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19330512_reps_13_139.xml
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19330512_reps_13_139.xml
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<hansard xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="../../hansard.xsd" version="2.1" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<session.header>
<date>1933-05-12</date>
<parliament.no>13</parliament.no>
<session.no>1</session.no>
<period.no>4</period.no>
<chamber>REPS</chamber>
<page.no>1406</page.no>
<proof>0</proof>
</session.header>
<chamber.xscript>
<para class="block">House of Representatives. </para>
<business.start>
<day.start>1933-05-12</day.start>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Speaker (Hon. G. H.Mackay)</inline>took thechair at 10.30 a.m., and read prayers. </para>
</business.start>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>1406</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>RESIDENT MINISTER IN LONDON</title>
<page.no>1406</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Interest Rates - Governor-General</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1406</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
<electorate>YARRA, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SCULLIN, James Henry</name>
<name role="display">Mr SCULLIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- Can the Prime Minister give the House an indication of the work in which the Resident Minister in London is engaged, and state whether there has been any progress towards the securing of a lower rate of interest on Australia's overseas debt? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1406</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4O</name.id>
<electorate>WILMOT, TASMANIA</electorate>
<party>UAP</party>
<role>Prime Minister</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LYONS, Joseph Aloysius</name>
<name role="display">Mr LYONS</name>
</talker>
<para>- Whenthe right honorable member for Flinders <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Bruce)</inline> was appointed Resident Minister in London it was arranged that he should carry on the duties usually discharged heretofore by the High Commissioner ; but from the beginning we have had in mind the obtaining of a lower rate of interest on our overseas debt, such as was accepted by our bondholders in Australia. The endeavour to bring that about is a task for which the Resident Minister in London is eminently qualified. He is continually in touch with the financial institutions on the other side of the world as well as withthe Government of Great Britain. But, as I am sure the Leader of the Opposition <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Scullin)</inline> realizes, in matters such as this, the negotiations are of the most delicate character, and great harm might be caused by a premature announcement of the intentions, oreven of the hopes, of the Government. I give the right honorable gentleman the assurance, however, that immediately it is possible to make a statement on the subject, this House will be informed of the intentions of the Government. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1406</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KYZ</name.id>
<electorate>KENNEDY, QUEENSLAND</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">RIORDAN, David</name>
<name role="display">Mr RIORDAN</name>
</talker>
<para>-Will the Government instruct the Resident Minister in London to take no part in the agitation in Great Britain for the appointment of a member of the Royal Family as Governor-General of the Commonwealth, and to do all that lies inhis power to discourage the public expression of such a sentiment? </para>
</talk.start>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4O</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LYONS, Joseph Aloysius</name>
<name role="display">Mr LYONS</name>
</talker>
<para>- TheResident Minister in London is a member of the Government, and, as such, acts on its behalf. We have no knowledge that he has associated himself in any way with the agitation to which the honorable member has referred, and I am confident that he has not done so. There is no need to instruct him in the manner indicated. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>WINE INDUSTRY</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KIX</name.id>
<electorate>INDI, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HUTCHINSON, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr HUTCHINSON</name>
</talker>
<para>- I ask the Minister for Trade and Customs whether the report of <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Buring</inline> on the wine industry has been considered by Cabinet, and if a decision upon it has been arrived at? I should also like to know whether any decisions on the matter will be submitted to the House before the forthcoming adjournment? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate>BALACLAVA, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>UAP</party>
<role>Minister for Trade and Customs</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr WHITE</name>
</talker>
<para>- A question on the same subject was asked yesterday by the honorable member for Wakefield <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Hawker).</inline> The report referred to is a confidential document. It will be considered by the Government next week. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Political Influence</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZX</name.id>
<electorate>BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND</electorate>
<party>FLP; ALP from 1936</party>
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LAWSON, George</name>
<name role="display">Mr GEORGE LAWSON</name>
</talker>
<para>- Will the Prime Minister inform me if the members of the Australian Broadcasting Commission are members of the United Australia Party? If they are not, will he ask the commission to see that announcers from A class stations refrain from discrimination against the Labour party in their comments on the daily news. Further, will the right honorable gentleman have inquiries made to ascertain whether the announcer from 2FC station, Sydney, in his news comments, has given undue prominence to the antiLabour party, and discriminated against the Labour party, in the New South Wales referendum campaign? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4O</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>UAP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LYONS, Joseph Aloysius</name>
<name role="display">Mr LYONS</name>
</talker>
<para>- Before making the appointments to the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the Government did not inquire what were the political opinions of the various applicants for appointment; the sole consideration was the qualifications of the applicants. If political bias is being displayed by announcers from the national broadcasting network, I undertake to have the matter brought to the notice of the commission. Any national system should be entirely free from political or party bias. As an indication of my own attitude in this matter, I might say that, on a recent occasion, when I felt that some bias was being shown against one from whom I differ politically - <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. J.</inline> T. Lang - I drew the attention of the PostmasterGeneral to the fact. I made it clear that what might be said regarding <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Lang</inline> might be justified in regard to any other public man, and that the broadcasting system should not be used for political ends. If the honorable member will bring to my notice or that of the PostmasterGeneral any definite instance of political bias, the matter will be rectified. So far as lies within our power, we shall see that the national system is kept entirely free from political influence. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>RAILWAY DEFICITS</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Conference of Railway Commissioners</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JVR</name.id>
<electorate>PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">NAIRN, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr NAIRN</name>
</talker>
<para>- Will the Minister for the Interior inform me whether a conference of Railway Commissioners is shortly to be held? If it is, will the Government request these gentlemen, but particularly the Commonwealth Commissioner, to present definite proposals for the reduction of railway deficits? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXY</name.id>
