FOR PRESS: P.M. No.2/1959.
EXPERT COMMITTEE ON COAL
Statement by the Acting Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. J. McEwen, M.P.
The Commonwealth Government has decided to establish an Expert Committee to advise it on all aspects of research into the uses of coal. This decision is in line with the announcement by the Government in its Policy Speech that it would assist the expansion of such research. Arrangements for setting up the Committee have been worked out between my colleagues Mr. Casey Minister for External Affairs (as Minister in charge of C.S.I.R.O.) and Senator Spooner (Minister for National Development, and whose portfolio includes the Joint Coal Board). The Committee will report to Senator Spooner.
The Committee will make a complete review of research in Australia and overseas and will consider both the short and long term aspects. In recommending to the Commonwealth Government those lines of research which should be initiated or further encouraged, the Committee will give special consideration to those which offer promise of leading quickly to an increased demand for coal, although, of course, it is not to be expected that this could be achieved overnight.
The amount of research that has been done and is being done in 'Australia on the uses' of coal is considerable far great than is generally appreciated. The Government considered therefor that, before launching out on any new research or intensifying existing research, it would be wise to take stock of current work both in Australia and overseas. The “Government proposes that this Review should be the starting point for future research policy so Far as “the Commonwealth is concerned. "'It is convinced that the net arrangements. Are of the greatest importance to. The coal industry Australia and that great benefits will accrue from the work of. The Committee
The Commonwealth has been. Fortunate in obtaining the consent of. The following men to serve on.theCommittee;-
Mr. W. Pettingell, General Manager, Australian Gas. Light. Company, who will be. Chairman; Dr. R.S. Andrews, Chairman and Managing Director, Gas
Fuel Corporation of Victoria; S
Professor J.P. Baxter, Vice-Chancellor, University of New South Wales.
Mr. J.R.A Glenn, Managing Director, I.C.I.A.N.Z.
Dr. H.K. Worner, Director of Research, Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd.
The Commonwealth is not only grateful to these men personally, but to their respective employers for. Allowing them to undertake this important national task.
The Commonwealth representatives on the Committee will be :-
Dr. F.W.G. White, Deputy Chairman, C.S.I.R.O.;
Mr. S.F. Cochran, Chairman, Joint Coal Board;
Dr. H.G. Regatta, Secretary, Department of National Development.
CANBERRA, A.C.T.
26th June, 1959