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19431006_reps_17_176.xml
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19431006_reps_17_176.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>1943-10-06</date>
<parliament.no>17</parliament.no>
<session.no>1</session.no>
<period.no>1</period.no>
<chamber>REPS</chamber>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<proof>0</proof>
</session.header>
<chamber.xscript>
<para class="block">House of Representatives. </para>
<business.start>
<day.start>1943-10-06</day.start>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Speaker (Hon. J. S. Rosevear)</inline>took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers. </para>
</business.start>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>MEMBER SWORN</title>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<type>miscellaneous</type>
</debateinfo>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Sir Frederick</inline>Harold Stewart made and subscribed the oath of allegiance as Member for the Division of Parramatta, New South Wales. </para>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL</title>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<type>miscellaneous</type>
</debateinfo>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Mr. CURTIN</inline>(Fremantle- Prime </para>
<para>Minister). - I inform the House that the Advisory War Council will continue to function. The Government will be represented on it by <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Curtin,</inline> Mr.Forde, </para>
<para class="block">
<inline font-weight="bold">Dr. Evatt, Mr. Beasley</inline>and <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Makin.</inline> The Leaders of the Opposition parties have advised me that their representatives on the Council will be : <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Menzies, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Spender,</inline> Mr.Fadden and <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. McEwen.</inline></para>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM</title>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<type>miscellaneous</type>
</debateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate>Fremantle</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Prime Minister</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>
<inline font-style="italic">.- by leave</inline>- I inform the House that to-day, the 6th October, the five-yearly term for which the Right Honorable S. M. Bruce,C.H., M.C., was appointed as High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia in the United Kingdom will expire. At the request of the Commonwealth Government, <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Bruce</inline> has consented to continue in office. The High Commissioner Act prescribes that the period of appointment of the High Commissioner shall not exceed five years, and that the person holding the office shall be eligible for re-appointment. <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Bruce</inline> has already served for ten. years. Although this is a long period, it is the wish of the Government that, in the present circumstances, he should continue in office. We are grateful to him for agreeing to do so. The appointment has been made, by arrangement with him, for a further period of one year as from the 7th October, 1943. </para>
</talk.start>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Bruce</inline>will also continue to act as the Australian Accredited Representative on the Imperial War Cabinet, and as His Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary for the Commonwealth of Australia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. </para>
</speech>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>EGG PRODUCTION</title>
<page.no>211</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>211</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JNX</name.id>
<electorate>BASS, TASMANIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">BARNARD, Herbert</name>
<name role="display">Mr BARNARD</name>
</talker>
<para>- In view of the acute shortage of eggs in Australia, and the appeal by the Minister for Commerce and. Agriculture for an increase of production by the engagement in poultry-raising of persons not already so engaged, as well as by an increase of the number of birds on existing poultry farms, will the honorable gentleman examine the ruling recently given, the result of which will be that in many instances the number of hens kept for egg production will be reduced to not more than twenty? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KQB</name.id>
<electorate>GWYDIR, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Minister for Commerce and Agriculture</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SCULLY, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr SCULLY</name>
</talker>
<para>- The stipulation that not more than twenty hens shall be kept applies only to those who raise poultry in order to provide for their own egg requirements or to make a free distribution of eggs. Any owner who has more than twenty hens is obliged to make and supply returns, and to send the whole of the production to the Egg Marketing Board. I shall have a complete investigation made, with a view to seeing whether or not it is possible to comply with the wish of the honorable member. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>WAR DAMAGE INSURANCE</title>
<page.no>212</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNX</name.id>
<electorate>WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HARRISON, Eric</name>
<name role="display">Mr HARRISON</name>
</talker>
<para>- In view of the recent pronouncement of the State Controller of War Damage Insurance, that the contributions to the fund since the 3lst December last total approximately £13,000,000, and that claims from New Guinea and Papua, amounting to approximately £9,000,000, cannot be met until after the war, will the Treasurer give the assurance that further contributions to the fund will be discontinued or will be considerably reduced ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>A48</name.id>