<electorate>EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>UAP</party>
<role>Minister for the Interior</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">PERKINS, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr PERKINS</name>
</talker>
<para>- A conference of Railway Commissioners will begin its sittings in Canberra on the 6th June next. I shall suggest for its consideration the matter raised by the honorable member. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>POSTAL DEPARTMENT</title>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Telephone Rentals in Country Districts - Operating Hours - Rural Automatic Installations. </para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1407</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K6Q</name.id>
<electorate>WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CORSER, Bernard</name>
<name role="display">Mr BERNARD CORSER</name>
</talker>
<para>- Will the Postmaster-General, in preparing the Estimates of his department for the ensuing financial year, consider the possibility of reducing telephone rentals as they affect subscribers in country districts? Will he also endeavour to make such provision as will enable country telephone exchanges to continue to operate between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m., which are the most suitable hours for country subscribers ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXQ</name.id>
<electorate>WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>UAP</party>
<role>Postmaster-General</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">PARKHILL, Robert</name>
<name role="display">Mr ARCHDALE PARKHILL</name>
</talker>
<para>- I shall be pleased to consider both of the matters referred to by the honorable member. I direct his attention, however, to a recently issued statement regarding telephone charges; it may be interesting to him, and indicate to some extent the mind of the Government in this matter. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KAY</name.id>
<electorate>CORANGAMITE, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">GIBSON, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr GIBSON</name>
</talker>
<para>- Will the PostmasterGeneral consider the advisability of installing rural automatic telephones, which give a continuous service, in those districts that are now deprived of the telephone service after 6 p.m.? </para>
</talk.start>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Mr. ARCHDALE</inline>PARKHILL.This matter is under consideration at the present time. </para>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>GREAT BRITAIN</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Trade Treaties with Denmark and the Argentine. </para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEV</name.id>
<electorate>MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FENTON, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr FENTON</name>
</talker>
<para>- Has the Prime Minister read the severe criticism of the action of the British Government in having entered into trade treaties with Denmark and the Argentine, to the disadvantage of Australia and the other dominions, which appears in this morning's press, such treaties being considered an infringement of the Ottawa agreement? Has the right honorable gentleman yet received the full text of these agreements? If not, when is it likely to be available to honorable members? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4O</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>UAP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LYONS, Joseph Aloysius</name>
<name role="display">Mr LYONS</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have not yet had an opportunity to read the newspaper this morning, but I shall inquire into the matter mentioned by the honorable member. The Minister for Commerce informs me that the complete text of these agreements is now on the way to Australia. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<type>special adjournment</type>
</debateinfo>
<para>Motion (by <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Lyons)</inline> agreed to - </para>
<quote>
<para>That the House at its rising adjourn until Wednesday next at 3 p.m. </para>
</quote>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>TARIFF PROPOSALS (1932-1933)</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<type>miscellaneous</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>Customs Tariff (1932) : Special Duties (No. 4) : Primage Duties (No. 2) : Customs Duties (Canadian Preference, No. 2) : Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 1) : Special Customs Duties (No. 5) : Excise Tariff Amendment (No. 3)</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
</subdebate.1>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>In Committee of Ways and Means:</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Consideration resumed from the 11th </para>
<para class="block">May (vide page 1404), on motion by <inline font-weight="bold">Sir Henry</inline> Gullett (vide page 1167, volume 135) - </para>
<list type="decimal-dotted">
<item label="1.">
<para>That on and after the fourteenth day of October, One thousand nine hundred and thirty-two, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, reckoned according to standard time in the Territory for the Seat of Government, duties of customs at the rates respectively specified in the column of the schedule hereto headed "British preferential tariff" be imposed on goods the produce or manufacture of the United Kingdom. </para>
</item>
</list>
<para class="block">And on motion by <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. White</inline> (vide page 29)- </para>
<list type="decimal-dotted">
<item label="1.">
<para>That the Schedule to the Customs Tariff Proposals introduced into the House of Representatives on the thirteenth day of October, One thousand nine hundred and thirty-two, be amended as hereunder set out. </para>
</item>
</list>
<para class="block">And on further motion by <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. White</inline> (vide page 1094). </para>
<para>Postponed item 19 (Tobacco) further postponed. </para>
<para class="italic">
<inline font-style="italic">Group6. - Amendments made by the present Government which are supported by Tariff Board reports.</inline>
</para>
</subdebate.1>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>Division 6. - Metals and Machinery</title>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para class="block">Item 178, postponed sub-items (p 1, 2, 3) (e)- </para>
<quote>
<para>Motive power machinery and appliances (except electric), viz. : - </para>
<list type="decimal">
<item label="(1)">
<para>Up to and including 100 horse-power, ad yal., British, 45 per cent.; general,65 per cent. </para>
</item>
<item label="(2)">
<para>Exceeding 100 horse-power, ad val., British, free; general,15 per cent. </para>
</item>
<item label="(3)">
<para>As prescribed by departmental bylaws, British, free; general, free. </para>
</item>
</list>
<para>For the purposes of this sub-item horsepower shall be determined as prescribed by departmental by-law. </para>
</quote>
<list type="loweralpha">
<item label="(e)">
<para>N.E.I., ad val., British, 45per cent.; general, 65 per cent. </para>
</item>
</list>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1408</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate>Balaclava</electorate>
<party>UAP</party>
<role>Minister for Trade and Customs</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr WHITE</name>
</talker>
<para>. - The subitem " crude oil engines "was deferred, at the request of the honorable member for Wide Bay <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Corser),</inline> because a deputation was on its way to Canberra from different States to place before the Government its case for the retention of the duties on engines over 100 horsepower. These gentlemen were granted the interview that they sought, and the case was very carefully gone into by me and by the officers of the department. The three firms represented were, Walker's Limited, Maryborough, Queensland; Ronaldson Brothers and Tippett, </para>
</talk.start>
