[ASSEMBLY.] in a position to ask the Government, in- QUESTIONS. deed to implore the Government, to spend more money than is being expended at PETROL. the Present time, in the manner other members and I have advocated. I am As to Price at Noarthf-West Centres. very reluctant to say that I cannot sup- Mr. RODOREDA asked the Attorney port a Bill to improve the lot of the native General: but the Proposals embodied in this Bill (1) Whbat is the retail price in shillings will not be of benefit to them. and Pence Per gallon of petroll at the fol- On motion by Hon. H. L. Roche, debate lowing centres:- adjourned. Carnarvon; House adjourned at 10.20 p.mn. Onslow; Roebourne; Port Hedland; Meekatharra? (2) What differential covering freight and charges can be added to above prices for retail sale at the following centres:- Wittenoom; Kpeyidiattue Afloembtfl Marble Ear; Tuesday, 11th November, 1952. Nullagine? The ATTORNEY GENERAL replied: CONTENTS. Page (1) The price at which petrol could be Questions : Petrol, as to price at North-West sold has always been fixed at the cost centres ...... 1966 of petrol to the reseller, plus the money Traffic, (a) as to road patrols and margin which was in operation on the accidents ...... -. 1966 20th September, 1948. The actual price (b) as to authorising use of " trfflca- in shillings and pence has not been fixed. tors " ...... 1967 Schedules fixing the price in all towns Tram and bus Services, as to Increased in Western Australia are In course of pre- faxes to workers on Saturdays .... 1987 paration, and these should be completed Transport, as to Press announcement of date. zoning ...... 1967 at an early Betting, as to suppression of illegal (2) Calculation of inland freights is in- machines...... 198 cluded in the investigation mentioned. Land settlement, as to applications, Broome area ...... 1 968 TRAFFIC. Cement manufacture, as to location of new works and dust nuisance ...... 198 (a) As to Road Patrols and Accidents. Drought in Klrnberleys, as to requesting Mr. BRADY asked the Minister for Commonwealth assistance ...... 1968 Iron-ore, as to quantity available to State 198 Police: Housing contracts as to appointment of (1) How many traffic police are em - Royal Commisioner ...... 1969 Played on the Great Eastern Highway? State Trading Concerns, (a) as to dis- (2) Has there been an increase or de- posal ...... 1989 crease of patrols in the last three years? (b) as to Liberal Party policy .. 1969 (3) How many traffic accidents have Assent to Bills...... 1989 taken place between the Causeway and Bills: University Buildings, 3r...... 1969 the Midland Junction Town Hall in the flaffic Act Amendment (No. 1), report .... 1969 Broken Hill Proprietary Steel Industry past 12 months? Agreement, report...... 1969 (4) How many accidents have- Criminal Code Amendment, returned .... 1982 (a) had fatal results; Warehousemen's Liens, returned .... 1982 (b) resulted in physical injuries? Workers' Compensation Act Amend- ment, Message, 2r...... 1982 (5) Is it intended to increase the num- Annual Estimates, Corn, of Supply, general ber of traffic Patrols in the next 12 months? debate...... 1984 The ?LUSTER replied: Speakers on Financial policy- Mr. Owen...... 1984 Assuming that this question refers to Mr. Brady...... 1987 that Portion of the Great Eastern Highway Mr. Kelly...... 1990 which is in the metropolitan traffic area- Mr. Mcoulloch...... 1994 (1) One. Mr. Johnson...... 1998 (2) There has been an increase. (3) and (4) The records maintained of traffic accidents do not localise informa- The SPEAKER took the Chair at 4.30 tion, and the information requested is, p.m. and read Prayers. therefore, not available. Il1 November, 1952.) 196796 (5) Traffic patrols in the area men- (4) It is not considered the province tioned and other areas will be increased of the Minister for Transport to make such commensurably with the number of per- an approach; nor would a special approach sonnel and machines which can be made to the Court be deemed justified to in- available for the purpose. crease wages by one Penny per week, or. in a few instances, two Pence Per week. (b) As to Authorising Use of "2'rafllcators.' In any case, many Saturday workers are Mr. OLDFIELD asked the Minister for not affected by the surcharge at present. Local Government: (1) In view of the answers given to TRANSPORT. questions asked by me on the 9th Sep- As to Press Announcement of Zoning. tember and the 6th November, will, he give consideration to amending the regulations Mr. J. HEGNEY asked the Minister repre- to permit the use of "trafficators" in lieu of senting the Minister for Transport: the arm signal when about to turn, at (1) Has he read the statement on the least during the hours of darkness? front page of "The West Australian" (2) Is he aware that "trafficators" are newspaper, dated the 5th November, 1952, permitted in lieu of arm signals in certain under the heading, "Bus Zoninz- Sehb:me of the Eastern States, and throughout the may begin soon"? rest of the world? (2) Can he inform the House whether The MINISTER replied: this statement is substantially correct? (1) A report will be obtained from the (3) Will he inform the House under traffic authorities as to the practicability whose authority the statement was re- of permitting the use of "trafficators" in leased? lieu of the arm signal when about to turn. (4) Seeing that neither the name of the (2) I am not aware. Minister for Transport, nor that of the chairman of the Transport Board, was as- TRAM AND BUS SERVICES. sociated with the statement, can he ex- As to Increased Fares to Workers on plain how such a leakage of information Saturdays. from departmental files has taken place? Mr. JOHNSON asked the Minister rep- (5) In view of the importance of the resenting the Minister for Transport: information disclosed in the statement In reply to a question of mine on the does he not think that such a statement 29th October, as to increased fares to should have been issued under the auth- workers on Saturdays, he stated: "It is not ority of the Minister? considered inequitable that persons desir- (6) WiUl he tell the House who Mr. E. L. ing to travel at week-ends-mainly pleas- Baker is (who was said to be acting as ure-seekers and other non-business travel- adviser to the Government)? lers-should be asked to pay the cost of (7) Is he a civil servant? that transport":- (8) Is he an expert in transport prob- (1) Does this outlook prevail in an Aus- lems? tralian States? (9) What experience has he had and (2) Have transport authorities in New where was it gained? South Wales increased revenue at week- ends by decreasing fares below week- The MINISTER FOR EDUCATION re- day rates? plied: (3) Does he assume that the return (1) Yes. of workers to their homes on Saturdays (2) The statement Is substantially cor- is pleasure-seeking? rect. (4) Winl he approach the Arbitration (3) No official sanction was given to Court to load wages for Saturday work to the statement. ensure that this impost is borne by em.- (4) The source of the information re- ployers requiring work done on Satur- ceived by the Press cannot be ascertained. days? (5) Yes. An authoritative statement on The M3NISTER FOR EDUCATION re- the matter wiUl be made at the appropriate plied: time. (1) Week-end surcharges are in opera- (6) Mr. E. L. Baker is a well-known in- tion in other States of the Commonwealth. surance assessor of Perth. (2) As far as is known, the decrease (7) No. of week-end fares below week-day rates (8) He is regarded as an expert in the has not been introduced. If it has, no valuation of transport undertakings. information is yet to hand regarding same, (9) Mr. Baker has an established busi- or its effect on revenue. ness in Perth. He has been engaged in (3) NO; hence the use of the word insurance assessment work concerning "mainly" in reply to the earlier question motor vehicles f or over 30 years and has referred to. specialized in the operation of omnibuses. 1968 1968ASSEMBLY.)

BETTING. (2) The Co-ordinator of Works and In- o1 Illegal Machines. dustrial Development, Mr. R. J. Dumas, As to Suppression reports that while in England he in- Mr. TOTrERDELL asked the minister spected the Rugby Cement Company's two for Police: works near Rugby, and also the company's (1) Is the operation of gambling ma- works at Rochester, and especially investi- chines, including those known as fruit and gated the amount of dust nuisance which poker machines, illegal in Western Aus- these works may have caused to sur- tralia? rounding dwellings. Buildings within 200 yards of the works were carefully (2) If so, will the Government under- examined, and there appeared to be no take that the law will be observed and more dust than would be normal if the that the operation of such machines will works were not in existence. Flowers were be suppressed and remain suppressed? growing in the gardens and appeared to The MINISTER replied: be quite free from dust. He does not an- ticipate that any dust nuisance will (1) and (2) The operation of machines eventuate. which may be used for gambling, including those known as fruit and poker machines, DROUGHT IN KIMBERIJEYS. is illegal in Western Australia when they are, in fact, used for playing or bet- As to Requesting Commonwealth ting at any unlawful game, or at any game Assistance. of chance or pretended game of chance Mr. HOAR (without notice) asked the in any public place, or when they are Minister for the North-West: used for playing any unlawful game or (1) Is he aware that large areas In the gaming on licensed premises, or when they Kimiberleys are seriously affected by are used for gaming in a common gaming drought and that great losses In stock house. must occur, the effects of which can be Action is taken in respect of detected serious within the next few years? breaches of the gaming laws. (2) Is he aware that the Commonwealth Government provides sums of money for LAND SETTLEMENT. drought relief on application by State Governments and has already stated that As to Applcations, Broome Area. sympathetic consideration would be given Hon. A. A. M. COVERLEY asked the to an application in this instance? Minister for Lands: (3) Has he applied for such assistance; if not, why not? (1) Has any advance been made with the applications of Messrs. Jones, Stanley (4) If so, with what result? and Lawrence for land in the Broome The MINISTER replied: area? Yes, I am aware that the Kiniberleys (2) As a matter of urgency, will he give are having a bad season-perhaps the this matter his personal attention? worst in their history, but other than a request from the Hon. C. W. D. Barker, The MINISTER replied: I have not received any application for (1) Yes. The surveyor has inspected the help. I wrote to Mr. Barker telling him area and is now completing his report. that if he could give me particular cases where he considered help would be re- (2) Yes. quired, consideration would be given to the request, but that before I could make CEMENT MANUFACTURE. application to the Commonwealth Govern- As to Location of New Works and Possible ment, I would have to be given specific Dust Nuisance. cases. The State steamships do carry fodder at, I think, half cost where it is Mr. LAWTRENCE asked the minister for consigned for drought relief purposes. Industrial Development: (1) Will he indicate where the proposed IRON-ORE. new cement works are to be built, and As to Quantity Available to State. when building operations may commence? (2) Will a similar dust nuisance such as Hon. J. T. TONKIN (without notice) prevails in the Rivervale and surrounding asked the Premier: districts, due to the Swan Cement Com- As he has made a public statement that pany's operations, prevail in the area 500,000 tons of iron ore will be available selected for the new works? to the State under the legislation now before Parliament, will he show how he The MINISTER replied: arrived at that total? (1) Approximately two miles south- south-east from Robb's Jetty. It is not The PREMIER replied: possible at this stage to indicate accu- That is based on the 200,000 tons per rately when building operations may com- annum from Koolan Island, and the mnence. 10,000,000 tons at Koolyanobbing. El1 November, 1952.] 1969