<electorate>MACQUARIE, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Treasurer</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CHIFLEY, Ben</name>
<name role="display">Mr CHIFLEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- In reply to an earlier question, I intimated that the matter of the premiums payable in respect of war damage insurance was being reviewed by the Government, and that I hoped to make a recommendation to Cabinet at an early date. I shall make that recommendation at the first opportunity. I cannot give an assurance of what the policy of the Government will be. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>MATERIALS EOE PRIMARY PRODUCERS</title>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<type>miscellaneous</type>
</debateinfo>
<list type="loweralpha-dotted">
<item label="m.">
<para>FRANCIS. - A fortnight ago I asked the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture whether he would endeavour to establish a special organization or adopt other means to enable primary producers in Queensland to be supplied with barbed wire, ware netting, galvanized iron, piping and similar commodities. They are placed at a serious disadvantage, owing to the shortage of those things, and food production is consequently diminishing. I pointed out that those commodities were not coming forward owing to railway transport difficulties. Has the Minister conferred with the Minister for Transport and the . appropriate authorities? If so, what was the nature of their replies? </para>
</item>
</list>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KQB</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SCULLY, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr SCULLY</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have discussed the matter with both the Minister for Munitions, and the Minister for Transport. The former has undertaken to speed up production, and the Minister for Transport has promised to do everything possible to expedite delivery. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>SALT FOR SHEEP</title>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<type>miscellaneous</type>
</debateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>212</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KCF</name.id>
<electorate>CORIO, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Minister in charge of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">DEDMAN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr DEDMAN</name>
</talker>
<para>- On the 28th September the honorable member for Wide Bay <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Corser)</inline> asked whether I had received representations from organizations of graziers regarding the need to make available greater supplies of salt for sheep,especially in Queensland, where local supplies ' are insufficient. I have made inquiries, and find that representations were made regarding this matter by the Graziers Federal Council of Australia. The position is that, until after the salt harvest in December, it will not be possible to state to what extent supplies of salt will be available. At the present time the position has eased somewhat, however, and my department has already advised chief veterinary officers in all States that supplies of salt have improved sufficiently to allow some relaxation of the present restrictions on its use. They may now grant permits for the use of salt in cases where they are satisfied that the benefit to be expected warrants the employment of the material and transport involved. Prior to that advice, chief veterinary officers wore authorized to grant permits only when they considered that the use of salt was essential. It must be appreciated that the use of transport, especially in Queensland, must be avoided wherever practicable, and this is a fact which has to be taken into account in issuing permits for salt. I consider that the arrangement thereby the issue of permits has been placed in the hands of chief veterinary officers is the best which could have been made to ensure a proper balance between the necessity for conserving transport and salt supplies and the real needs of graziers for the use of salt. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>MAN-POWER</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JUQ</name.id>
<electorate>DARLING, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CLARK, Joseph</name>
<name role="display">Mr CLARK</name>
</talker>
<para>- Following the decision of the War Cabinet to make labour available for primary production, will the Prime Minister make a statement as to the method to be adopted in releasing labour, so that the most essential services may receive the benefit of the man-power released ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- I shall consider whether I can make a statement which will give a clearer understanding of the matter. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>INTERNATIONAL FOOD CONGRESS</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>C7E</name.id>
<electorate>COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">PAGE, Earle</name>
<name role="display">Sir EARLE PAGE</name>
</talker>
<para>- Does the AttorneyGeneral intend to report to the House on his mission to the World International Food Congress? If so, will he make available the reports and recommendations of the conference, and move that they be printed, so that a full discussion on them may take place? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>DTN</name.id>
<electorate>BARTON, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Attorney-General</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">EVATT, Herbert Vere</name>
<name role="display">Dr EVATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- I propose to do that next week, if the state of business permits. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>DAYLIGHT SAVING</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KFW</name.id>
<electorate>WILMOT, TASMANIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">GUY, James Allan</name>