<para class="block">Ballarat, Victoria; and A. H. McDonald and Company Proprietary Limited, Richmond, Victoria. It was shown that these companies had attained to a high standard of efficiency in the manufacture of crude oil engines of the smaller horsepower, bur, Walker's Limited, of Maryborough, Queensland, is the only firm that has made engines of 100 horse-power or over, and I understand that it has manufactured only five of these iii the last twelve months. The Tariff Board went very exhaustively into the question of local manufacture of crude oil engines, and recommended the duties now proposed, with the exception of the Ottawa agreement formula adjustment. The range of crude oil engines required in Australia is from 2 horse-power to 3,000 horsepower. No such engines of over 220 horse-power have been manufactured here, and on a numerical basis 98 per cent, of the engines made in Australia during the year prior to the board's report were below 50 horse-power. The manufacturers of these engines are adequately protected. It was estimated by the board that, with exchange at normal and excluding primage and duty on casing, a duty of 90 per cent, under the British preferential tariff would be required in order to bring the price of 300 horse-power British engines into line with Australian costs. Similarly, a duty of SO per cent, would be required in the case of engines of 200 horse-power. In view of these facts, it is unreasonable for local manufacturers of engines up to 50 horse-power to claim the whole of the Australian market. There is no doubt that they can meet local requirements in engines up to that horse-power under a reasonable tariff at prices comparable with the price of overseas engines, and that the economic production of engines up to 100 horse-power is capable of being developed; but the board's report shows that the duties necessary to protect the local manufacture of crude oil engines over 100 horse-power would be unreasonable. The local manufacturers are quite satisfied with the duties on engines up to 100 horse-power, but contend that the protection should be extended to include engines up to 400 horse-power. This would cover the range of machines for which the main demand exists. The manufacturers who waited on me in Canberra on the third of this month pointed out that a considerable amount had been expended in obtaining the necessary equipment, and that a great deal of expenditure had been incurred in ensuring that the engines manufactured would be efficient. They also contended that immediately sales had commenced the protection hitherto afforded to the industry was withdraw ; that the few sales which were made while the duties were in operation were obtained in open competition as regards prices. They further asserted that the board's conclusion with respect to the duties necessary was based on faulty premises, and that when comparisons were made, like was not compared with like. Prices, they said, had been reduced since the board submitted its report, and if protection were given, prices would continue to drop due to added experience iii manufacture and an increase of sales, as in the case of the smaller engines. The Queensland firm mentioned enjoys a well-deserved reputation for efficiency. Originally it commenced business in Victoria, where it manufactured railway locomotives, but later it transferred to Queensland, where it is now well established. </para>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1409</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>DQC</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HUGHES, William Morris</name>
<name role="display">Mr Hughes</name>
</talker>
<para>- To what use are these engines put? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1409</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr WHITE</name>
</talker>
<para>- For the most part they are used in connexion with electric lighting plants in country districts. The deputationists also pointed out that practically the whole of the raw materials used are of Australian origin. The board states that 30 per cent, is imported, but the local manufacturers contend that this quantity was used only in the first engine manufactured. . That, no doubt, is true. It is under tandable that, when a new type of engine is being manufactured, it i3 necessary to import a sample to he used as a model. The board is satisfied that crude oil engines up to 50 horsepower are being efficiently manufactured, in Australia, but the manufacturers contend that, as the larger engines are only multiples of smaller engines, no greater difficulty should be experienced in the making of a fourcylinder 200 horse-power engine than in the manufacture of a single-cylinder 50 horse-power engine. Honorable mem-, bers will see that a strong case was made out on 'behalf of local manufacturers. But this is not a matter which can be decided on <inline font-style="italic">ex parte</inline> statements, and, in view of the definite views expressed by the board, it will need to be examined very carefully. I, therefore, ask honorable members to agree to the sub-item as it stands, and allow the schedule to be completed. . I assure the committee that. I will take steps immediately to ascertain whether an amendment of the duties is necessary. The matter will be put in hand at once in order that any subsequent amendments can be provided for while the item is being considered in another place. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1410</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>DQC</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HUGHES, William Morris</name>
<name role="display">Mr Hughes</name>
</talker>
<para>- How many sales have been made of the engines of higher horsepower ? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<para>Mr.WHITE. - The following is a list of the crude oil engines admitted under departmental by-laws: - </para>
<para class="block">
<graphic href="139331193305124_4_0.jpg" />
</para>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1411</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K6Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CORSER, Bernard</name>
<name role="display">Mr Bernard Corser</name>
</talker>
<para>- An Australianfirm tendered for the supply of certain of those engines. It would not have done so if it could not make them. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1411</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr WHITE</name>
</talker>
<para>- For a firm to say that it can make certain machinery is not the same as the making of it. Frequently these crude oil engines of high horsepower are installed as auxiliary plants in factories and in connexion with electriclighting systems, to be used in the event of a breakdown. As Walkers Limited, of Queeusland, is the only firm making these engines, which are required in all the States, it is selfish on the part of the manufacturers to endeavour to secure control of the Australian market for crude oil engines covering all horse-power ranges. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1411</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JTB</name.id>
<electorate>Werriwa</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MCNICOLL, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MCNICOLL</name>
</talker>
<para>.- T favour giving every reasonable encouragement to Australian manufacturers of crude oil engines, and, indeed, to the makers of everything that can be manufactured economically in this country. Such engines are used, among other ways, to supply power for creeper, or, as they are sometimes called, caterpillar, tractors. A complete tractor is admitted duty free from Great Britain, and has to pay a 10 per cent, duty under the general tariff. I am advised that the Sydney firm of Armstrong Holland Limited is developing the manufacture of creeper tractors for agricultural purposes, and proposes to use for its power unit a high-speed British diesel engine, which has been admitted under by-law duty-free. But objection to this has been raised by a Melbourne firm, which proposes to manufacture similar tractors to which it intends to apply a diesel engine of a type that is quite unsuited to the Sydney firm's tractor. Armstrong Holland Limited assert - and I doubt that the statement can be contradicted - that the high-speed diesel engine which they require cannot bc manufactured in Australia. The weight of the engine proposed to be used by the Melbourne firm - a Petter's 36 horse-power twin-cylinder vortical semi-diesel engine - weighs 61 cwt. net, while the weight of a 31-53 horse-power Dorman Ricardo engine with fly-wheel is approximately only 10 cwt. It should be noted that weight is an important consideration, since a tractor, to be efficient, should not exceed 4^ tons. That being so, obviously a power unit weighing 61 cwt,. would be quite unsuited. to a tractor for use in agriculture. </para>
</talk.start>