HOUSING CONTRACTS. BILL-BROKEN HIL PROPRIETARY As to Appointment of Royal STEEL INDUSTRY AGREEMENT. Commissioner. Consideration of Committee's Report. Mr. J1. HEGNEY (without notice) asked THE MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL the Premier: DEVELOPMENT (Hon. A. F. Watts-Stir- When does he intend to appoint the ling) [4.433: I move- Royal Commissioner to inquire into the That the report be adopted. activities of Snowden and Willson? HON. A. B. G. HAWKE (Northam) The PREMIER replied: [4.44]: 1 oppose this motion. On Monday I hope to do so within the next few of last week I sent from Leonora post days. omfce a telegram to the Premier expressing my anxiety to have the Committee stage STATE TRADING CONCERNS. of this Bill held over until It would be (a) As to Disposal. possible for me to be present in the House. The Premier replied to the effect that he Mr. CORNELL (without notice) asked could not give such an undertaking- but the Premier: that progress in connection with the Bill In view of the example set by the Com- would be determined by events. I believe monwealth Government and to imple- that the real reply of the Premier to my ment Liberal policy, is it the intention of telegram was to be found in the very late the State Government to give consideration sittings which he forced upon the House to disposal of the State hotels and other on Tuesday night and Thursday night of Government trading concerns? last week. The PREMIER replied: That action on the part of the Premier It is not intended to sell the State hotels was his real reply to my request and in- or any other Government trading con- dicated his overwhelming desire to push cern. the Bill through with all possible speed. I suppose one reason was that he did not (b) AS to Liberal Party Policy. want the people of the Murchison to be Mr. CORNELL in a position to have any voice in this (without notice) asked House with regard to the Bill. So far the Premier: as has been possible, I have glanced Is the continuation of the State trading through the debates on the Bill that took concerns by the State Government in ac- place in this House last week and in the cordance with Liberal Party policy? time available to me I searched in vain The PREMIER replied: to find any real justification put forward As the hon. member knows, the State by the Premier, the Minister for Industrial trading concerns have been going for many Development or any of their supporters years and, as I have told him, it is not as to why the Hill and the agreement con- the intention of the Government to dis- tained in it should be approved. When pose of any of them at the present time. previously speaking to the debate on this Mr. Cornell: Will you insert an advertise- measure I said that there might have been ment in the "Lost and Found" column of some justification for the Government "The West Australian" with a view to as- cancelling the existing leases of Cockatoo certaining the whereabouts of Liberal Island and extending them-by way of new policy? leases--for 71 years from this year. It will be remembered that when intro- The PREMIER: I suggest to the hon. member that he find himself a place in ducing the measure the Minister told the Wirth's Circus, where his question would House that most of the existing leases in be more appropriate. respect of Cockatoo Island were due to ex- pire in 10 or 11 years from now. I ASSENT TO BILLS. said that if the company, in return for having the Cockatoo Island leases Message from the Governor received and extended for 60 years. established a read notifying assent to the following steel rolling mill in this State it would Bills:- still be holding the thick end of the stick 1, Police Act Amendment. as far as the bargain was concerned; in 2, Child Welfare Act Amendment. other words, that it would be returning 3, Friendly Societies Act Amendment. to Western Australia, by establishing the 4, Land Agents Act Amendment. proposed rolling mill, nowhere near the value which the State would be giving it BfLL-UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS. by making the company a gift, as it were. of all the iron-ore at Cockatoo Island. Read a third time and transmitted to Reading through the speeches made in the Council. this House last week by the Premier and the Minister for Industrial Development BILL-TRAFFIC ACT AMENDMENT I learned of the manner in which they (No. 1). tried to skate around this proposition. In Report of Committee adopted. effect, they told the House that the com- 1970 [ASSEMBLY.] pany had spent considerable sums of There would have been all the justifica- money on Cockatoo Island by way of capi- tion in the world for that approach and tal investment; that it bad carried out there would have been no justification for iron-ore 'getting" operations there and representatives of B.H.P. refusing to agree consequently was entitled to expect from to do something of a practical nature in the State, or any Government in charge this State by way of establishing an in- of the State from time to time, a con- dustry. Now, the approach by this Gov- tinual renewal of the leases which it holds erment, Mr. Speaker, as you know only at present. too well, was not along these lines. The It is true that, in the ordinary course present Government said to the company. of events, under the administration of the "Not only will we grant you new leases be- Mining Act, companies which bona fide fore the due time, but we will give you continue with operations on the leases undisputed legal control of Cockatoo Island which they hold are entitled to a renewal for ever. In other words, we will give to of their leases from time to time. How- your company every ton of iron-ore at ever, there is no binding legal obligation Cockatoo Island which your company mn upon the State or upon the Govern- the years of the future is able to take away ment to extend the currency of the leases. from the island." The Government has the right at any time to take action in regard to them. I As I said in a previous debate, the giving do not suggest that any drastic action to B.H.P. of approximately 40,000,000 tons should have been taken against B.H.P. now of iron-ore at Cockatoo Island is a great or in ten years time in regard to those gift to the company; a gift of tremendous leases. In the ordinary course of events value. I read carefully the speech of the they should certainly be extended in ten member for Gascoyne on the Bill. When or eleven years time for a further twenty- I discussed in my second reading speech one years. At the time they were coming the value of this iron-ore per ton to B.H.P. up for renewal, a Government which was I was extremely conservative and placed awake to its opportunities could then have the value at a net figure of 10s. a ton. The made requests to the B.H.P, to do some- point made on that by the member for thing practical for Western Australia in Gascoyne was, in my opinion, a very tell- return for any proposed extension of the ing one. He compared the possible value leases. of each ton of iron-ore to its weight in In other words, in ten or eleven years each ton of pig-iron or steel and thereby, time when representatives of B.H.P. made with a fair amount of logic, claimed that an approach to the Mines Department the value of each ton of iron-ore to the or to the Government of that day for company was very much greater than my an extension of the leases for a further conservative estimate of 10s. a ton. But twenty-one years, the Government would if we leave the figure at the paltry sum have been thoroughly justified in saying of 10s. a ton, that represents in money a to the company, "You have already pro- vey large amount; it would represent fied very greatly by virtue of holding £20,000,000. these leases for several years and by having Would it have been too much at this been entitled, as you have done, to take stage, or, if this agreement had not come away considerable quantities of iron-ore. to pass in ten years time when the Cockatoo We think that before Your company re- Island leases were approaching the stage ceives a renewal of these leases for a when they were due for renewal, to have further twenty-one years it should give asked the company in return for that gift serious and favourable consideration to to establish a steel rolling mill in this the question of establishing an industry State? Would not the company have been in Western Australia even if it be only a receiving marvellous value in return for mill to roll steel manufactured by your the estimated £3,000,000 or £4,000,000 it company in New South Wales." will cost the company to establish a steel The Premier: When did you say the Gov- rolling mill in Western Australia? These ernnment, should have said that? representatives of B.H.P. are hard-headed Hon. A. R. 0. HAWKE: When the exist- business men. They know every trick in ing leases were becoming due for renewal, the game of trade, industry and commerce, say, in 1960, which would be two or three and I am convinced they would have agreed Years before the leases were due for re- to a proposition of that kind whether it newal. The Government should have fur- had been put up to them at this stage in ther said to the company, "The granting return for an agreement that would give of these leases for a further twenty-one them leases in perpetuity covering all the years from, say, 1962. will give to your iron-ore at Cockatoo Island or whether it company very great quantities of iron-ore. had been put up to them, in the ordinary We think it is only a fair proposition that course of events, in approximately ten your company, in return for the very great years time. advantages which the renewal of the They would have agreed, and in return leases'will confer, should establish an in- for giving B.H.!'. lifelong legal control of dustry in Western Australia; either an in- Cockatoo Island and all the iron-ore tegrated iron and steel industry or a steel thereon, Western Australia would, without rolling mill." much argument in my opinion, have re- [11 November, 1952.] 197197

celved a steel rolling mill. Under this in the name of Western Australia until agreement the Government also proposes such time as B.H.P. or some other com- to give B.H.P. undisputed legal control of pany in the future was capable, physically the iron-ore deposits on Koolan Island for and financially, of establishing an iron ever. In return for that gift to the com- and steel industry in this State. pany, Western Australia is to receive noth- Why should Parliament put Itself in ing substantial to which the agreement an untenable position, and the State as would legally entitle this State to obtain well, by giving B.H.P. at this time the as a result of the operation of the agree- iron-ore deposits of Koolan Island for- ment. In future, Western Australia will ever. and allowing the company to re- have no legal claim whatever over B.H.P. main in the legal position of not being except in relation to the proposed estab- bound to do anything for this State be- lishment of the steel rolling mill, to which yond making some investigations regard- I have already referred. ing the production of suitable coke from Neither the State nor any Government Collie coal? During the progress of the of the State in the future will be able to debate last week, the Premier or the Min- say to H.H.P., "We demand under the law. ister for Industrial Development made a in the terms of the agreement, that your song about E.H.P. having three experts company establish in our State an inte- oversea Making inquiries regarding the grated iron and steel industry." If any possibility of producing coke from Collie such Government were to make an ap- coal. Did they mean that those experts proach on that ground to B.H.P. in any- were carrying out those investigations thing from 10 to 40 years time, the repre- abroad on that matter alone? Of course sentatives of the company, if so inclined, not. could snap their fingers at the Government The Minister for Industrial Develop- and say, as they would be thoroughly ment: How do you know? justified in saying legally, "The agreement Hon. A. R. 0. HAWKE: I would say we signed with the MeLarty Government that the management of B.H.P. is much in 1952 bound us in no way to establish an more wide awake than that, and that their iron and steel industry in your State." experts would have been sent abroad to Therefore we are giving away to B.H.P. deal with many other problems as well. huge iron-ore deposits at Koolan Island The Prcmier: The company always has without having any legal claim on the its experts abroad. company mn future relating to the possible establishment in our State of an integrated Hon. A. R. 0. HAWKCE: Of course! As iron and steel the Premier suggests In agreement with industry. All the legal ad- my point of view, those officials of the vantages will rest in the hands of B.H.P. company have not gone abroad especially The agreement proposes that, within one to look into this one particular problem. month after the passing of this measure, They may be looking into it in relation the Cockatoo. Koolan and Irvine Islands to a number of other problems they are leases will become the Property of E.H.P., investigating for their company. Even and will remain its property for ever. The so. if those officials are abroad on that first period during which the agreement special mission of inquiring into the pos- will entitle the company to hold the leases sibility of coking Collie coal. Western Aus- is 50 years and after that it provides for trais's position under the agreement in successive periods of 21 years. Thus the relation to the proposed establishment of Government, through the terms of the an iron and steel industry here is no fur- agreement, is to give the Koolan Island ore ther advanced legally, and the State Is deposits away completely and in every not given one scrap of additional claim legal sense, in return for nothing at all in on the company in connection with the respect of which we would have any legal establishment of such an industry here claim that could be substantiated. at any time in the future. There is no reason why Parliament, Why is the Government giving Koolan even though the Government is desper- Island away to the company? That ques- ately anxious to do it. should give the tion has never been answered up to the Icoolan Island ore deposits to B.H.P. with- present time. There was no necessity to out getting some obligation of an en- give the island away. It is true that both forceable legal character put on the the Premier and the Minister for Indus- shoulders of the company which would, trial Development advanced the uncon- in a reasonable period of years, compel vincing argument that B.H.P. is a very that company to establish an iron and important company in the Commonwealth, steel industry in Western Australia. If that it operates vital industries in Aus- the answer to that is that circumstances tralia and has expended huge sums of might prevent B.H.P. from being in a capital investment within the Common- physical position to establish such an in- wealth, including substantial expenditure dustry in Western Australia because of at Cockatoo Island. Surely those argu- inability to produce suitable coke from ments furnish no reason why the Govern- Collie coal, then the convincing retort ment should give Cockatoo Island to the to such a contention would be that the company, or why it should give Koolan State would hold the Koolan Island leases and Irvine Islands away as well. [1] 1972 1972[ASSEMBLY.]

Surely the gilt of Cockatoo Island alone The other day I quoted from a letter could have amply rewarded the company received from the Government Geologist, for anything it would do for Western Mr. Ellis, in which he stated that the Australia and leave a great deal over by known quantity of Iron-ore at Koolan way of reward for what the company has Island is 91,000,000 tons with a prob- done In other parts of the Conunonwealth! ability of there being another 95,000,000 Why should we, as a Parliament, be called tons. Say the total quantity economically upon, under the terms of the agreement, recoverable is only 90,000,000 tons, this at to give away the huge quantity of rich a value of 10s. per ton net would repre- fran-ore on Koolan Island without the sent a gift to the company of £45,000,000. company being legally bound to establish an iron and steel industry here within Why at this stage give this huge de- some future period, whatever it might posit of iron-ore at Koolan Island to the be? Why did not the Government bind company for nothing? If it is not pre- the company within the terms of the pared to enter into a binding agreement agreement to establish the industry here to establish an iron and steel industry within 10 or 12 years time? What is the in this State but desires more time to answer to that? investigate the possibility of producing coke from Collie coal, we could fairly and Mr. J. Hegney: The Government wants generously offer to continue to reserve to give the ore away. the Koolan island leases for 10 years, Ron. A. R. 0. HAWKE: There is no guaranteeing to make them available to answer whatever forthcoming to the nobody else. If at the end of 10 years the query. We have not been told that the company could offer a detailed proposal representatives of the company would not to establish an industry and enter into have been prepared to guarantee in a legal a legally binding agreement, we could sense the establishment of an iron and undertake to hand the Koolan Isand steel industry in this State at any time leases over for any term. I would be pre- in the future. The excuse the company pared to support a proposal of that sort, would have put forward f or its refusal but I am not prepared to hand over to would possibly be that it was not the company all the iron-ore deposits at satisfied that suitable coke could be Koolan Island when the company is not produced from Collie coal, and no other legally bound to do anything of a prac- method of an economical character was tical nature for the State. available for smelting iron-ore in this State. Yesterday I came into possession of a if that had been the attitude of the publication known as "R.T.B. Quarterly" representatives of the company, the right which formerly appeared under the name thing for the Government to have done of "Management Bulletin." it is issued by would have been to say, "Very well, we a big iron and steel firm in Great Britain will make no provision in the present known as Richard Thomas & Baidwins agreement in respect of the iron-ore de- (Australia) Proprietary Ltd. In the Sep- posits at Koolan Island. We will hold the tember issue, the first, article is headed leases in the name of the State and "The Steel Industry in Australia" and guarantee to hold them for a period of, was written by Major W. E. Fraser, E.D., say, 10 years, which should be a long A.C.I.S., a director and secretary of the enough period to enable your company to company's branch operating In Australia. find out conclusively whether suitable coke The article traces th6 history of the iron is capable of being produced from Collie and steel industry in Australia from the coal, or, alternatively, whether a suitable beginning, before there was a B.H.P. and method other than the coking of Collie when other companies were struggling to coal, can be found by your company to establish first an iron industry and later enable it to smelt iron-ore In Western a steel industry in Australia. Australia and to establish an iron and One part of the article under the steel industry here upon that particular heading "Long-Range Planning" deals in basis," some detail with what B.H.P. proposes to That would have been the right ap- do, not in Western Australia but in New proach--a statesmanlike approach. it South Wales: it proposes to expand very would have been the approach of a Gov- greatly the production of pig-iront and ernment awake to its responsibilities and steel. When one reads this portion of the determined to do its best for Western Aus- article, one can tralia, After all is said and done, the understand even more Government is supposed to be governing significantly why B.H.P. has been so Western Australia and passing laws and desperately anxious in recent times to ob- carrying out acts of an administrative tain control of the Iron-ore not only on nature in the interests of the people of Cockatoo Island but also on Koolan island this State-not in the Interests of B.H.P. and Irvine Island. One portion of the The agreement is hopelessly overloaded in article says,- favour of B.H.P. One can understand the The first objective of this two-point great anxiety of the company to get all plan is to expand to its maximum the the Iron-ore not only at Cockatoo Island steel-making capacity of the existing but also at Koolan Island. plant. Ill November, 1952.] 197397