<name role="display">Mr GUY</name>
</talker>
<para>- In view of the widespread dissatisfaction with, and the industrial dislocation caused by, the re-introduction of daylight saving, will the Prime Minister, even at this late hour, give further consideration to the matter, with a view to repealing the regulations? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have circulated today an answer to a question on thatsubject, which was addressed to me last week. The decision of the Cabinet has been made in the light of the facts and recommendations placed before it, and must stand. Until such time as the coal supplies of Australia are at least equal to, not only the present, but also prospective increased demands, the withdrawal of the regulations would create more difficult problems for the Government than adherence to the decision which has been reached. Last year daylight saving was introduced as an accompaniment to the black-out conditions, but this year it has been introduced primarily in order to conserve coal. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>L0G</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">RYAN, Rupert</name>
<name role="display">Mr Ryan</name>
</talker>
<para>- What saving is effected by it? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- It would take me a good while to indicate to the House the saving effected in each of the States, but industry as a whole derives benefit from daylight saving, and in certain industries the results obtained are important. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>L0G</name.id>
<electorate>FLINDERS, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>UAP; LP from 1944</party>
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">RYAN, Rupert</name>
<name role="display">Mr RYAN</name>
</talker>
<para>- Was it recommended by the Department of Health? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- That department made a recommendation in favour of tho proposal, but the Government's decision was based solely on economic considerations, based on the fact that coal supplies are not at present equal to requirements. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>BUTTER AND CHEESE</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KRT</name.id>
<electorate>WAKEFIELD, SOUTH AUSTRALIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SMITH, Albert</name>
<name role="display">Mr SMITH</name>
</talker>
<para>- In view of the fact that there is a ceiling price for butter and cheese, which prevents makers of farm butter from increasing the price, will the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture investigate the problem of the farm butter-makers, with a view to bringing them within the provisions of the dairy subsidy? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KQB</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SCULLY, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr SCULLY</name>
</talker>
<para>- I shall take the matter up with the Controller of Dairy Products. In a recent discussion upon it, I was informed that ' a special arrangement would have to he made to meet the position of the producers referred to, because home butter-makers do not come within the price equalization scheme. The price they would get for their butter under present conditions would be better than the price their product would realize if they received a subsidy, because they do not now contribute to the equalization , fund, as all registered manufacturers do. I shall consider the matter further and later supply to the honorable member an answer in greater detail. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>AUSTRALIAN PRISONERS OF WAR</title>
<page.no>213</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>213</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>L0G</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">RYAN, Rupert</name>
<name role="display">Mr RYAN</name>
</talker>
<para>- I recall to the mind of the Minister representing the PostmasterGeneral the fact that, after the capture of some thousands of Australian soldiers in Malaya, the Japanese authorities broadcast messages from them to people in this country, and through the Australian Broadcasting Commission the relatives of the soldiers concerned were enabled to send messages back to them. Later, I understand that that service ceased because the Government thought that false information might be put into the messages for the purpose of propaganda. I ask the Minister whether, in view of the altered war situation, this service cannot be re-instituted, and messages, which must be a source of comfort 10 them in their captivity, sent once more to prisoners of war? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>BV8</name.id>
<electorate>MELBOURNE, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Minister for Information</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CALWELL, Arthur</name>
<name role="display">Mr CALWELL</name>
</talker>
<para>- I do not know whether this matter is properly one for consideration by the Postmaster-General. It may be the concern of the Minister for the Army, or of some other Minister. Sometimes military considerations determine such matters quite as much as technical considerations. However, I shall bring the question under the notice of the appropriate Minister. I assure the honorable member that the Government is as anxious as anybody else that prisoners of war and their relatives shall receive such comfort and solace as is possible. It will give every consideration to the possibility of arranging for the despatch of messages. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>FUNERAL BENEFITS</title>
<page.no>214</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KJQ</name.id>
<electorate>HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">JAMES, Rowland</name>
<name role="display">Mr JAMES</name>
</talker>