<para>I have received a copy of a letter from the British Manufacturers Association, of" Melbourne, which strongly support this5 firm in its endeavour to produce these tractors in Australia. It is pointed out in the letter that if any action is taken to prevent them from obtaining this power unit for their tractors, its only alternative will be to import complete tractors from abroad, which, of course, would be admitted duty free. Under the present proposal the tractors produced would be 75 per cent. Australian material and 25 per cent. British material. We must look upon this particular engine as the raw material of this Australian firm. I strongly urge the Minister to continue to admit these engines for this purpose under departmental by-law. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1411</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KMZ</name.id>
<electorate>Herbert</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MARTENS, George</name>
<name role="display">Mr MARTENS</name>
</talker>
<para>.- I am disappointed at the action of the Minister. The honorable gentleman has said that Walkers Limited has manufactured only five engines of more than a certain horse-power. Apparently, because only one firm is engaged in the manufacture of such engines, the industry is not considered worthy of protection. <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Goldsmith,</inline> the manager of Walkers Limited explained to the Minister when he was here, that his firm was not manufacturing engines of less than 50 horse-power. It would not go in for the smaller types of engine, which were being successfully manufactured by a firm in Ballarat and a firm in Melbourne. A representative of each of those firms was present at the deputation. The reason why Walkers Limited has manufactured only these five engines is that, when it had got to that point, the Government withdrew the protection which had been afforded the industry. I point out that Walkers Limited set out in its usual businesslike way to manufacture a satisfactory article. The firm went to the expense of sending engineers overseas to obtain complete knowledge of the larger type of diesel engines. After spending a. large amount of money in this way, and keeping the men abroad for twelve months, Walkers Limited installed plant in its Queensland works suitable for the production of these engines locally. In order to ensure that the first, engines produced would be satisfactory, it imported 30 per cent, of the parts required for the first engine manufactured. This was done to ensure that the local workmen would clearly understand the kind of work which they were required to turn out. Just as the firm had got its new plant properly under way, and had produced five engines, varying from 160 to 250 horse-power, the Government reduced the protective duties. This had the immediate result of displacing 40 men who were engaged in this particular work. </para>
</talk.start>
<para>I point out that the Tariff Board report deals not with the manufacture of engines of the type turned out by Walkers Limited, but with that of a smaller type. The promise of the Minister to make further inquiry into this business is not satisfactory to me. <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Goldsmith</inline> definitely told the honorable gentleman that in no circumstances would his firm continue to build these engines unless it was assured of adequate protection. It is pitiable that a fine works like that of Walkers Limited should be thrown out of action by the policy of the Government. This firm has supplied a first class auxiliary engine to the Temperance and General Insurance Company in Brisbane, as a standby to provide electric light and heating in the event of the supply from the ordinary source being cut off. Other engines of a similar type have been installed by the firm. <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Goldsmith</inline> assured the Government that he was satisfied that there was a market for Australianmade engines of this type of 50 horse-power single unit and over. If the best that the Minister can do is to promise that the Tariff Board will be asked to investigate this matter, I hope that it will lose no time in doing so. The report which the board made in August last deals with engines of from 25 horse-power to 50 horse-power. Walkers Limited are engaged in the manufacture of larger engines. In these circumstances, it is regrettable that the Minister should have acted precipitously. Walkers Limited has proved itself to be a very fine firm. The machinery it has manufactured for the Commonwealth Government and other public bodies has given the utmost satisfaction. Time and again, government officials and other people have congratu- lated the firm on the quality of its products. We all know that it has also done some fine ship-building work. In this particular instance, it has turned out a genuine article for which there is a real need. I hope, therefore, that the Government will yet give it some ray of hope, which will cause it to continue its operations in this direction, and to reemploy the men who have been dismissed. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1412</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K6Q</name.id>
<electorate>Wide Bay</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CORSER, Bernard</name>
<name role="display">Mr BERNARD CORSER</name>
</talker>
<para>. - No other industry has received such harsh treatment at the hands of the Tariff Board as our diesel engine manufacturing industry. Some years ago, when it appeared that a period of slackness was likely to be experienced in the construction of engines, ships, locomotives, machinery for sugar-mills, and mining machinery, Walkers Limited, having a desire to keep its efficient plant in operation, and its skilled artisans in employment, turned its attention to the possibility of constructing diesel engines in Australia. The government of the day was approached with a request for tariff protection in the event of the firm undertaking work of this description, and the representations made were sympathetically received. The firm thereupon sent its general manager on a world tour with the object of obtaining information that would enable it to manufacture engines suitable for Australian use. A contract was made with the British firm of Mirrlees. Bickerton and Day Limited, under which Walkers Limited obtained access to all drawings and particulars of the Mirrlees engine, a British product which was considered to be the most suitable for Australian requirements. Walkers Limited thereupon sent two engineers from its Maryborough works to England for twelve months' study and experience in the factory of the firm manufacturing these engines. On their return to Australia, definite steps were taken to begin manufacturing activities locally. The firm has made it quite clear that it does not intend to manufacture diesel engines of the smaller type, for these are already being manufactured by Ronaldson Brothers and Tippett Proprietary Limited, of Ballarat, and A. H. McDonald and Company Proprietary Limited, of Victoria; and Morts Dock </para>
</talk.start>
<para class="block">Engineering Company Limited is prepared to undertake the manufacture of them. </para>
<para>If Walkers Limited were an unsatisfactory firm, the attitude of the Tariff Board could, perhaps, be understood, but that is not the case. This firm has constructed locomotives for the Commonwealth Government, and also for the Governments of South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, and in every case it has turned out articles that stand to the Credit of the firm to-day. During the war, when Australia required two trading boats of about 7,000 tons, the work was given to Walkers Limited, which constructed the <inline font-style="italic">Echuca</inline> and <inline font-style="italic">Echunga,</inline> two vessels which are still giving good service on the high 3eas. </para>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1413</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KYX</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">RILEY, Edward Charles</name>
<name role="display">Mr Riley</name>
</talker>
<para>- If war comes again, this </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<para class="block">Country will need more than a Tariff Board to rely upon. </para>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1413</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K6Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CORSER, Bernard</name>
<name role="display">Mr BERNARD CORSER</name>
</talker>
