulations,
which, during the war, had enabled essential workers, such as those engaged
in munitions, flax, food production andl certain others in prescribed ailreas,
to secure available o , inagn d accnoiodatiov.
AMERICA.
AMBASSADOR-UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIAN
APPOINTMENTS.
On 9th July, 1946. the Prime Miniiter ( Mr. Chifley) said-
SFollowing dibcussionts between the lMinister for External Affairs ( Dr.
Evatt), the President of the United States ( Mr. Truman) andrl the Acting
Secretary of State ( Mr. Dean Acheson), formal arrangements have now
been completed betten the Australian and LniIod States Governments
for the raising of the rank of their legations at Canluberra and Washington
to embassies. and of the office of Minister to that of Ambas ador. This
step is the natural consequence of the iicrea. ingly closer and cordial relations
betweenll Australia and the Unitel States and reflects the added importance
of the Pacific area in the eves of both goverimients. The move also serves
as a recoanition of th. e major contribution made by Australia to victory
in World War II., and of the important part which she continues to play
in regari to the pireservation of security inii the Pacific.
President Truman proposes to submit to the Senate the noillinatio
of Mr. Robert Butler of St. Paul, Minnesota, as first United States
Ambassador to Australia. Mr. Butler served in World War I. and is
to-day one of America's leading constructional engineers. He is also
actively connected with the governing bodies of various educational
establishments. The Minister for the Nave ( Mr. Makin) will, in dlue course, be
accrclited as the first Australian Anmb! ssador to the Uniit,, d States.'"

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES.
AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY.
Ou 10th July, 1946, the Governor-General announced the award of the
George Medal to Corporal Diti.
FIGHTING FORCES.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES-PSYCHIATRIC CASES.
On 26th June, 1946, the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction ( Mr.
Dedman) announced that consideration had been given to the care of
persons discharged from the Forces who, although not eligible for repatria-j
tion benefits, had psychiatric disability and required treatment and satisfactory
re-establishment. Arrangements had been made for a committee
representative of the Ministry of Post-war Reconstruction, the Repatriation
Commission, the Department of Social Services, the Treasury and . the
Department of Labour to carry out detailed planning. The Australian
Red Cross Society had been invited to take part ith a view to it assuming
a full and official part in the development of the planning. Establishment
of a psychiatric out-patients' service in each State was an essential of the
plan, together with further development by the Department of Social
Services of its rehabilitation centres in State capitals. f r1
By Authority: L. F. JOHNSTON, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.