<para>- The Government has stated that its proposed social service legislation will not. interfere with the activities of friendly societies, but will rather assist them. Many old-age pensioners contribute to a funeral fund which provides a benefit of £10 upon their death, but the receipt of this payment disqualifies them from receiving the Commonwealth funeral benefit of <inline font-style="italic">£10</inline> which would otherwise be available. Will the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services consider an immediate amendment of the act to provide for the payment, of the government benefit whether or not a benefit is payable to relatives from any other source ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KHL</name.id>
<electorate>MELBOURNE, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Minister for Labour and National Service</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HOLLOWAY, Edward</name>
<name role="display">Mr HOLLOWAY</name>
</talker>
<para>- Friendly societies will not be interfered with in any way. The funeral benefit which the pensioner receives from the Government is not affected by the receipt of another funeral benefit, but the act does make a distinction against those who are members of non-registered funeral funds. A deputation waited upon me in Sydney recently and1 discussed this matter. In due course it will be considered by Cabinet. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>COAL-MINING INDUSTRY</title>
<page.no>214</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009MC</name.id>
<electorate>FAWKNER, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HOLT, Harold</name>
<name role="display">Mr HOLT</name>
</talker>
<para>- Can the Minister for Supply and Shipping add anything to the statement already made regarding the conference heM' in Sydney yesterday between the Prime Minister and representatives of the coal-miners? Can he, within the next few days, make a full statement in this House regarding production during recent months on the New South Wales coal-fields, setting forth whether sufficient coal is being produced to meet the requirements of essential services or whether there has been a decline compared with previous months? Having regard- to the conflicting reports which appear from time to time, honorable members are entitled to a full and clear statement on the present production position and the requirements of essential services. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JOM</name.id>
<electorate>WEST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Minister for Supply and Shipping</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">BEASLEY, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr BEASLEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have . nothing; to add to what was said by the Prime Minister at the conclusion of the conference. It is wise and proper that such statements should be made in the way in which that one was made. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>N76</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MENZIES, Robert</name>
<name role="display">Mr Menzies</name>
</talker>
<para>- lt might also be wise and proper that a statement be made here at an appropriate time. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JOM</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">BEASLEY, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr BEASLEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- At an appropriate time, yes. In the meantime, I have nothing' to add to what the Prime Minister has already said. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JWT</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FRANCIS, Josiah</name>
<name role="display">Mr Francis</name>
</talker>
<para>- It. was an inadequate statement. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JOM</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">BEASLEY, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr BEASLEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- That is a matter of opinion. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr Curtin</name>
</talker>
<para>- Production is inadequate, too, as a matter of fact. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>10000</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SPEAKER, Mr</name>
<name role="display">Mr SPEAKER</name>
</talker>
<para>- Order ! This is de-, veloping into a debate. </para>
</talk.start>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JOM</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">BEASLEY, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr BEASLEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have answered the first, part of the honorable member's question. If he should think it necessary, the Prime Minister will probably add later something to what he has already publicly said. As for the second part of the question, relating to present production in New South Wales and the requirements of the country, I shall ask the Coal Commissioner to prepare a statement and shall make it available. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>214</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JLL</name.id>
<electorate>NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">ABBOTT, Joseph</name>
<name role="display">Mr ABBOTT</name>
</talker>
<para>- Can the Prime Minister say whether it is a fact that he agreed to coal-miners having a break of nine days during the Christmas and New </para>
</talk.start>