<para>- As soon as Walkers Limited intimated its intention of manufacturing diesel engines, the importers of such engines engaged in propaganda to stimulate the sale of engines made overseas. People who, it was thought, might require such engines, were informed in Toowoomba and other parts and also as far afield as Western Australia, that the engines should be imported at once, because there was the possibility of heavy duty being imposed upon them. The result was that the importation increased enormously. The object of the importers was to discourage the development of this branch of industry by Walkers Limited. Australia was actually flooded with engines of this type. The figures quoted by the Minister show that our importations increased enormously after Walkers Limited had commenced manufacturing operations. Steps were then taken by the importers to have the matter inquired into by the Tariff Board, with the object of securing a reduction of duties. The importers, a't that stage, advised people not to purchase diesel engines because there was a hig probability that the duties would be lifted. This is one of the reasons why Walkers Limited has been able to manufacture only five or six engines. The Tariff Board requested Walkers Limited and the importers to furnish it with prices for different types of engines, but while it published in its report the prices quoted by Walkers Limited, it was not fair enough to publish the prices quoted by the importers. There is, therefore, no possibility of our examining just what is meant by the prices submitted by the importers of diesel engines. A comparison of the value of motor cars cannot be made without a knowledge of the respective makes. The same applies to engines. The product of Walkers Limited is infinitely superior to the imported article. It is specially built for power house requirements, and embodies the latest improvements, which are not to be found in the other productions, these including the maximum equipment and spares for the most exacting power house needs, and an expensive air injecting system. The price given for the product of Walkers Limited is the agent's selling price ; but what does the importer's price include? The Tariff Board unfairly published figures supplied by Walkers Limited in confidence, <inline font-style="italic">but</inline> kept <inline font-style="italic">secret the</inline> importers' prices. Walkers Limited has done everything possible to supply the very best. Instead of the Tariff Board being proud of that endeavour, and providing a reasonable duty to protect it, it has supported the importer in enabling him to- secure the admission of large diesel engines free of duty. That is most improper, particularly when it is realized that in Australia we pay more for coal, coke, steel, spelter and iron. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<para>Walkers Limited are apparently branded as criminals for seeking a' duty which would enable them to provide additional work for first class artisans in the manufacture of a high quality engine for which there is a demand in Australia. Thinking people realize that there is a tremendous future for diesel engines. Their efficiency and economy have been proved overseas in connexion with the propulsion of locomotives, motor cars, and even aeroplanes, and big engineering works overseas arc going more and more into their production. There is a desire in Australia to substitute diesel for other engines now, aud we should get ready to supply the demand. Every big building that is now being constructed in Australia is equipped with an engine to drive its lifts and for emergency lighting purposes, and Walkers Limited have installed diesel engines in the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows and the Temperance and .General buildings in Sydney. A tremendous field awaits development, yet the Tariff Board has done everything possible to discourage the exploitation of this market by Australian companies. The argument that has been used is that the primary producer would suffer if these engines were not admitted duty free- That is not a fact. Primary producers use small, engines of from 4 to 20 horse-power, on which the Tariff Board has approved a protective duty of 45 per cent.; therefore, if .that duty results in higher prices, the burden falls upon the primary producers who use small-powered engines. On the other hand, the board refused to recommend a duty of 45 per cent, on big engines, which do not concern primary producers. As a result of reasonable tariff protection Walkers Limited has constructed diesel engines up to 250 horse-power, against which the imported ' article ^cannot compete either in price or quality. How, then, could any disadvantage result from the placing of a duty on larger diesel engines? It is claimed that there is no market in Australia for such engines, yet, the Minister gave- an illustration of how the importers flooded' the local market with diesels admitted free under by-law. That action was designed to offset the request made by Walkers Limited. While that firm pioneered the work of constructing diesel engines in Australia, other large engineering firms, such as Ronaldson Brothers, Tippett Proprietary Limited, McDonald Proprietary Company, and Morts Dock, are prepared to . launch out in this business and provide healthy competition if the necessary tariff protection is afforted them.. Representatives of those great firms waited on the Minister last week and put their case before him. I thank the Minister for his courtesy in postponing the item to give those gentlemen an opportunity of presenting the 'Australian point of view. That action was appreciated. But does the honorable gentleman think that those concerns would be prepared to construct diesel engines if no market were available? </para>
<para>The only argument advanced against the imposition of a reasonably protective duty is the malicious report of the Tariff Board, which is based on the statements of the importers.. The manufacturers were not given an opportunity to question these wild statements'. All that is asked now is that a duty should be imposed to enable these firms to construct diesel engines up to 200 horsepower. Unfortunately, the Government has not seen fit to grant that request. I hope that as a result of the information that has been supplied by these firms, which emphasizes the injustice that has been done by the Tariff Board to Australian industry, the Government will give them an opportunity to employ some of our finest artisans for the purpose of building up an industry which will supply Australia's future requirements at a reasonable price. If, after giving full consideration to the representations that have been made, the Minister requests the Tariff Board to review- the position, he will have done a great service to the community. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1414</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KK7</name.id>
<electorate>South Sydney</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">JENNINGS, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr JENNINGS</name>
</talker>
<para>.- I believe that Walker's Limited has endeavoured to make good against overwhelming odds, and that the firm should be given more time, so that it may establish this new branch of its activities upon a firmer foundation. The company possesses an organization and plant capable of undertaking mechanical work of a class such as is carried out by Mort's Dock and other big engineering firms. On a visit to Maryborough at one time I inspected the work performed by Walker's Limited, and I must admit that it does credit to Australia, and is equal to that which comes from abroad. While I believe that duties of this character should not be too high, the fact remains that other countries are building up tariff walls, and until there is an international understanding on the subject, Australia cannot afford to allow its industries to be over-, shadowed by foreign competition. In. my opinion, a good case has been made out for this firm. Not only should its efforts be encouraged in the national interests; but we . must remember that big industries' provide a great amount of revenue both in direct and indirect taxation. I suggest that further, and favorable, consideration should be given to the representations of Walkers Limited, that a reasonably protective duty should be provided on large diesel engines. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1415</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEV</name.id>
<electorate>MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>ALP; UAP from 1931</party>