At Port Kembla! Not at Swinana. Cole, Ig upon the company to establish an iron or Bumbury! and steel industry in this State. The By 1945 the annual capacity of this Premier and the Minister for Industrial Port Kembla plant. was 750,000 tons Development have told the House that the of ingots. The second major objective future Interests of this State have been is to install a modem hot strip mill, well protected by the fact thaL, alter 10 which will be the first section of a years, there will be available the iron- plant capable of supplying, inter alla. ore deposits of Koolyanobbing, which could the tinplate needs of Australia. be used by some other company that was willing and capable of establishing an This project is possibly one of the iron and steel industry here. largest individual industrial develop- ments ever undertaken in Australia. Let us consider that point. Suppose Much of the equipment for this plant the member for West Perth, the Minister has been ordered and some work has for Lands and the member for Roe were been done on the site. The expan- representatives of British or American sion of the existing works is expected iron and steel manufacturers, commis- to increase Port Kembla's steel pro- sioned by their directors to examine the duction to approximately 1,375,000 prospects of establishing a branch of the tons per annum. The site for this industry in Western Australia. Af ter new hot strip mill has been selected having discussed the matter with Min- in an undeveloped area near to the isters and with officers of the Mines De- existing works and adjacent to a pro- partment, does anyone believe that those posed inner harbour, which the representatives would be likely to recom- N.S.W. Government is planning to mend their principals to establish an in- dustry here when it would be in such construct. a vulunerable position in relation to the At present the steel Plant at Port over-powering competition that could be Kembla is capable of producing brought to bear by SlI.P.? 900,000 tons per annum. Twenty-four new by-product coke ovens, which Mr. SPEAKER: The hon. member's would make a total of 144 ovens, a time allowance has elapsed. third blast furnace of 1,500 tons per day capacity, together with two new HON. J. T. TONKIN (Melville) (5.303: 240-ton open hearth furnaces are at This afternoon I asked the Premier a present being constructed and are question without notice-would he show well on the way to completion. This how he arrived at the figure of 500,000 will enable an annual steel produc- tons which he had stated publicly was tion of 1,375,000 tons to be achieved. the amount of iron-ore available to this under the agreement. Another portion of the article reads- State The Minister for Industrial Develop- Ore-handling facilities at the Port ment: For 233 years. Kembla harbour are being expanded to cope with the ore requirements of Hon. J7. T. TONKIN: The Premier's the blast furnaces, whilst railway and statement, and I heard it myself, was that road transport systems are now being 500,000 tons would be available annually. extended. All of this work is being The Minister for Industrial Develop- pushed on with the utmost speed. ment: For 233 years. Thus from this publication we obtain ad- ditional evidence of the great anxiety of Hon. J7. T. TONKIN: Annually. ERR.P to obtain complete and unchal- The Minister for Industrial Develop- lengeable control of all the iron-ore upon ment: It would provide that quantity for which it can lay its hands. We can also 233 years. understand more clearly-if clearer under- Hon. J7. T. TONKIN: The fact is that standing were needed-the reason why it will not. B.H.P. has been able to prevail upon the Government of this State to give away The Minister for Industrial Develop- for all time the leases at Koolan Island ment: That is not so, as I will prove to as well as at Cockatoo Island. In return you in a few minutes. for the extension of the Cockatoo Island Hon. J7. T. TONKIN: I shall be in- leases, B.H.P. is to give us a steel rolling terested to hear the proof. The Premier's mill. In return for giving the company answer was that his statement was based the Koolan Island leases, we are to get on 20,000 tons at Koolan Island and nothing that would be enforceable at law. 70,000,000 tons at Koolyanobbing, where- So I say that the Government-to de- as the Bill provides that the most we scribe its action generously-has made a can get from Koolyanobbing is 50,000 grievous mistake in undertaking to give tons a year. the Koolan Island leases to the company. The Minister for Industrial Develop- The only possible justification the Gov- ment: You are quite wrong there, but ernment would have had for including the you persist in It. If you enter into an Koolan Island leases as a gift to B.H.P. agreement with someone to open an in- would have been a Provision equally bind- dustry with Koolyanobbing ore, you can 1974 19fl[ASSEMBLY.] have the whole lot, but until that is done is that I listened very carefully to the de- the State can draw 50,000 tons for its own bate. I was not here the whole time, but purposes. I never heard anyone claim that 500,000 Hon. J. T. TONKIN: That is similar tons would be available each year. to the statement that if we had a fry- Mr. Kelly: That does not put it into ing pan and some fat we would fry some the Bill, though. fish if we had some fish. I-on. J. T. TONKIN: Of course not! I The Minister for Industrial Develop- heard the figure of 250,000 tons mentioned ment: No, it is quite different. -50,000 tons from Koolyanobbing and Hon. J. T. TONKIN: What are the 200,000 tons from Koolan-but at no time chances to induce anyone to establisb an did I hear anyone claim that 500,000 tons integrated industry within ten years in would be available; and I cannot see how order that this 70,000,000 tons of ore shall it will be available under the Bill. It could be available from Koolyanobbing? Not one be, of course, after the first ten years. in ten million! The Minister for Industrial Develop- ment: No, even before that, if you make The Minister for Industrial Develop- an agreement. ment: I do not agree with you. Hon. J. T?. TONKIN: Here we are again Hon. J. T. TONKIN: As a matter of with the frying pan and the fat. fact, the statement made by the Premier was misleading. I venture to say that not The Minister for Industrial Develop- one person in a thousand, who heard It, ment: Not at all. would assume the position to be that from Hon. J. T. TONKIN: What are the now on there would not be available to chances of making an agreement with any- this State, every year if the agreement is body to establish an integrated iron and passed. 500,000 tons of ore. steel industry in Western Australia within The Minister for Industrial Develop- the next ten years, in view of this agree- ment: It is so. ment? Ron. A. R. 0. Hawke: Does the Minister Hon. J. T. TONKCIN: Of course, it is not suggest that Clause 4 can override Clause so. The Bill provides that there shall be 3 of the Bill? a maximum of 50,000 tons a year from Koolyanobbing. The Minister for Industrial Develop- ment: It is not suggested that it over- The Minister for Industrial Develop- rides it; it is complementary to it. ment: You are on the wrong track. Hon. A. R. 0. Hawke: But Clause 3, in Hon. J. T. TONKIN: I am not, and specific terms, lays down that for a period the Premier knows I am not. One had of ten years not more than 50,000 tons only to observe his discomfiture when the shall be taken in each year. question was asked to know whether I The Minister for Industrial Develop- was on the wrong track or not, because ment: Does it not commence by stating he did not have a clue as to where he got that it is subj.ect to the provisions of the his 500.000 tons. The Bill provides that the Minister may remove from Mining Re- next succeeding section? serve No. 1258H, at any time and from Hon. A. R. 0. Hawke: Yes, but that is time to time during the period, an amount only in connection with declaring the of ore not exceeding 50,000 tons In any reserves to be open for mining, etc. That one year. Then we may buy from B.HIP. does not deal with the 50,000 tons maxi- 200.000 tons from Koolan Island. This mum. I think we had better put the Bill makes a total of 250,000 tons. back into Committee. I will be interested to hear how the Min- Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The member ister will make that up 500,000 tons a for Melville. year in the first ten years, because the impression given last Thursday night was Hon. J. T. TONKIN: I fall to see how that we need not worry because under the Minister's conclusion can be arrived the agreement there was immediately at under the Bill. I understand it to mean available to the State 500.000 tons of iron- that there will be a maximum of 50,000 ore a year. I cannot read this into the tons a year from Koolyanobbing and not Bill at all, and I shall be interested to more than 200,000 tons from Koolan. follow the Minister when he attempts to which we would have to buy from the show that it is so Provided, because it B.H.P. So, if we bought 200,000 tons of was never stated here previously that iron-ore from B.H.P. at its price- 500,000 tons per annum would be avail- The Premier: No. not at its price. able. Hon. J. T. TONKIN: At whose price. The Minister for Industrial Develop- then? ment: If you look at "Hansard" you will find I said that. The Premier: At a price to be fixed. Hon. J. T. TONKIN: Then I shall with- Hon. J. T. TONKIN: BY whom? draw what I have just said, that It was The Premier: By arbitration, if neces- never stated here before. All I can say sary. [11 November. 1952.1

Hon. J1. T. TON~flq: That is not worth Hon. J. T. TONKIN: Well, why was the anything. Premier absurd? Hon. A. Rt. 0. Hawke: Drivel! The Premier: I was not. The Premier: Not at all. Hon. J. T. TONKIN: This is the Pre- Hon. A. R. 0. Hawke: Hooeyl mier's statement. The Premier: That word has been much used lately. The Premier: You are your usual sell tonight. Hon. J. T. TONKINq: Arbitration is not worth anything, because the company is Hon. J. T. TONKIN: I have in front of allowed to define what It regards as me the 'Mansard'. report of the question reasonable depreciation, provide reason- and answer. able reserves and make a reasonable pro- The Premier: It is not intended to con- fit, and then charge accordingly. So there vey that it is 70,000,000 tons per annum would not be much room for the State to from Koolyanobbing. get the ore at the State's price. It Is clear it would be at a price which would satisfy Hon. J. T. TONKIN: I suggest to the the B.H.P., and which would not be a Premier that he say what he intends to price that would encourage anyone else convey. to establish an industry. So the possibility The Premier: I do not think anyone which the Minister envisages of being able who listened to me would think so, either. to enter into an agreement with someone to establish an industry in order that we Hon. J. T. TONKIN: It was clear that may override Clause -3 of the Bill is remote the Premier was in a complete fog. indeed-so remote as to be completely out The Premier: You have said that haif- of sight. I think therefore, that the Pre- a-dozen times; you have convinced Your- mier's statement last night was very mis- self of that. leading to the general public, and it ought to be corrected because it could give an Hon. J. T. TONKIN: One cannot repeat entirely wrong impression. Of course, it the truth too often. was calculated to convey the impression The Minister for Industrial Develop- that there was no room for argument be- ment: You can in this House. cause there were tremendous quantities of ore available to the State Government, Hon. J. T. TONKIN: I do not know. if they were needed, and so although the because it takes a long time to make it B.KP. was being given Cockatoo Island sink into the heads of some people. and Koolan Island for ever, there was Hon. A. Rt. G. Hawke: Especially those nothing to worry about because there in another place, with marble domes. would be 500,000 tons of iron-ore avail- able every year. I repeat, I cannot read Hon. J. T. TONKIN: Surely the Premier the Bill that way and it was very obvious is not now suggesting that we ought to this afternoon that the Premier was not be supplied with a glossary so that we can sure of his ground either, because he had Interpret the statements he makes In the not a clue as to how the total was arrived House. This is his answer, word for word, at. He finished by saying It was based on "Based on 200,000 tons at Koolan Island 200,000 tons at Koolan Island and and 70,000,000 tons at Koolyanobbing." 70,000,000 tons at Koolyanobbing. So we can come to whatever conclusion we like. Is that the position we are to The Premier: Two hundred thousand accept? Of course. I do not blame the tons per annum at Koolan Island. Premier. I could not arrive at the figure Hon. J. T. TONKIN: And 70.000,000 tons of 500,000 tons, and neither could anyone per annum at Koolyanobbing? else at this stage. I suppose the figure was supplied to the Premier and he just The Premier: No, made the statement without satisfying Hon. J. T. TONKIN: The Premier's himself that It was factual and, on being statement is based on 200,000 tons at confronted with it this afternoon, he had Koolan Island. to rely on the Deputy Premier. In the circumstances. that gentleman could not The Premier: Per annum. get it over properly, and the result was Hon. J. T. TONKIN: There is no "per this answer of the Premier's which, of annum" in this. course, is foolish. The Premier: It is intended; You know The Premier: You have had your ex- that. planation. It is foolish to imagine any- Hon. J. T. TONKIN: All right, it is to o'ne would think of 70,000,000 tons of ore be 200,000 tons per annumn from Koolan coming from Koolyanobbing per annum. Island and 70,000,000 tons per annum Hon. J. T. TONKIN: Well, what is the from Koolyanobbing. amount per annum? Will the Premier The Premier: You know it is not meant correct it now? to be 70,000,000 tons per annum. It is no Hon. A. Rt. 0. Hawke: The Minister for use being absurd about it. Lands is trying to give him the figure. [ASSEMBLY.]