<para class="block">Year holiday period because he had been encouraged by the miners' representatives to believe that the production of coal during the next three months would be maintained at a level sufficient to meet both war and civil requirements? Is it also a fact that, in spite of a pre-election advertisement in which the general president of the Miners Federation, <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Wells,</inline> stated that under the Prime Minister's leadership the miners would never let Australia down, there have been 111 strikes or stoppages in New South Wales between the 23rd August and the 29th September, resulting in the loss of nearly 106,000 tons of coal? In view of that loss, does the Prime Minister still consider that coal production will be maintained ? </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>215</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- It is a fact that, yesterday, I agreed that at the Christmas period holidays should be availed of by coal-miners to the extent indicated in the statement which I made last night. That is to say, in addition to public holidays, four normal working days will also be holidays. Miners will cease work on Christmas eve, and will recommence work on the morning of the 3rd January. My acquiescence in the request was given in the firm belief that between now and Christmas the requisite tonnage will be produced to enable civil and war requirements of coal to be met. It should he borne in mind that, the quantity of coal <inline font-style="italic">that</inline> these men are producing is greater than at any time in the history of this country. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>215</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JLL</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">ABBOTT, Joseph</name>
<name role="display">Mr Abbott</name>
</talker>
<para>- The consumption is greater. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>215</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- It is true that more coal is being consumed than ever before, but it is also true that the men are getting older and that the mines are becoming increasingly difficult to work. The problem that faces Australia in respect of the production of coal is, in many respects, identical with that which faces other countries. Broad generalizations do not meet the position; the constant attention of the Government is necessary. I do not know how many stoppages in the coal-mining industry have taken place between the dates mentioned, but it is true, as he said, that there were stoppages, some of which, in my opinion, ought not to have occurred. I have said that previously. But, generally speaking, I believe that the miners will not let Australia down. In that belief, I accepted last night the assurances that were given to me. I am convinced that if there were not a few sneaking little tricks being practised by those who desire to prevent peace in the coal-mining industry, the problem would not be so difficult as it now appeal's to be. I venture to say that human nature actuates those who superintend the miners as much as it does the actions of the miners themselves. I make no charges, but have sufficient evidence to show that all the blame cannot be attributed to one side of industry. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>215</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KIX</name.id>
<electorate>DEAKIN, 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>- Is it not a fact that the increased output of coal is due largely to the greater mechanization of the coal-mines, and is not the statement of the right honorable gentleman, which he has made on numerous occasions, that the miners are getting older and the mines more difficult to work, completely misleading in the circumstances? </para>
</talk.start>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>215</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- It appears to me that some of the questions that are asked on . this subject, including that of the honorable member, are merely in the nature of debating points. During the last three months the production of coal has fallen, compared with the production during the corresponding three months of last year. That is because there have been more stoppages this year than in the same period of last year. The coal requirements of Australia are rising, notwithstanding the fact that the production of coal, both last year and this year, represents a record for Australia. The requirements are rising not only because of the expansion of Australian industries but also because of the contribution which the Government has directed that this country shall make to meet the coal needs of our Allies. We could have avoided a great part of the problem of the shortage of coal at present in certain industrial centres if we had said, "We have no coal to spare"; but we agreed to make the contribution, with a full sense of the fact that it would prob- ably create difficulties for us. I am asking the miners to produce more coal. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<para class="block">They told me yesterday that they will do their best to do so, and I am quite sure that upon their efforts will depend the result, not upon disputation between the honorable gentleman and myself. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>216</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNX</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HARRISON, Eric</name>
<name role="display">Mr HARRISON</name>
</talker>
<para>- Following the decision of the Prime Minister that the policy of the Government regarding striking coal-miners shall be one of appeasement, does the Prime Minister propose to apply this policy to all industries? If so, will he consider inviting all industrial workers desiring nine days holiday at Christmas to make formal application by immediately going on strike ? </para>
</talk.start>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>216</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>009FQ</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CURTIN, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr CURTIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- Holidays in the coalmines at Christmas-time this year will be less than they were last year. That is. a fact. I tell the honorable gentleman and the House that I am doing my very best to get coal for Australia. I am having the support, I am quite sure, of the representative leaders of the Miners Federation and the other unions concerned. I am not the only head of a government perplexed by the problem of coal, and no matter on what side of the House I have sat I have recognized the complexities of this problem. I have endeavoured to do my best with those who are responsible for getting coal. I am quite conscious of all that can be said. Some of the disputes are, in my opinion, without justification ; some of the actions practised by the employers are, in my