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FENTON, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr FENTON</name>
</talker>
<para>. - I feel that I must express my disappointment at the decision of the Minister not to allow Australian engineering firms to continue and develop the magnificent work that they have done in the past. There are many Australian firms which are interested in the manufacture of diesel engines. For these engines a wonderful future has been predicted. When electric motors began to supersede steam engines, numbers of engineering firms which were affected directed their attention to the manufacture of diesel engines of various kinds. As a member of the Public Works Committee, and of the Public Accounts Committee, during the war and the immediately succeeding years, I visited a number of these engineering establishments, among them being Walker's, on the Mary River, at Maryborough, Queensland. I pay my tribute to that firm and its employees for the splendid work they did for the nation during the war. With other engineering establishments throughout the Empire they then did what they could for the nation. Australian engineering firms even undertook the building of ships when bottoms were scarce, and although the vessels they built cost more than similar vessels would have cost if made in the ship-building yards of Great Britain, they merited the highest praise of shipbuilding authorities throughout the world. At the time when those ships were being constructed, the British shipbuilding yards were working at high pressure; so the Australian ship-builders rendered a signal service to their country. In times of peace it is sometimes well to lift the curtain and peer into the future. If we starve our engineering establishments and factories in times of peace, and make it difficult or impossible for them to extend their operations, we shall find in times of national stress and difficulty that we have made a mistake, for they may not then be able to help us. The development of our engineering industries is essential to the nation'sdefence. The firm of A. H. McDonald and Company Proprietary Limited has played an important part in the manufacture of diesel engines. Throughout Australia there are at least 10,000 diesel engines of that firm's manufacture. The inventive genius of the Australian has found expression in the pioneering work undertaken by many Australian engineering firms. Their understanding of Australian conditions has enabled them to meet Australia's requirements in a way which most manufacturers overseas would have found impossible. Manufacturers in Great Britain and elsewhere, recognizing what Australian engineers had accomplished in connexion with diesel engines of limited horse-power, directed their efforts towards preventing the expansion of this industry in Australia. The tariff assumes that Australian manufacturers of diesel engines are unable to make engines of more than 100 horse-power, for the protection it affords them is restricted to engines of less than that capacity. Australian engineers can manufacture diesel engines of much greater capacity than 100 horse-power. Moreover, they have made improvements which have led to lower running costs. And they have not increased the prices charged for their engines. In a small way I am engaged in primary production, and I have an oil engine to perform certain work on my holding. I know what a wonderful help it is on the farm ; it is used to drive the chaff-cutter, to cut wood, and to do many other things ; it could, if desired, be utilized to supply electric light and power. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1415</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K4X</name.id>
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<name role="metadata">NOCK, Horace</name>
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<para>- What make of engine is it? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1415</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEV</name.id>
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<name role="metadata">FENTON, James</name>
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<para>- It is the manufacture ofRonaldson Brothers and Tippett Proprietary Limited. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1415</page.no>
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<name role="metadata">NOCK, Horace</name>
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<para>- That company makes good engines. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1415</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEV</name.id>
<electorate />
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<name role="metadata">FENTON, James</name>
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<para>- The Australian firms which manufacture diesel engines do not necessarily make complete units. For instance, Ronaldson Brothers and Tippett Proprietary Limited work in conjunction with Thompson's, of Castlemaine, an engineering firm with a world-wide reputation. Those persons who contend that Australian engineering firms cannot produce satisfactory crank-shafts should see those manufactured by Thompson's, </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<para class="block">Castlemaine. Competent authorities claim that they are equal to the best imported crank-shafts. I cannot understand why we, in this country, should belittle our own manufacturers. A person listening do a tariff ' debate in this Australian Parliament would be justified in thinking that he was in a foreign country, because so many honorable members speak depreciatingly of Australian manufacturers, and in glowing terms of the products of other countries. Visitors to Australia, on the other hand, are more willing to give credit where credit is due. lt is time that this Parliament had an Australian outlook, and fostered the development of those industries which will be of value in times of peace and of inestimable worth in the event of war. Any policy which seeks to limit the development of our engineering industries is short-sighted. If there is one section of industry which should he supported to the last ditch, it is the engineering section. We should not allow ourselves to he swayed by the mere cheapness of an article. In a letter which I have received from A. H. McDonald and Company Proprietary Limited, that firm states - </para>
<quote>
<para>In this matter we have established a leadership. Diesel farm tractors were imported by us from the Continent and sold to wheatgrowers for £095, but we now build crude oil farm tractors of equal capacity, but specially designed for Australian requirements, and are selling same in increasing numbers for £535. </para>
</quote>
<para class="block">The development of a firm which can supply a better article for £150 less than the price of an imported machine should not be blocked. The letter from which I have quoted continues - </para>
<quote>
<para>We originally introduced and made a commercial success of diesel road-rollers, and now most of the leading British manufacturers are urging their clients to purchase diesel road-rollers. Many hundreds of these rollers have 'been sold, weighing from 2 to 10 tons, and are in daily use throughout the Commonwealth, " making the crooked straight and the rough places plain." The economy by the use of fuel oil is phenomenally low, viz.: - 2-ton diesel roller costs, approximately, 6d. per day for fuel; 10-ton diesel roller costs, approximately, 2s. per day for fuel. </para>
</quote>
<para>That is one of the improvements which Australian engineers have made in diesel engines. Although they have provided a better article, they have not taken advantage of their position to raise prices. On the contrary, -they have lowered prices. </para>
<para class="block">An improvement in diesel engines, which is almost solely attributable to Australian engineers, is the decreased cost of operation. A machine which is used throughout the year is judged, not on its capital cost, but on its running costs. A saving of a few pence each day in running costs amounts to a considerable sum over a number of years. </para>