Hon. J. T. TONKIN: Of course, it is constituents and the people of Western perfectly obvious that if the Premier could Australia can gain some idea of his views. answer he would. The figure has not been My reason for saying that is that I hon- arrived at yet. No wonder the Premier estly believe that at some time in the was obliged to state the figure of 70,000,000 future this will be recognised as a cardi- tons, but it has no relation at all to the nal blunder. question. He might as well have given The Minister for Industrial Development: the total quantity of ore at Cockatoo. In Time alone will tell us that. order that we can have a proper apprecia- tion of the stand of the Government and Mr. GRAHAM: Yes, but the point about of the points of objection of the Opposi- it is that at whatever stage it occurs there tion, we should have the facts stated in will be that realisation- connection with what is intended under The Minister for Industrial Development: the legislation, and what the legislation Or the reverse. provides, and not what some people think Mr. GRAHAM: -by Parliament or the it provides. We are entitled to know just Public generally and it will be too late to what it does provide and what the situa- it. There have been tion of the State will be under the agree- do anything about ment. So far as I can see, the agreement mistakes in the past and to mention a few will mean the end for all time of our there was the 40-cycle electric power in opportunity to get Western Australia, instead of the normal a fully integrated iron 50-cycle, the narrow-gauge railway Sys- and steel works in Western Australia. temn, the erection of our central hospital By giving away our bargaining power, and its confined site with one of the busi- as we are doing under this Bill, we have est thoroughfares running through the to rely upon the decision of B.H.P.. when midfdle. But at least at some time It suits it and if it ever does, to establish in the future it will be possible for such a works in Western Australia. It will a Government to take stock of the situa- be under no legal obligation to do so and tion and do something in the way of effect- if it decides against such an establishment ing an improvement. But when this docu- the firm will in no way be jeopardised ment is passed by both Houses of Parlia- and the agreement will not be upset. That ment the position is for ever beyond re- is a cautious provision put in by somebody covery. who contemplated that the company may never carry out that for which power is This will grant a portion of Western Aus- being provided under the agreement. That tralia to a private concern for eternity. being so, we should hesitate before we The Physical effect of this will be that a agree to this proposition. portion of Western Australia will be ex- cised from the State. There is a definite Any proposal which sets a limit of time undertaking in this agreement that any would have been a fair one. It would laws of the future will not apply to that perhaps have ensured that at some time part of Western Australia or to the com- or other we could look forward with some pany mn certain of its activities. How in degree of confidence to the establishment the name of all that is reasonable any of an industry in Western Australia. That responsible government could agree to such is the big thing which the preamble of the a proposition, I know not. It has been Bill says is desired and we ought to be suggested to me, perhaps a little unkindly, working towards that end, but this Bill that because of the kudos accruing to the does scarcely anything towards that end; Minister for Works in connection with the on the contrary, it makes it extremely un- establishment of the oil industry at likely that it will ever be achieved at all. Kwinana, the Minister who holds the While we had control of large iron re- portfolio of Minister for Industrial De- sources which would be needed by iron- velopment felt it was necessary to do masters we would be in a position to do something important in the economic and some bargaining but having given away industrial life of this State. control for all time, what have we left to induce anybody to establish an indus- Therefore, at all costs there should be try? Nothing at all. So instead of this something of a reasonable proposition dur- being a boon and a blessing it is quite ing his term of office brought into being in the opposite. No amount of camouflage this State, and there we have it: the State will cover up the true position and I think of Western Australia is sacrificed with the we ought to go to the limit to prevent introduction of this Bill and agreement. this legislation becoming law. The Government does not feel particularly happy about the agreement. I have heard MR. GRAHAM (East Perth) [5.481: .1 the Premier speak in this Chamber and I have not expressed myself during the heard him speak over a national station earlier stages of the debate on this mea- last evening. I have been struck by his sure but this evening it is my intention to desire to remove himself from the matter deal shortly with only two aspects of it. I of the rolling mill to be established at do so because I feel that in view of the Ewinana and he gave terrific emphasis to importance of the measure there is an ob- the £4,000,000 plant that will be established ligation upon every member, at least at there. Let us be realistic about this. I some stage, to express himself so that his was astounded that such tommyrot as the E1l November, 1952.) Premier spoke the other evening should be I am not trying to compare the rela- given such apace in the morning Press. The tive importance of those two events, but Premier endeavoured to make us believe the same evening we heard from a mem- that a new era would be introduced into ber who knows more, in a practical sense, Western Australia; that there would be than all the members on both sides of an Opportunity for the young people of this the Chamber put together, Plus the State as professional and technical men staff of "The West Australian," and and as skiled artisans to be employed in I refer to the member for Gas- this new industry at Swinana. coyne, and only a few words of We know from subsequent admissions his speech were reported, They were that this industry will employ a lesser suddenly cut off by a reported interjection number of persons than are employed by of the Premier which said, "Rubbish." the State Housing commission. There- So I ask myself what sort of an align- fore we have some idea of the impact and ment is this with this most powerful in- effect that the employment provided at dustrial organisation that the Common- Swinana by this industry will have in wealth of Australia has ever seen. reality. A mere nothing! But apparently Mr. Bovell: A pity we did not have It is Possible for the Premier, at least for more of their calibre. the time being, to get away with these far- fetched stories to the extent that I believe Mr. GRAHAM: Nobody is criticising many people in Western Australia are the company on that score. I cannot honestly of the opinion that when this Bill see any reason why this Government, is passed B.H.P. will set up an integrated which after all is only a temporary Phase iron and steel industry in this State. Of in Western Australia's history, should for course if the Government is doing it ut- all time give away part of my State and, most to foster that misconception. But in return, receive an insignificant noth- anyone who has analysed this document ing from that same company. realises and appreciates the full signifi- Mr. Bovell: Rubbish! cance of it. Mr. GRAHAM: That is all we are get- To be perfectly frank, had anyone gested to me a few short weeks ago thatsug- ting. there would have been a Government in Mr. Bovel:. Prom you. Western Australia at any time in its history, with the temerity to put forward Mr. GRAHAM: Those cheeky gibes by a document such as this, I would have the member for Vasse are getting very refused to believe it. To my mind it is common indeed. He has been selected as just as fantastic, in a totally different way, the Government Whip which, from pre- as offering King's Park to some selected vious experience, we know leads to the organization or agents to dispose of. That member occupying that office being offered is a valuable heritage for the recreation a portfolio. I suggest the hon. member and leisure of the people, and ofl our cornports himself with a little more dignity northern coast there is a valuable heritage as would befit that office which Is shortly, worth some hundreds of millions of pounds I suppose, to be offered to him. which is to be given to a private concern Mr. Boveil: You will become the next in return for a tinpot show at Kwlnana, Liberal Premier of Western Australia. employing less people than the State Housing Commission. Mr. GRAHAM: The member for Vasse I find it almost impossible to speax has a few short months in which to attain temperately With regard to a thing of this that office, because after that he will have character. I am aware that many mem- to wait a long time before he gets it. I bers have spoken on the Bill and on prac- venture to suggest that if the public was tically every phase connected with it. aware of the real nature of what is con- Therefore I aim surprised that to some ex- tained in the document, then it would be tent the Government has not retracted an extremely long time before the con- the Bill With aLview to endeavouring to servative forces. of this State again got get some sort of bargain or rea- on to the Treasury benches. What is the sonable deal for Western Australia. significance of this powerful industrial I do not know know what the set- corporation getting this glittering prize up is. but when the Premier made his of hundreds of millions of pounds-be- contribution to the second reading de- cause that is what it is worth-of its bate-and this is an opinion shared by getting all sorts of concessions and privi- members from all political parties-he ieges and establishing in r-turn In West- was never more uncomfortable and never ern Australia a rolling mill of the most before have his remarks been so disjointed. insignificant proportions which I have Yet notwithstanding the stupid, ridiculous already outlined? I cannot understand stories he told for the consumption of the the attitude of "The West Australian" public, which depends upon the daily building up the Premier's speech-it was newspapers, they were given more pro- mostly read-when he delivered to us a minerce than the Melbourne Cup and 101 whole lot of piffle-that is all it was-o*n other matters which are followed closely matters that bore no resemblance to the by nearly every citizen in the community. true facts. [ASSEMBLY.)

The Premier suggested that the industry Notwithstanding that fact, it was sub- would employ 300 people, and said he sequently found in a comparatively short regarded this as introducing a new era period of years that there was something and providing unbounded opportunities radically wrong with that agreement, one for the youth of this State. Fancy that which, incidentally, had a limited period of sort of stuff coming from anybody in such time to operate. But in this case it is for a prominent position as is the Premier; eternity. It should be perfectly obvious fancy its getting the prominence it did In that tbe Opposition is second to none in "The West Australian"! Because the its anxiety and desire to see that Western forces of privilege and reaction are in the Australia gets the best possible bargain majority in the Legislative Council, the in the industrial as In any other field. determination of this measure when it The Opposition is more anxious than the reaches that Chamber is a foregone con- Government in the matter of an iron and clusion. If the Government had some re- steel industry because, were we the Gov- gard for the interests of this State and ernment at the present moment, we would Its people-particularly with regard to the use these valuable resources to trade and future-then surely at this late stage it bargain with this company. There is no should introduce or make arrangements question that the company needs the iron>. for there to be a clause determining that ore and that it wants to obtain it. But the State could again acquire possession under this proposal it becomes utterly im- of those valuable islands to the north after Possible for a Government to do anything a period of say 100 years or even 200 years, in the way of an iron and steel industry- at the same time providing proper safe- that is a complete unit-unless B.H.P. itself guards for the company. wants to do something in the matter. I This Bill and the agreement are so final, Whichever way we look at it, for thous- I am not aware of any other decisions ands of years, until the deposits have been made by Governments, or any en- worked out, B.H.P. commands those actments for that matter, that cannot in islands and has certain rights and privi- the course of time be altered, varied leges over and above the law of this State; or repealed. But In this case it is over and above anything that any suc- being taken away entirely from the ceeding Government can do, I repeat that people and their representatives. TO the Opposition is as anxious as the Gov- be perfectly frank, I dislike intensely the emninent that there should be a fully in- modern trend both in the Federal sphere tegrated iron and steel industry in West- and now, unfortunately, in this State, ern Australia, Surely It should be possible under which the power to govern by suc- for the Government to negotiate with the ceeding Governments is taken from them. company to allow for some revision or If I may be permitted to make a brief some alteration to be made under certain allusion to this matter, we find in the given circumstances. Is that asking for Federal sphere a plan in the Common- anything unreasonable? Is it asking the wealth Government, by agreement, to Minister in charge of the Bill to do any- bind succeeding Parliaments for certain thing that is absurd and wrong? Surely periods of years. Here In Western Aus- among the management of B.H.P. there tralia, of course, we have gone to the are men who can appreciate the validity extreme, beyond which it is impossible to of what we are submitting. proceed, by binding this State of Western Australia for all time. We are not in any way criticising the Is it not conceivable that in the course firm to prevent Its exploiting certain re- of time it would become apparent that sources in the interests of this company; there had been some mistake made in we are merely asking that this pernicious this agreement; some omission that is document be placed on a more business- rendering a severe injustice to the State; like footing. For me to .proceed further something apart from all that has already would be to recapitulate what has already been mentioned? Notwithstanding this. been said by many speakers during the It Is impossible for the State to do any- course of the debate on the Bill. If there thing about it. In other words, so far were any way whatsoever in which the as those several islands in the north are Government could be prevailed upon to concerned, and in the matter of the B.H.P., reconsider Its attitude, we should endeav- and the establishment and conduct of our to find it. I only wish there could be this small tinpot Industry at Kwinana, it sufficient members not bound by party is beyond the control of the Government, ties to express a purely token vote in this the Parliament and the people of West- House. We should have two representa- emn Australia for all time. I daresay that tives of the Government and two repre- when an agreement was entered into be- sentatives of the Opposition discuss the tween the Government of the day and point at issue; after all there is only one the Perth City Council concerning the sale vital point that separates the Government of electricity and power at a certain price, and the Opposition. there were keen intellects at that time These representatives should forget face- which explored all possible eventualities, saving and party political platforms and and that both sides felt that a reasonable all the rest of it and should get down and agreement had been arrived at. discuss the business from the point of Eli November. 1952.) 197997