opinion, absolutely without justification. I am, however, not an arbitration court judge; I can only hold a view. I have not the responsibility to impose punishment, and, in any event, I am faced with the fact that it is only by miners going down into the mine that coal can be produced. Putting them in gaol will not produce coal. There is no alternative source of labour competent to win coal. I suggest to the honorable gentleman, and I say it to the country, that a little more understanding of the problem of coal-mining would perhaps evoke realization on the part of the coal-miners that they are not the mere slaves of industry which at times they had reason to believe they were. It is desirable, I believe, to evoke in their minds realization of the importance of their labour to the salvation of the country. To let them feel quite confident that they are doing a work of major importance to the winning of the war and to give them credit for what they do would be, I venture to say, a. better way to get good results than is the constant heaping of abuse upon them. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>216</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>LEMONS</title>
<page.no>216</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>216</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KQB</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SCULLY, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr SCULLY</name>
</talker>
<para>- On the 29th September, the honorable member for Robertson <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Williams)</inline> asked me a question, <inline font-style="italic">without</inline><inline font-style="italic">notice,</inline> regarding the threatened waste of lemons in the Gosford and Windsor districts of New South Wales. I am now in a position to inform the honorable member that the supply of lemons is regulated by the Control of Citrus Fruits Order. Under this order, 50 per cent, of the lemon crop is diverted to processors engaged on service contracts, and up to the 18th September, 1943, 954 tons of lemons had been accepted by New South Wales factories. Last week, more lemons were offering than could be immediately processed, but the position has since improved. Factories have not storage space for more than two or three days' supply of fruit, and, as intake is governed by processing capacity, a surplus is at times unavoidable. Difficulties in this connexion, however, could be largely overcome by more orderly marketing arrangements on the part of the citrus-growers so as to ensure a regular supply of fruit to the factories. If the honorable member for Robertson can give the names of the growers whose lemons are alleged to be wasting, further inquiries will be made into the matter. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>216</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>INTEREST RATES</title>
<page.no>216</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>216</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEU</name.id>
<electorate>WATSON, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FALSTEIN, Sydney</name>
<name role="display">Mr FALSTEIN</name>
</talker>
<para>- I desire to ask the Treasurer a question regarding interest rates and, by way of preface, I refer him to the interest covenant in mortgages on real property in New South Wales which have become the subject of moratorium legislation in that State. In this it is provided that interest shall be £5 Ss. 6d. per cent. Will the Treasurer give favorable consideration to amending the existing finance regulations in order to permit people who desire to purchase homes subject to such a mortgage to pay that rate of interest? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>217</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>A48</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>ALP</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CHIFLEY, Ben</name>
<name role="display">Mr CHIFLEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- The matter which the honorable member mentions has received a great deal of consideration. When the original regulations were brought in the matter of contractual obligations was discussed by a committee of which the honorable member for Warringah <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Spender)</inline> was a member. The opinion was held that regulations ought not to interfere with existing contractual obligations. I agree with the honorable member that the present situation does create some hardship. The position will be further examined. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>217</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>AUSTRALIAN ARMY</title>
<page.no>217</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Travelling Facilities for Nurses</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>217</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KV7</name.id>
<electorate>PARRAMATTA, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">STEWART, Frederick</name>
<name role="display">Sir FREDERICK STEWART</name>
</talker>
<para>- Can the Minister for the Army say whether it is a fact that as the result of instructions given by his department Army nurses travelling on home leave from distant States are refused entitlement to sleeping berths? If so, will he take steps to ensure that these women are granted travelling facilities comparable with those provided for men of similar rank in other branches of the service ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>217</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>F4U</name.id>
<electorate>CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND</electorate>
<party>ALP</party>
<role>Minister for the Army</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FORDE, Francis Michael</name>
<name role="display">Mr FORDE</name>
</talker>
<para>- I am not aware of any such instructions, but I shall have inquiries made immediately, and will furnish a reply to the honorable gentleman. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>217</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>