<para>I realize, however, that neither the wisdom of a Solomon, nor the oratory of a Demosthenes, will avail with the Minister. Yet, if he will not yield to persuasion, he will make an awful blunder. I do not know whether the Minister is in possession of a later report from the Tariff Board than that of the 19th August, 1932.. That report is nine months .old, and in nine months, considerable advance can be made in engineering science. Unless the Minister has received a report from the Tariff Board recently, he should refer this matter back again to the board for an up-to-date opinion regarding this industry. I do not wish to indulge in unduly critical language; but I speak strongly, because I realize the seriousness of the position. My mind goes back to the Great War, and to the magnificent service then rendered to their country by the engineering, establishments of Australia. ' We shall do a great wi-ong if we injure the engineering industry. Pull protection should ' be given to the Australian industry in the manufacture of these engines up .to 200 horse-power. Several firms are engaged in this work, and they are dividing their orders. At Walsh Island,, and at certain other, shipbuilding yards, which -were active during the war period, marine engines built by Thompson's, of Castlemaine,' were installed in vessels. Prior to the war, it was said that marine engines could not be manufactured in Australia; but the well-known Castlemaine firm turned them out equal in quality, if not superior, to the best produced in the world. Why should this Parliament place hobbles on this great Australian industry? I hope that the Minister will give a more encouraging reply than has so far come from him to the request of the local manufacturers." If there are any other ways in which the industry can be assisted, let him inform the committee of them ; but, . seeing that . the local firms have< proved their efficiency, it would he a crime against the nation to limit their operations. Men of the finest types to be found in Australia own and control these engineering works, and those critics who say that these firms are seeking to put their hands into the pockets of the taxpayers are not fit to polish their boots. The actions of these manufacturers duri ug the time when the Empire was in dire trouble show how sterling is their character, and they keenly resent the serious rebuffs that they have received from time to time at the hands of the Tariff Board. We should give them every opportunity to display their engineering genius, by enabling them to supply the whole of Australia's requirements of these engines. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1417</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate>Balaclava</electorate>
<party>UAP</party>
<role>Minister for Trade and Customs</role>
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<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr WHITE</name>
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<para>. - The idea of allowing the higher-powered crude oil engines in under by-law is not new. In 3925, engines of 75 horse-power- or over were so admitted. In 1926, they were allowed in when of 50 horse-power; in 192'3, when of 90 horse-power; in 1930, when of 200 horse-power, and, at a later period in 1930, when of 1,000 horsepower. In 1931, a few engines only were admitted by the last, Government. This matter was referred to the Tariff Board in November, 1931, and the board has made its usual judicial inquiry. I do not know why the honorable member for Maribyrnong <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Penton)</inline> is so concerned about somebody being defamed. I do not think that the board interests itself in individuals at all. It conducts its inquiries in a cann manner, and in. a frame of mind which might well be commended to some members of Parliament. No importations of these engines have been made for stock. The statement that importers are favoured by the present duties is quite wrong. I have read ii list of the importations, and it will be seen that the engines were not brought in for chance sale, but for definite enterprises that have been brought under the notice of this and previous governments by many members of this committee. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1417</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
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<in.gov>0</in.gov>
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<name role="metadata">SCULLIN, James Henry</name>
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<para>- There is an alteration of the duties in the case of engines exceeding 100 horse-power. Under my Government's tariff, the rates were 55 per cent., British, and 75 per cent., general, and under the Pratten tariff, 45 per cent, and 60 per cent. They are now free and 15 per cent. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1417</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
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<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
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<para>- They have been admitted under by-law, and the makers of engines of lower horse-power are adequately protected. In the list that I have read are engines of many different types, and the applications for their entry under by-law have been backed by members of various parties. Therefore, there has not been a flooding of the country with imports of these engines. This action has been taken to help mining and other enterprises in the country, and, in some instances, to assist city factories. The honorable member for Wide Bay <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Corser)</inline> said that the diesel engine industry was in its infancy, and he mentioned that these engines were even being used for aviation purposes.. We have heard reports to the effect that diesel engines have been built into aeroplanes, but, we have never seen them used in Australia for that purpose. Would the honorable member prevent the importation of diesel engines for use in aeroplanes, simply because a firm in Queensland is making engines of another kind? </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1417</page.no>
<time.stamp />
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<para>- I merely mentioned that to show how popular diesel engines are. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1417</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
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<para>- But would the honorable member place a duty of 45 per cent, and 60 per cent, on aeroplane engines, simply because they were diesels, if their importation would cheapen the cost of aerial transport? The Queensland firm has made only five diesel engines of over 100 horse-power. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<para>The honorable member for Werriwa <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. McNicoll)</inline> 'has raised the subject of admission under by-law of engines required in the construction of tractors. I have ascertained that this has been permitted in some cases, and consideration is being given to the request that he has made. The honorable member for Wide Bay has mentioned other pertinent facts, and has enlarged upon some of the points submitted by the manufacturers who visited Canberra last week. Some of these matters, I admit, may demand further exploration. The date of the report of the Tariff Board has been stressed by the honorable member for Maribyrnong, and it has been said that unemployment may be brought about as a result of these duties. The Government has no desire to cause unemployment. On the contrary, it wishes to provide the greatest possible amount of employment through the tariff, and, generally speaking, I believe that that will be the result. It has been pointed out that Walkers Limited have spent a great deal of money in sending engineers abroad to obtain information, and have already expended large sums on patterns for their manufactures. </para>
<para>I ask the committee to ratify these duties; but I shall address certain questions to the Tariff Board and ask it to inquire into the matters that I have just mentioned. It may therefore, be necessary for the manufacturers again to appear before the board, if they have anything further to say, or if the board desires additional information. Since the manufacturers are definitely protected in the range of engines that they have been making efficiently, and since few of the engines of large size have been made, it looks like commercial selfishness if one firm wants the whole of the market, and expects engines not made in Australia to be excluded. However, in view of the appeal of the honorable member for Wide Bay, in particular, and of the industry generally, I shall ask for further information on these points. In the meantime, I invite the committee to ratify the duties, and if any alteration is decided upon, it can be made in another place. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1418</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