view of the interests of the State, and It has been said that a certain ton- work out mutually and on a friendly basis nage would be available for some other something that will be acceptable to the organisation if it sought to establish a whole of Parliament. I say this seriously steel industry here. The possibility is, and earnestly. Having been here for over however, that even the steel rolling mill nine years. I know that a private member which this company has to set up will on the Government side is under a moral not be able to function for the full twelve obligation to support the Government. 1 months of any year. it will be able to feel certain there are a number of the supply all the needs of the State in a rank and file supporters of the Govern- shorter period, and then will have to close ment who have grave doubts of the wis- down. What chance would there be for dom of this Bill and of the agreement in another company to establish itself here Its present form, but loyalty to the Gov- under those conditions? ernment makes them vote with it. The B.H.P, has all the rights, and any In all seriousness I submit to the Min- other company from overseas which ister for Industrial Development that he sought to become established here gives some credence to the earnestness would find itself shut out by the 'with which we plead; some consideration terms of' the leases. Af ter the to the viewpoints that have been expressed, lapse of 50 years, the B.H.P. can renew and I ask him If he would not concede its leases for a further 21 years and can just one degree that there is some validity go on doing that. Some clause should in the objections taken by this side of have been included to Provide for a re- the House. Would not the Minister en- appraisement at the end of a period of deavour to do something, no matter how time of the amount to be contributed by unorthodox, to provide an opportunity of the B.H.P. to the State, having regard to jetting around the difficulty and the mis- the conditions then existing. But that take-we believe there has been a mistake has not been done, and the Bill is one -and prevent them from being perpetu- of the worst that has ever been brought ated for all time? before this Parliament. Sitting suspended from 6.15 to 7.30 p.m. It is Provided that workers' homes shall be erected under the State Housing Act in MR. J. HEEGNEY (Middle Swan) [7.301: connection with the works to be estab- As the representative of one of the larg- lished by the company. The remarkable est of the metropolitan electorates, I feel thing is that people in thb metropolitan I should not allow this occasion to pass area who seek the benefits of that Act without expressing what I think would be cannot obtain them, yet funds are to be the opinion of the great majority of the made available for the erection of these electors in my district concerning the homes in South Fremantle. Quite a num- motion. I think I should express their ber of people in my electorate have been strong opposition because, under this Bill, desperate for help to obtLain homes of there is no doubt that the iron-ore de- their own but have been denied assistance posits that are bound up with this agree- under the State Housing Act. This com- ment will be handed over to a private pany has ample resources to build company for all time. This Assembly is homes itself without funds having to not justified in doing that. be made available under our Hous- I am at a loss to understand the policy ing Act, especially at a time when of the parties on the opposite side of the the country is passing through a House. At various times I have heard lean period financially. I protest against members opposite express opposition to the proposal to erect these homes under monopolies, cartels and the like. They the State Housing Act, in view of the fact have also voiced hostility to the socialist.- that other workers who have sought as- tion of the country's assets. While sistance have been denied it. In this instance, they might be trying to Members opposite have pointed out the prevent some future Government from great merits of the Company. We are not socialising these particular assets, they are critical of that organisation which, with creating a monopoly, which is the anti- the assistance of workers and through thesis of what they have expounded over having been able to obtain a market for the years. So they are not consistent its products, has established a thriving in supporting this proposition. steel industry and built up a first- It would appear that the Government rate concern. That, however, is no has set out deliberately to tie up the iron- justification for our handing over to ore deposits oil this country for all time it these State assets for all time. and to prevent future Governments from Many other industries have estab- undertaking negotiations in connection lished themselves here, but the Gov- with them. Parliament is not Justified in ernment of the day has not gone out of agreeing to that. Members have no man- its way to help them to the extent that date from the people to take this action, the present Government proposes to as- and what is being done Is not in the best sist the B.H.P.. at the same time binding interests of generations unborn, who will future Governments to do likewise. it be denied the right to any say as to the is my bounden duty, on behalf of my disposal of these deposits. electorate, to express strong opposition. [ASSEKBLY.]

THE MiNSTER FOR INDUSTRIAL set out in the agreement--which is a type DEVELOPMENT (Hon. A. F. Watts--Stir- of agreement which has been satisfactory ling-in reply) [7.401: I listened with in regard to another similar measure attention to the remarks of the Leader passed five or six years ago in regard to of the Opposition, which were sub- price-than for the Government to have stantially a repetition of much of what to develop Koolan Island, to expend very he said on the second reading. First of all substantial sums of money, probably run- I would like to deal with his argument ning into millions of pounds, for the neces- about the leases of Cockatoo Island being sary loading and mining facilities, resi- sufficient inducement to this eompany. In dential amenities, and other things, to say the course of one of the speeches I have nothing of transport. made on this measure, I said that the It would be very much cheaper in those ordinary Mining Act procedure would re- circumstances to accept 200,000 tons of new these leases for from 39 to 81 years, iron-ore than to have to expend the neces- depending on the time they were first sary capital on developing the island. And issued. It would appear that the Leader pro rata per ton, I have no doubt that of the Opposition did not seriously dissent the cost of extraction of 200,000 tons, due from that explanation of the 'position of to the capital expenditure being much the the Mines Department. He simply alleged, same In regard to a far greater capacity which is a fact, that it would be in the for -extraction and loading, would make power of the department to refuse. But as the cost of the iron-ore considerably dearer we all know perfectly well, the B.H.P. to the Government than it would be with would have been entitled to expect, in the very large capacity which the comn- view of all past practice, when the cir- pany in question has for the extraction, ,cumstances of development are such as in loading and general handling of that ore. this case, that the leases would be renewed There is available 200,000 tons of ore for for the period stated. every year in which the Government cares I would like to refer to another aspect to ask for it, after having first given 12 of this matter in regard to the attitude months' notice. There are, in the Koolya- I answered a nobbing iron-ore leases, approximately of the Mines Department. 70,000,000 tons of ore, and it has been question by the Leader of the opposition alleged that nothing could be done with and told him that the Under Secretary it for 10 years, except as regards 50,000 for Mines was taken into consultation. I tons per annum. Clause 4 of the Bill might have said, if at the time I had says-- remembered it, that he was brought to The Minister acting for and on be- the Cabinet meeting which discussed this half of the State may, within the matter and then and there expressed his period mentioned in Section three of opinions as being favourable, as they are this Act, enter into an agreement with now, to this arrangement. a person for the construction and es- Hon. A. R. G. Hawke: Which arrange- tablishment in the State by that per- ment? son of an iron-ore smelting and steel- The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL making plant having a rated capacity DEVELOPMENT: The arrangement in the of not less than 100,000 tons of pig- Bill. iron per year. H-on. A. R. G. Hawke:. The whole agree- The period mentioned is 10 years. To ment? continue- The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL The Minister so acting may, by the DEVELOPMENT: The whole agreement. same or any subsequent agreement Hon. A. R. 0. Hawke: Good. during the period and upon such terms and conditions as the Minister and the The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL person referred to in subsection (1) DEVELOPMENT: Moreover, I have had of this section may from time to time the opportunity, as I said in answer to agree, contract and arrange for the the question, of discussing the matter with development and working of the iron him myself since then. The hon. gentle- and coal deposits within the reserves. man also said, which is true enough In No agreement under subsection (1) a sense, that under this agreement the of this section shall be executed by Government would have no legal claim the Minister unless the person refer- over the Koolan Island leases as such. He red to in that subsection enters into omitted to remember, or to point out, that a bond vuibh and ackowledges himself the Government will have a claim, so soon bound to the State in the penal sum as it expresses a wish to exercise it, for of one hundred thousand pounds to 200,000 tons of iron-ore per annumn from be paid to the State at the Treasury these leases to make use of in the State in Perth conditioned on the com- as it thinks fit. mencement and completion of the con- Mr. Hoar: Which It has to buy. struction of the plant as referred to in The MINISTER 'FOR INDUSTRIAL subsection (4) of this section. DIEVELOPMENT: Might I suggest that It goes on to provide that if the iron and it would be considerably draper to buy steel-smelting and steel-making plant so iron-ore on the cost plus 5 per cent, basis contracted for is constructed within the (11 November, 1052.3 time mentioned In the Bill the bond shall is obvious that one can take 300,000 tons become void. I have already indicated a year away for that period before ex- that Clauses 3 and 4 of the Bill confer no hausting the supply. rights whatever on B.H.P. or any other Mr. Kelly: The Premier said 500,000 company. tons-- Mr. May: Then why are they in the Bill? The MINISTER FORt INDUSTRIAL The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: It Is from the time they DEVELOPMENT: For the purpose of en- start to extract ore. suring, as I indicated to the hon. mem- Mr. W. Hegney: How many milon tons ber In answer to the same interjection a of ore will this leave the company for the week ago, that the Koolyanobbing ore de- next 200 years? posits, plus the 200,000 tons from Koolan bland per annum under the contract, The NMISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL would be available to enable the State to DEVELOPMENT: I am not concerned contract with any individual or company about that. I have already said, and I for the creation in Western Australia of repeat, that the requirements of this com- an Integrated iron and steel-making plant pany for the service at Australia at present of a capacity of not less than 100,000 tons are between 31, and 4 million tons of ore per Annum, and the reason for the £100,000 per annum, and heaven knows we have bond was to prevent-as I have previously imported into this State 750,000 tons of indicated-persons coming forward-mere steel products at £90 per ton, because we men of straw or company promoters who could not acquire steel in Australia at the wanted to hawk these things about the local price of one-quarter or one-third as country as has been done in the past- much. Obviously it is desirable that Aus- with little or no prospect of ever bringing tralia's resources should be utilised in Aus- such a project to fruition, because a man tralia when there is somebody with the or company who wants to set up an inte- capacity and the ability to utilise them, and grated Iron and steel plant in this State of somebody who is prepared to offer the pro- as small a capacity as 100.000 tons per duct to us at about one-quarter of what annum will be obligated, in the course of it costs to import It from overses, and so the six or seven years that it would require I leave that aspect of the matter. to erect the plant, to find approximately Let us look for a moment at this plant £10,000,000, and unless he could first find with a total capacity of 100,000 tons Per £100,000 it would not be worth the while annum and see, having said it would cost of the Goverrnent negotiating with him. about £10,000,000 and probably a lot more, Mr. May: The State would not be forced whether it would comply with Western to give him the lease. Australia's full requirements. At present we would be unlikely to use 50,000 tons of The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL such products in a year. On the figures I DEVELOPMENT: Not unless he agreed to mentioned just now there could be pro- set up the industry and put up the bond duced-as it takes about 11 tons of iron- accordingly. ore to produce a ton of steel-provided this Mr. May: The State owns the ore. bona fide organlisation is prepared to come forward, put up the bond and undertake The MI[NISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL the development, 350,000 tons of steel a DEVELOPMENT: Yes, and will retain year, which Is about seven times our it until such an agreement is made, exe- present-day requirements and a quantity cuted and completed. The Premier was unlikely, therefore, to be required by this twitted in some degree with regard to the State for a long time to come. 500,000 tons of iron-ore for 233 years. If we take the 70,000,000 tons avail- I would suggest that anyone who wants able at Koolyanobbing and estimate to start in Western Australia a Govern- its use at 300,000 tons a year it ment enterprise of this nature has either will be found that 70,000,000 divided to develop a system of coking Collie coal by 300.000 gives as a result 233 and and then think carefully about the finance therefore there is available from Koolyan- or, if that'should fail-I mean the develop- obbing, under these clauses, 300,000 tons of ment of the Collie coal, which I am in- iron-ore a, year for 233 years. Add to that clined to think will not fall-look a great the 200.0 00 tons of ore which the company deal further if he is to start it off in a is obligated-upon the requirement of the big way with charcoal-iron, because on State being made kndwn to it-to deliver the advice that we have received in this to the State per annum and one finds that regard from the technologists of Brasserts there would be 500.000 tons of Wron-ore of New York, they could not recommend available per year as long as there were the commencement of an industry based on any iron-ore resources left in these leases. charcoal-iron, for reasons that were given to some degree by the Premier in remarks Mr. Kelly: You are a figure magician. he made last week. They Indicated that The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL the cost per ton of pig-Iron would almost DEVELOPMENT: I am not. If there is certainly be considerably greater if based 70,000,000 tons available over 233 years it on charcoal, than if based on coal. 1982 1982[ASSEMBLY.J