<electorate>Yarra</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
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<name role="metadata">SCULLIN, James Henry</name>
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<para>.- I attended the deputation which waited upon the Minister <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. White)</inline> a few days ago, and I have rarely heard a stronger case advanced for a review of duties before their ratification. I fully expected that the Minister would submit a proposal for the retention of the old duties until such time as the matter had been re-investigated, and I think that the members of the deputation expected it too. The Minister has stressed the importance of admitting engines that cannot be made in this country. He said that a diesel engine might be required for an aeroplane. That was a most extraordinary illustration, for there is nothing to prevent the Minister from admitting such an engine under by-law. The Government has already admitted these engines under by-law, notwithstanding the high duties, and no complaint has been made of the admission of any kind of engine under by-law, where it can be shown that similar engines are not made in Australia. The Minister has indulged in special pleading. He claims that the same position exists to-day as formerly; but I point out that under the latest amendment, it is provided that engines of over 100 horse-power shall be free British, and 15 per cent. general. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1418</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
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<in.gov>0</in.gov>
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<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
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<para>- What about engines of 2,000 horse-power and 3,000 horse-power, such as those installed at the Wiluna goldfield? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1418</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
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<para>- There is nothing to prevent their admission under by-law. Now the Minister makes a special plea about engines of 1,000 horse-power, which, he does not deny, were admitted under by-law when the high duties operated; but he makes the duties on engines exceeding 100 horse-power free and 15 per cent., which involves a distinct alteration of the position, for under the old tariff, these engines could not come in except under by-law. The Ministerhas read out a list of the engines that have been admitted under by-law, notwithstanding the present duties. The committee should not labour under the false impression that this would prevent the introduction of engines that are required here, andcannot be manufactured in this country. I expected that the Minister would restore the <inline font-style="italic">status quo,</inline> pending a further investigation which he has undertaken to make, because he was impressed by the case put forward by the deputation. What is the use of referring the matter back to the Tariff Board, if, in the meantime, the country is flooded with diesel engines? The mere suggestion that a restoration of the duties is likely will make the overseas manufacturers speed up their operations, and then they can sit back for another couple of years. This treatment of the local firms is most discouraging to them. If, during an interval of three or four months, engines can be imported practically free, much damage will be done to the local industry. I think that the Minister is impressed by the fact that the report of the Tariff Board is erroneous in many respects. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr White</name>
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<para>- I would not say that. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
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<name role="metadata">SCULLIN, James Henry</name>
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<para>- Then I will. 1 shall have something to say on that point at a later stage. What is the position? One would imagine from listening to some honorable members that this difficulty which- faces the companies, particularly the company in Queensland, is the result of ill-considered duties which were imposed by the previous Government without inquiry. It is true that that Government increased the duties, but I remind honorable members of the fact that the Pratten tariff imposed upon these diesel engines duties of 45 per cent, and 60 per cent., and that they were maintained by the Bruce-Page Government, and subsequently maintained and increased by the Scullin Government. Now the duties are to be free and 15 per cent, on engines of over 100 horse-power. The effect of this reduction of duties is to limit the construction of diesel engines in Australia to those of 50 horse-power. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K6Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CORSER, Bernard</name>
<name role="display">Mr Bernard Corser</name>
</talker>
<para>- -They will be farm engines only. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
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<name role="metadata">SCULLIN, James Henry</name>
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<para>- The opinion may be held that as the duties relate to engines up to 100 horse-power such engines can be made in Australia ; but that is not so. Those in the trade point out that all that, has to be done by British firms is to make an engine of slightly over 100 horse-power, and it can be brought here free of duty. In order to protect the manufacture in Australia of engines of 50 horse-power, the item must include engines up to 100 horse-power, and in order to protect the manufacture in Australia of engines of 100 horse-power, the item must include engines up to 200 horse-power. This reduction of rates limits the manufacture in Australia to engines of 50 horse-power and under. It is well known that in the manufacture of small engines the same skill is not required as in the manufacture of large engines. One great difficulty facing all countries to-day is the passing away of skilled engineers because improved machinery has been introduced into the engineering industry. Engine construction develops the highest engineering skill, and that applies more to the making of large engines than to the making of small ones. It seems to me that the shadow of Ottawa has been over the Tariff Board in respect of its recommendations. Its report on this item was submitted in August, 1932, when the Ottawa Conference had become an accomplished fact. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEV</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FENTON, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr Fenton</name>
</talker>
<para>- The foreign duty of 15 per cent, will not give sufficient protection even to the British manufacturer. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4Q</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SCULLIN, James Henry</name>
<name role="display">Mr SCULLIN</name>
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<para>- The whole idea at the back of the mind of the Government in respect of the Ottawa agreement, was to give away as much of our Australian manufactures as possible. The Government has, at a time when we are looking for an extension of industry and work in this country, given away the very foundation of Australian employment. The following paragraph appears in the report of the board : - </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<quote>
<para>The board is of opinion that the success which has attended the efforts of Australian manufacturers in1 the production of engines up to 50 horse-power justifies the assumption that the economic production of engines up to 100 horse-power is capable of development. </para>
</quote>
<para class="block">If that is so, why did not the board allow a sufficient margin of protection to enable engines up to 100 horse-power to be made here? Anybody who reads this item, and knows little about it, will say that it encourages the manufacture in Australia of engines up to 100 horsepower. Actually, it does not afford any protection whatever to the manufacturer in respect of engines up. to 100 horsepower. </para>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>1419</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZR</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WHITE, Thomas</name>
<name role="display">Mr White</name>
</talker>