They also indicated that no-one has yet bing. Parliament can argue the matter and succeeded in developing a satisfactory nobody can deny that the proper place to charcoal-iron furnace of a capacity do so is Parliament so long as there is a greater than 200 tons a day, and so the Parliament in existence in this State. maximum output would be 65,000 or 10,000 tons per annum, which would be an un- So it seems, without any shadow of a economical proposition in the face of any doubt, that the real foundation of the large competition and almost certainly Objection to this measure actually does result in the product being dearer than not exist. What inclination would there it would otherwise have been, In any be for this company to take any action event, whichever of those things one under- at all merely on being told, as has been ,took-if one did undertake them, and suggested, that it could have a renewal of rhere we come across a conflict of political the Cockatoo Island leases which it will ideologies as much as anything else-one get anyhow under normal Mining Act must find money. If one has to find any- procedure? Obviously if it is going to thing from £10,000,000 to £15,000,000, to spend large sums of money-as it Is-- do the job, as In the estimation of the in this State it would have been quite same technologists and experts one would hopeless to take up the proposition sug- have to, one would be put in a difficult gested by the Leader of the Opposition position in view of the vast spending re- and put it to the company in the form quirements of the State on the things that he did. So I hope the House will that are far more essential and which pass the motion that is before the Chair. It is obviously the duty and function of Question put and a division taken with the State to provide. the following result;- 1 refer here to hospitals, water supplies, 19. schools, railway improvements and so on, Noes .. . .. 2 to which the State is heavily and indefi- nitely committed, and which in view of Majority for .. 4 the increase of population will become more urgent and involve a heavier finan- cial strain. Anyone who wants for one Ayes. Mr. Abbott Mr. Nirnino moment to consider undertaking a trans- Mr. Ackland Mr. Olcifielci action of that nature, based on charcoal- Mr. Brand Mr. Owen iron, is facing financial disaster and heavy Mr. fancy Mr. Perkina Mr. Grayden Mr. Read financial problems which I do not think Mr. Griffith Mr. Thorn could ever be warranted. Mr. Hill Mr. Totterdell Mr. Hutchinson Mr. waits If it chances that there is at any time Mr. Mann Mr. Wild Mr. Manning Mr. Yate& within a period of 10 years a Government Mr. Mo-Larty Mr. Bovell which is determined to do that and which Mr. Nalder (Teller.) can see Its way clear to do it, and if there has in the meantime been no agreement Noes. Mr. Brady Mr. May with any other concern to establish such Mr. Butcher Mr. Mc~ulloch an integrated iron and steel industry in Mr. Graham Mr. Moir this State under the provisions of these Mr. Outhie Mr. Needhain Mr. Hawks Mr. Rodoreda clauses, there is nothing whatever to pre- Mr. J. Hegney Mr. Sewell vent the Parliament of the day, at the Mr. Wl. Hegney Mr. Sleemari wish of that Government, repealing those Mr. Hoar Mr. Tonkin Mr. Johnson Mr. Kelly clauses and, in consequence, the reserva- Mr. Lawrence (Teller-j tion of the Koolyanobbing leases and the power of the Minister to make an agree- Pain. their development subject to Ayes. Noes. ment for Dame F. Cardell-Olleer Mr. Styants there being such an iron and steel indus- Mr. Cornell Mr. Caverley try in contemplation and under bond. Mr. Heartean Mr. Nulsen Hon. J. B. Sleeman: It is not so easy Question thus passed; report of Com- as that; you forget the Legislative Coun- mittee adopted. cil. The MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL BILLS (2) -RETURNED. DEVELOPMENT:. No. it has passed the 1, Criminal Codie Amendment. laws in the past when there is a good case. In any event, suppose the hon. member Is 2, Warehousemen's Liens. right, I am not concerning myself in Without amendment. that. It is a question for Parliament and it has the power, if it will exercise it, BILL-WORKERS' COMPENSATION to repeal this clause and if it does so, as ACT AMENDMENT. I have said before, it will be for the Gov- ernment of the day to decide about integ- Message. rated iron and steel industries of not less Message from the Governor received and than 100,000 tons based on the ore at read rccommend'ng apprzpriation for the Koolan Island, plus the ore at Koolyanob- purposes of the Bill. (11 November. 1952.1

Second Reading. I think it will be appreciated that no Government could possibly permit of the THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Hon. A. State Insurance office repudiating claims V. R. Abbott--Mt. Lawley) 18.71 in mav- of this nature owing to lack of funds. So ing the second reading said: The Eml Pro- the Government feels that it has a direct Poses to make some amendment to the responsibility for such claims, and that Workers' Compensation Act. The first, to no alteration should be made which would which I wish to refer, will provide protec- affect the funds to be provided to meet tion for the worker going to and from his claims of this nature unless upon the re- Place of employment. commendation of a skilled actuary, or, Mr. Lawrence: Give if such cannot be or is not obtained, with us a guarantee the concurrence of the Government. It that it will be passed in another place. is an extremely difficult matter to assess The ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Bill the contingent liabilities which are likely provides that a worker shall be deemed to arise under this clause, because they to have suffered a personal injury by ac- may occur a considerable time after the cident arising out of or in the course of worker has left the industry in which he his employment where he suffers an in. was employed. jury without his own default or wilful If for any reason a large number of men act on any of the daily or periodic journeys who are now insured should leave the referred to in paragraph (bi of proposed industry in which they are engaged and new Subsection (la) set out in this clause. others are not employed in their place, This is provided the injury is not received the income arising from that industry for during or after a substantial interruption insurance may considerably diminish while of, or substantial deviation from, the the liabilities may increase. So it is journey, made for a reason unconnected thought that no alteration in this re- with the workers' employment or uncon- spect should be made except on expert ad- nected with his attendance at the trade, vice or with the approval of the Minister. technical or other school, as the case may As members know, since the last amend- be; or during or after any other break in ment to the Workers' Compensation Act the journey, which the Workers' Com- was passed, the basic wage has increased. pensation Board, having regard to all the When the last measure was passed this circumstances, deems not to have been House decided that the weekly rate a reasonably incidental to any such journey. worker would receive for compensation The following are the daily or other would be about 78 per cent, of the basic periodic journeys referred to in the clause wage. It has been a principle of all work- with which I am dealing:- ers' compensation legislation throughout the Commonwealth that the weekly pay- (i) between the workers' place of ment should be slightly lower than* the abode and place of employment: basic wage. 0Di between the worker's place of Mr. Styants: That is not correct. The abode or place of employment payments were over the basic wage when and any trade, technical or other Your Government took over or In 1948. We training school, which he is re- had a £8 benefit on a £5 basic wage. quired by the terms of his em- The ATTORNEY GENERAL: That ployment to att~nd. may or may not be correct. Somewhat similar provisions to that which Mr. Styants: It is correct. I have just described are now operating The ATTORNEY GENERAL: What is in the Workers' Compensation Acts in correct is that the Australian average has other States of Australia. The second always provided that the weekly payment amendment provides that after the com- shall be slightly lower than the basic wage. mencement of this measure, If it be- What is provided under this legislation comes an Act, the Premium Rates Coin- is compensation and the amount is not mnittee shall not vary the premium to be an alternative to the weekly wage. It has charged for insurance In respect of in- been decided to increase the weekly surable risks under the provisions of the amount. Act in respect to silicosis, pnieumnoconlosis Mr. Needham: Why not make it up or miner's phthisis unless on the recom- to the basic wage? mendation of a duly qualified actuary made to the committee as the result of The ATTORNEY GENERAL: For the actuarial investigation made by hIm or reason I have given. unless with the approval of the Minister. Mr. Needham: The reason was not very A members know, the State Insurance convincing. office is the only insurer of industrial The ATORNEY GENERAL: The amount risks of this nature and a large sum of provided is compensation; It is not re- money is involved. Of course, the Gov- muneration and is not an alternative to ernment has the responsibility of ensur- the basic wage. It is to assist the worker Ing that all claims for which the State who is injured in industry. Let members Insurance office Is responsible must be not forget that the worker is the man met. who pays compensation, collectively speak- 1984 1984ABSEM3OLY.] lug, because outgoings are a charge on The ATTORNEY GENERAL: The third industry. One has to be fair to all people amendment proposed in the Bill is to pro- engaged in industry. If we take 78 per vide for an increased allowance in respect cent. of the present basic wage, we find of hospital charges. Those charges have it amounts to slightly over £9. Rather risen, and therefore it is proposed to make than increase the weekly allowance for the maximum amount payable in respect all those persons entitled to claim com- of hospital charges a sum of £150, and pensation to the amount I mentioned, it that payable for medical expenses £100. was thought proper to make a distinction Previously, the maximum amount allow- between those whose need was greater able for medical and hospital expenses than that of others. In other words, it was £200. I suggest that the total amount ws considered that the man who had now provided is the highest payable In others wholly dependent upon him should Australia. The other amendments in the receive greater compensation than those Bill are minor ones to correct small mis- without dependants. takes last year. They are more appropri- Mr. W. Regney: You said just now ate for discussion in Committee. I move- that the amount payable was not an alter- That the Bill be now read a second native. time. The ATTORNEY GENERAL: It Is not, On motion by Mr. W. Hegney, debate and I think members will agree that, a whatever the amount is. the man who has adjourned. a family dependent upon him should be entitled to receive more than a single ANNUAL ESTIMATES, 1952-St. man. In Committee of Supply. Mr. Lawrence: You should apply that Debate resumed from the 30th October principle to the basic wage. on the Treasurer's Financial Statement The ATTORNEY GENERAL: This has and on the Annual Estimates; Mr. Per- nothing to do with the basic wage. kins in the Chair. Mr. Needham: It has a whole lot to do with it. Vote-Legislative Council, £5,702; The ATTORNEY GENERAL: I am dealing with compensation payable to MR. OWEN (Darling Range) [8.25]: assist the man who has been injured in The higher figures Quoted throughout the the course of his employment. Estimates reflect the increased cost of almost all items required at present, and Mr. Needham: A man must live when we, as private citizens, know that in our he Is sick as well as when he is well. own home budgets we have to provide The ATTORNEY GENERAL: The against the higher prices that have very married man is entitled to the greater greatly increased compared with those compensation and needs more assistance that obtained in previous years. The than the man who has only himself to spiral of inflation has been in progress look after. For that reason, a distinc- for some years, but I feel it has been tion has been made in the increases speci- checked to some degree by the steps taken fied. it is felt that a single man will be by the Commonwealth Government. Quite sufficiently Protected, having in view all a lot of criticism has been indulged in re- the charges that are placed upon industry garding the measures adopted in Federal at the present moment, with compensa- circles, and certainly the steps taken have tion amounting to £8 a week, while the been by no means popular. At the same ratio payment to the married man should time, they have done a lot of good in be increased. impressing upon Practically everyone the Mr. Needham: Some single men have need to endeavour to live within income. dependants as well as married men. It is an elementary fact that our im- The AT1TORNEY GENERAL: If a Ports must be Paid for by our exports. single man has dependants, he will get The price of wool in particular rose some the increased amount. It will all be a two years ago to a particularly high level question of dependants. The man who and built up our oversea credits to a very has persons wholly dependent upon him high point. I believe it was that factor should, however, receive more than £9 per that influenced many People and organisa- week, which would be the proportionate tions to indulge in an orgy of spending. increase, and consequently the amount he They bought much from cversea and paid will receive has been fixed at £10 a week. any Price that was demanded to obtain I think members will agree with the prin- what they required. Very often they paid ciple indicated, whatever they may say for what they did not need, and certainly regarding the amounts that have been much was bought that could have been set out. It is a fit and proper principle done without. The restrictions placed upon that those with the greater need for as- purchasing by people in general had great sistance should receive more than the influence in bringing home to them the single man. fact that what was bought had to be paid Mr. W. Hegney: You are not giving away for in the not distant future. The method as much as you did to B.H.P.! adopted in Federal circles slowed up de- [11 November, 1952.1 1985 velopment and had an adverse effect in orderly batches so that the market will some directions. Generally speaking, how- not be flooded. The export season usually ever, it worked for the good of the country. extends from February to May and into There is still great need to export from June, but this year, owing to the shipping Australia the greatest quantities of goods hold-up, It continued until July, and that we can in order again to build up credits was the main cause of the severe losses against the time when we may need them, that were suffered. The shipping pro- and also to provide foodstuffs for coun- gramme, which had been so carefully tries oversea that are in urgent need of arranged, went haywire because the over- supplies that we can export to them. Aus- time ban insisted upon by the waterside tralian exports mainly comprise primary workers caused port congestion and delayed products, and our wool, wheat and other the turn-round of ships, and at that time suchlike commodities are, generally speak- there was a rush to get goods in before the ing, the largest sources of national income import restrictions were imposed. This from oversea. All Governments are ap- aggravated the position. preciative of the fact that we must do all Mr. Lawrence: Have You read the latest we can to build up our industries. The report on the turn-round of shipping? Federal authorities. in endeavouring to Mr. OWEN: In some instances there assist by fostering research methods, are was delay on account of reorganisation at doing quite a lot, but we cannot expect the ports. results immediately. Mr. Lawrence: Where? To build up our exports should be the Mr. OWEN: In Tasmania and. I believe. first concern of every Government. This also in South Australia. These causes evening I would like to deal in some combined resulted in delays to the ship- measure with the export of fruit. In that Ping programme and even early in the respect, the main fruit export consists of season, the Programme had slipped back apples, while citrus, pears and stone to the extent of something like 200,000 fruit contribute to a considerable de- cases, while about halfway through the gree. Prior to the war, we had built up season, there was a delay representing a big trade oversea, mainly with the something like three-quarters of a Mll- United Kingdom and Scandinavian and lion cases. in consequence of those delays, European ports. As members realise, for fruit which should have left Australian four or five years during the war period shores by June had to be carried over exports ceased, and it was then that the until the end of July and Australian ap- Federal Government came to the assist- Ples were reaching London as late as ance of the aplplegrowers. The Apple and August, at which time they had to com- Pear Marketing Hoard, although severely pete with the locally grown fresh fruit. criticised from various angles, did a lot When shipments are delayed in this way, towards keeping the industry going. The we cannot expect the fruit to arrive in export of apples has been resumed sine 3 first class condition and in addition, as the war terminated, and Western Austra- I have stated, the late arrival of the fruit Mia, in spite of the fact that two bad brought it into competition with locally- seasons were experienced, one due to grown fresh fruits, including a particularly heavy hailstorms and the other to a plague heavy crop of strawberries. The values of thrip, both of which considerably re- realised were very low and caused severe duced crops, recorded export figures that loss to the importers. were quite considerable. To give an Instance of the delays ex- Last week I read that the extent of the perienced, the time from the commence- losses suffered by United Kingdom Im- ment of loading of apples into the ships porters of apples had amounted to until the final discharge in an English £1,500,000, I cannot say whether that sum Port was 94 days. Apples when stored for was correct, but most of it camne from those three months must be expected to suffer who had imported Tasmanian apples, in condition, but another factor was that though there were considerable losses on the refrigerated holds of the ships had some of the Western Australian fruit. Those to be opened at more than one port of call losses had to be borne by the importers in in Australia. Thus it will be seen that ship- England and could have serious repercus- Ping delays had a very detrimental effect sions on the trade generally, because it upon the quality of the fruit. As regards will take time to restore confidence in the Western Australia, although some losses Australian apple trade. were sustained, growers of export fruit It is well to give some thought to the did not suffer greatly, but Quite heavy losses causes leading up to the losses thus suf- occurred in the local cool stores. fered. Speaking generally, the apple ex- During the postwar period, there has port industry, is very well organised in- been quite a change in the nature of the deed. It covers the several exporting apple exports from Western Australia. In States of Australia. Early in the season the early thirties as now, the greater part arrangements are made for the requisite Of our export fruit went to the United King- ref rigeration cargo ships to call at the main dom and Scandinavian Ports. These were ports and their itinerary is fixed in such the early season varieties, such as Jonathan, a way that they may deliver the fruit in Cleopatra and Dunn's Seedling, and a 1986 1988(ASSEMBLY.]

comparatively small quantity of Granny One step in this direction has been the Smiths. As we had a larger quantity of provision at Pemberton for the slicing of the early varieties, the export programme case timber in preference to sawing. The was better distributed and a considerable process of sawing the timber into thin quantity was exported in March and boards about 5/l6ths of an inch in thick- April. Because Granny Smith has proved ness entails a large Percentage of loss as so popular and is more easily grown, there sawdust, whereas, by the use of the slicing has been a big changeover in varieties. Just machine, the recovery of cases is very much before the outbreak of war in 1939. we had higher. I understand that it is as high our record apple season. In that year West- as 80 per cent. There have been com- em Australia exported If million bushels plaints that some boards are not 100 per of apples and the demand for the cent. I have seen them, and admittedly Granny Smith variety was then on the some are not 100 per cent., because they increase. have been sliced obliquely across the grain but I feel that quite as large a pro- During the war Period, varieties like portion of the sliced boards is fit Dunn's Seedling were not popular on the for making into export cases, as of the local market, and many trees were grafted sawn boards. No doubt the process, which so that by the end of the war there is a fairly new one here, will improve and was a great Preponderance of Granny the difficulties in arranging the machine Smiths, and this necessitated a change in and the steaming of the timber prepara- the export programme because fruit of tory to its being sliced, will be overcome. early varieties available In March and I feel that the Packing of export apples, early April was much less in quantity. As and those for the local market-possibly Granny Smith increased in quantity so in the region of 2.000,000 cases all told greatly, it meant that the larger part of -will put a big strain on the fruit in- the export took place in April and May. dustry next year. In view of the delays experienced each year since the war, it has become an in- Another matter which has occasioned creasingly difficult problem to organise the the growers considerable worry is the shipping to get our apples to their desti- problem of transporting the fruit from nation in time to avoid competition with the orchard to the port. We have made the local fruit. representations to the authorities--par- ticularly the railways--to provide suffi- Last season the total quantity of apples cient ventilated vans to bring the fruit, exported from this State was in the region much of it from cool stores in the apple- of 600.000 bushels, of which about 340,000 growing areas, to the cool stores in the bushels were Granny Smiths exported In ports. Much of the fruit is transported April, May and June. Last season Was in the hotter months of the year, so mem- one of comparatively light crops due bers will realise the urgent need for suit- to a plague of thrip, but the coming season ably ventilated vans so that the fruit will gives promise of a very heavy crop. I not get overheated during transit. In believe that it will approach the record past years it has been not uncommon to year of 1939, and so we can expect to have see open trucks loaded high and packed a shipping programme of something over tightly with cases of export fruit, and 1,000,000 cases. I assure members that tightly sheeted down with black or dark it will be a big problem to organise the coloured tarpaulins, and spending days shipping programme for this quantity in on the journey from the growing areas. addition to providing for the storage of fruit for local consumption. In some instances the fruit has been held up in the railway Yards before being A number of points need to be carefully put on board ship or into metropolitan watched and, if attention be given to these cool stores. Members can appreciate that matters, the industry will benefit. One of overheating does quite a lot to cause fruit the problems that has assumed serious pro- to break down within a comparatively portions over the years, both during the short time. I feel sure it has been a big war and since, has been that of obtaining influence in a lot of our fruit being re- sufficient cases to meet the demands for jected ex-coolstore, before having a chance the local market and for export. Although to be sent oversee. So I would like the on paper at least the situation seems to Minister for Railways to give Particular be much easier, we got through last sea- attention to the provision of sufficient son fairly satisfactorily mainly owing to ventilated vans to transport the crop from the fact that the export programme was the apple-growing districts to the metro- restricted on account of the lighter crop. politan area and to the ports. A small reserve of cases has been built up. Another Problem which has been severe but the situation is not as happy as it both during the war and since, is the might appear because of the heavy crop need for labour in the apple-growing areas. that is expected. I hope that the Minister The industry is a seasonal one, lasting for Forests and other Ministers will do only for a few months, and many of the their best to ensure that the supply of operations are of a rather skilled nature, cases is built up to a substantial quan- Particularly those of Packing and handling tity. the fruit. [11 November, 1952.)98 1987

Even the picking needs someone who and is doing, quite a lot for itself, but I do should at least have commnonsense, if not ask that the Government authorities experience, because the keeping qualities should assist in the ways I have mentionedi, of the fruit can be seriously upset by bad and do their best to see that the ax- picking and handling prior to reaching port of our primary products, particularly the shed. Once it has reached the pack- those of a perishable nature, is not held ing shed it should be handled carefully. up in any way. Although labour is perhaps not quite the Problem it was a year or two ago. I feel the industry will need a lot more recruits MR. BRADY (Guildford-Midland) before we can look forward, without worry, 18.55): 1 wish first to deal with the matter to handling such a big crop in a com- of a high school for Midland Junction. I paratively few months. There is also need have mentioned this every year since I for the better organising of the cool stores have been a member in the hope that the in the metropolitan area-particularly if department might do something about the shipping programme is interrupted or building a high school in the district. Even delayed. before the war-some 10 or 12 years ag- a high school was promised, but it has not if shipping works to order, much of the yet been built. In the meantime, the techni- fruit goes straight from the packing shed cal school has proved to be totally inade- alongside the ship, and is loaded im- quate because of mediately, but if there is any delay in the various trades that are the shipping arrangements, the fruit must taught and the number of students wishing be put into cool store so that its keeping to attend. The electorate is in a serious qualities will not be Impaired. If there position in regard to educational facilities. is not adequate cool storage provision, it I have already said that we have five rapidly deteriorates. I know that in the public halls, all being used as schools. post-war years, because of delays in ship- That, in itself, conveys that we are in a ping, it has been necessary in many in- desperate position, but to be fair to the stances to have recourse to what we call department I must say that two new open storage through having to await schools are being built, and they will shipping. Several times fruit has had to relieve the position a little so far as the be stored in the wool stores at Fremantle. primary and infant schools are concerned. Some of the adverse reports received However, with respect to the high school about our fruit from oversea markets could and the technical school, the district is in have been caused by open or improper as serious a position as it has ever been. storage. The Government could also use I hope the Minister will do something in its influence in regard to the Rattnest this connection. queue where ships are awaiting berths in Another matter I have raised with the the harbour. Attorney General, by correspondence- Hon. j. E. Sleeman: We do not get and I have not got very far-is that of many Rottnest queues these days. appointing a police magistrate in the Guild- ford-Midland electorate. I have mentioned Mr. OWEN: We have had them, and before that the district warrants such an we know that the queues do occur. Those appointment, for many reasons. First of who are responsible for arranging the all, the municipal council itself raised the berths should give some priority to ships matter and it came to the conclusion that which are awaiting refrigerated cargoes. the importance of the district, the num- Not only would that allow of perishable erous cases cargoes being lifted, comparatively quickly, being held there-traffic cases, but it would also relieve the congestion inquests and so on-warranted the appoint- which occurs in the cool stores. Although ment of a magistrate. It is felt that many I am speaking with particular regard for traffic cases that are at present heard in the fruit trade, there is no doubt that Perth should be dealt with in Midland other perishable cargoes and commodities because that is the proper locality for them which need cool storage would benefit if to be heard in. this were done. Unless perishable commo- It has been brought to my notice that dities are in first-class order when they are inquests have been delayed for periods up submitta~d for shipment, there is a big to six months because of there being no chance they will be rejected by the com- magistrate available. This to a large ex- merce inspectors, even though they may tent prejudices one side or another in be passed as being apparently quite suit- regard to the evidence to be submitted. I able for export. believe that invariably the people who are The condition of the goods as a result on the defensive get the advantage of long of hold-ups would be reflected in the delays. A man who feels he might be had quality when they reached the oversea up on a criminal charge, involving neglig- market. Not only will delays jeopardise ence In a traffic accident, endeavours to future shipments of perishable cargoes but get all his evidence In order by seeing that they will involve growers in considerable his witnesses are well primed in regad to wastage and loss. Wastage of foodstuffs; the evidence to be submitted before the has occurred in the past. The fruit Indus- coroner's inquest. But the People repre- try here is well organised and it can do, senting the deceased party, or the law and 1988 1988[ASSEMBLY.]

order section, do not do this, so that valu- one travels over the shorter distances able evidence is lost. It would seem that there is a large percentage increase over sometimes guilty people are able to get railway fares. off without Penalties because of a coroner's A member of my family made two jour- inquest being delayed through the short- neys to Guildford over the week-end and age of magistrates in the district. The local the first journey was a distance of two municipal council would, therefore. like to miles from the Guildford railway cross- see a pollee magistrate appointed. ing to Second-avenue, West Midland. The As member for the Guildford-Midland cost, on the Beam bus, was 9d. each way. electorate, railway matters concern me a The following night, the same member of good deal, and a considerable amount of my family made another journey of about work is going out of the workshops and one and a half miles at a cost of 7d. each is being sent to private firms around the way, so that members will see the travel- metropolitan area. That work could be ling costs of people in my electorate ar done in the workshops and I doubt enormous, particularly over the week-end. whether it is being done any cheaper by In actual fact, the week-end costs have these private firms because we have all gone up by 300 per cent. to 400 per read their balance sheets which show con- cent. and the normal fares between Perth siderable profits. In my opinion, if the and Midland Junction have gone up 100 work had been done in the workshops, a per cent. That happens five days a week good deal of that money would be saved and, over a period of twelve months, costs for the State and the apprentices in the a working man or woman a considerable workshops would be given greater oppor- sum of money. It cost this member of tunity for a variety of work. As a con- my family is. 6d. to go four miles and is. sequence, the department, instead of show- 2d. to go three miles; that is a total of ing big losses, would be going a long way 2s. 9d. for a distance of seven miles. The towards overcoming those losses and whole thing is ridiculous and is out of all would have some prospects of paying its proportion. way. Last Sunday I saw men taking their families to the beaches and if a man wishes When the Premier introduced the Esti- to take his wife and two children to the mates, he said that despite the metal beach on a Sunday it costs him £1 Os. 3d. trades strike a profit of £16,000 had been to go from Midland to South Fremantle. made on certain railwvay activities. Had That family has to get off the bus at the the railways been able to operate normally Supreme Court Gardens and catch another this year, instead of having to contend bus to go to Fremantle and then a tram with the unfortunate metal trades strike, from Premantle to South Fremantle. On they would have shown up in a more the return journey the same number of favourable light. The passenger traffic transfers are necessary. So the sooner the was coming back to the railways. That Minister representing the Minister for traffic had fallen off from 1945 to 1951, Railways does something about re-estab- but was beginning to return and that lishing the Sunday services, or at least would have meant many hundreds of starting a railway bus service to take people thousands of Pounds in fares. As about to the beaches, the sooner the people in £18,500,000 has been written down in our my district will be satisfied. railway accounts, one of the prime ob- There are one or two important matters jectives should be to get as much in the that now require consideration and the way of fares and freights as possible and first concerns superannuation. The Pre- as much work as can be done in our work- mier mentioned that there has been an shops. That would give the Government increase of about £:30,000 in the super- more revenue and would go a long way to- annuation payments this year, but he did wards assisting our railway finances. not say anything about the superannuated Instead of building up the profits of railway men. The Premier knows as well private bus companies, we should do our as I do that the Commonwealth Govern- best to divert the money to our railways. ment recently increased old-age pensions In the last issue of "The Swan Express," and social service benefits, in some cases a newspaper which circulates in my elec- by 100 per cent. The Premier also knows torate, there is an item which shows that that in the last twelve months the basic last year the Beam Transport Company wage has risen by approximately £1. So made a loss but this year it made a profit. it does not take us long to realise that That is a result of the metal trades these people receiving Superannuation strike and I am worried about the fact payments of £2 to £3 a week have virtually that that profit will probably continue be- fallen back by approximately one-third in cause people are not being encouraged to the Past twelve months-that is in their use our railways and the Saturday after- actual income. So I hope the Premier noon and Sunday services have been can see his way clear to try to give these eliminated. That is proving a costly ex- people some relief. I know that the Gov- periment for the people in my electorate. ernment is faced with a difficulty because Where a person used to be able to travel of the low rate of interest being Paid on to Perth for 2s. or 2s. 6d. return he now superannuation investments. I understand has to Pay approximately 3s. 4d. if that many hundreds of thousands of Ell November, 1952.] 1989 pounds from the fund have been invested My next question was- at about 2 per cent, but in this State rates Is it intended to increase the num- of 41 per cent, and 5 per cent. are being ber of traffic patrols in the next twelve paid. months? Mr. Kelly: Mr. Chairman, it is not The answer was- fair that a member should have to address the Chamber when so few members are Traffic Patrols in the area men- present. tioned and other areas will be in- The Premier: Are you making a speech? creased commensurately with the number of personnel and machines The CHAIRMAN: Is the hon. member which can be made available for the drawing my attention to the state of the purpose. Committee? My point in asking those questions was Mr. Kelly: Yes. It is not fair that a that in the last three or four weeks two member should have to address the Cham- Young teenage girls, within a few hundred ber when very few members are present. yards of each other, were knocked down, Bells rung and a quorum formed. one when alighting from a bus and Mr. BRADY: r was discussing the ques- the other when riding a bicycle. In tion of superannuation and I hope the addition, there have been scores of Premier will be able to give some relief accidents along the Great Eastern to these superannuated es-employees of Highway within the last twelve months the Government. An increase of 50 per and some of them have resulted in fatal cent. would not be too much having re- injuries. I am sorry to say, too, that gard to all the circumstances. I recognise one of the accidents involved two traffic that last year the Premier was gracious Policemen who were having a race on enough to make a gratuitous payment to their motorcycles. It is getting dan- the people who come under the 1871 Act. gerous for children to cross the No doubt many of these people have passed street or go on the roads in the vicinity on and others will pass on in the future of the Great Eastern Highway, particu- and consequently less money will be re- larly in South Guildford, where the road quired from the Treasury. Perhaps that approaches the traffic bridge. I hope that money, Plus money received from higher the Minister for Police will do something interest rates from investments, would to get more patrolmen working in that make it possible for the Treasurer to con- area. sider increasing superannuation payments. In Midland Junction, on a Friday after- Many of the people now receiving superan- noon and a Saturday morning, it is al- nuation benefits blazed the trails in West- most impossible to cross the street without ern Australia. being skittled by a motorcar or a motor- The nest Question concerns the traffic Cycle. There is a terrific amount of traffic problem. This evening I asked the Minis- and a lot of People go to Midland Junc- ter for Police a question in regard to the tion to do their shopping and cars are number of patrolmen on the Great East- Parked on both sides of the streets. Coun- em Highway between the Causeway and try cars are also coming and going through Midland Junction. I asked, firstly- the town and consequently it is dangerous How many traffic police are em- for Pedestrians to walk on the streets. ployed on the Great Eastern Highway? So I hope that the Minister and the De- The answer I received was "One." The Partmnent will see their way clear to give next question was- us more protection, particularly for the aged and young people. The average Has there been an increase or de - adult is reasonably agile and can get crease of patrols in the last three across the street rapidly but elderly persons years? stand on the edge of the footpaths in The answer was "There has been an in- fear of their lives until some other people crease." So that if "one" represents an realise their difficulties and help them Increase, during the last three years no to get across. patrolmen were employed on the Great Children on the other hand do not Eastern Highway. I then asked- realise the dangers involved and they will (3) How many traffic accidents have invariably run across the street on the taken place between the Causeway and spur of the moment and we then hear the Midland Junction Town Hall in the Of a fatal accident. A Young teenage past twelve months? girl was killed right Opposite the Midland (4) How many accidents have had- Junction town hail. Not only did the (a) Fatal results; family have the sorrow of losing this (b) Resulted in physical injuries? Young life, but It also had to meet the expenses of the funeral and everything The answer I got to that was- that went with it. I do not want to (3) and (4) The records maintained see that state of affairs continue and I of traffic accidents do not localise In- hope the Minister for Police will see that formation and the information re- we are afforded more traffic police in quested is, therefore, not available. that area. 1990 [ASSEMBLY.]

Finally I would like to touch on the be subjected to reduced estimates. There very considerable costs that are now being is no doubt In my mind that the reduction built up in the various departments in in spending power given to the Govern- regard to sewerage in particular. Last ment in recent months has produced not week I investigated a complaint from a only panic but pessimism. I fail to see that man who had the sewerage connected to there was any need for the amount of his house because the authorities insisted curtailment that has taken place. I sup- that he must have it laid on. The work pose it might be said that at the present was done by a contractor and the man time the Premier finds a great difference received a bill for £391. This man paid in handling the affairs of state now as only £850 for the house. against a period when he had unlimited Mr. J. Hegney: How far is he from the finance. Of course that goes for his Min- main? isters, too. Mr. BRADY: A distance of 871t. I had The Minister for Works: It goes for a look at the price: the contractor charged everybody. £212 for labour. I understand he is sup- Mr. KELLY: This reduced spending posed to have gone down to a depth of power has undoubtedly placed the Pre- 14ft. and to a width of 2ft. Bin. But £212 mier in a very tight spot. I propose to for labour and a total of £391 is exorbitant. make reference to some of the previous The Premier: Is this to connect his place Years during the last decade and, by com- with the sewerage? parison, to give the Committee some idea of just what progress has been made and Mr. BRADY: Just a normal connection what amount of finance the State has except that it might have been claimed enjoyed from time to time. I have a num- that the l4ft. was outside the normal ber of figures here; I do not propose to depth. deal with them all but merely those for Mr. J1. Hegney: Is it In sandy country? intermittent years. I will deal with the Mr. BRADY: No. in clay country. The total revenue of the State during those fact remains that he received a bill for periods. £391. I went down to the department In 1941-42 the State enjoyed a total and was informed and shown that the expenditure of £13,778,256; in the year cost for labour alone was £212. I hope the 1944-45 the total expenditure increased to Minister in charge of the department con- £15,669,674. There was very little differ- cerned will have inquiries made. In the ence in 1945-46, but in 1946-47 the total meantime I have seen estimates of ex- expenditure increased another 2+ million penditure for another municipality outside pounds. In 1947-48 the expenditure jumped the metropolitan area and for digging a further £5,000,000 to 23J million pounds. l2Oft. with a 6ft, depth the cost is to be In 1949-50 there was a very substantial £15. increase in the total amount of expendi- The Premier: If you can give me pri- ture in this State and it went to the high vately this man's name I will certainly figure of £37,416,855. Some idea will be have investigations made. gained from the huge spending power that this State enjoyed when we come to the Mr. BRADY: I am very pleased to have year 1951-52 and find that the State's that assurance from the Premier and I spending power had increased to will not labour the point. I have with me £59,476,000 odd. the bill he received, because he asked me It is not hard to realise that with that to investigate the matter as he was worried huge amount of money to spend the Gov- stiff at the amount he is up for. I have ernmient. has been particularly fortunate. been down to the department, and have Many grants have been made and many been told that the man will have to pay requests satisfied throughout that period, it because that was the price the con- particularly when one considers some of tractor charged the department. The the gigantic works that have gone into point I want to inquire about is whether portions of this State. Now that we have the Government cannot go into the mat- got down to a basis of gradually reduced ter of doing these installations itself, be- spending power it is time the Government cause if these private contractors are go- took stock in many directions. I feel that ing to charge these large sums of money economies could be effected without Im- it will mean that these people will be in pairing efficiency debt for the next 25 to 30 years. However. to any great extent. I am pleased to have an assurance from The Premier: Now! the Premier that he will have the matter Mr. KELLY: The Premier says "no." looked into and I will certainly make avail- The Premier : I said, "Now!" able to him all the details I have in con- nection with it. Mr. KELLY: I feel that the rein on unnecessary expenditure should have been MR. KELLY (Merredifl-Yilgalf) [9.20]: tightened earlier than it has been. If I was very disappointed in the Estimates that expenditure had not been reduced we as introduced this year by the Premier. would still have been going on in the I was disappointed to find that many of lavish manner we have done In the past our most important departments were to few years, particularly during 1951-52. I [11 November. 1952.) 199199 feel, too that departmental efficiency must know that as well as I do if he knows his be examined very carefully and I am sure district at all. I want to know how the the Premier would agree that it is neces- Premier feels about the wheatgrowers. Is sary to pare a lot of dead wood he pleased at the treatment they have re- that exists today. That dead wood is ac- ceived in the last 18 months? Is he aware cumulating as years go by; it is not that the dairying industry has been losing getting any less. The same applies in the ground, and is still losing ground? State as in the Commonwealth: the num- We have seen from time to time alarm- ber of employees in the Government are ing statements made by professors and increasing from Year to year and it is statisticians about food production, which time the Premier took the matter into his predict dire results as to the future of own hands, if his Ministers will not do food production in this State, and also it. and pared some of the dead wood that as to the future of the Australian people exists. unless some means of overcoming the dif- The Premier: Would you elaborate a ficulty is discovered. I do not find the little further? Premier doing very much about it; nor Mr. KELLY: I will now refer to the have I seen evidence of a great deal of use of motorcars and rnotortrucks. Every accomplishment by any of the Government day on the road we find increasing num- departments. What can the Government bers of cars and trucks in every depart- claim by way of achievement in connection ment. I will be very interested to have an with transport? Transport matters in this analysis of just what the increase in ex- State are in a greater muddle than at any penditure is both on motor vehicles and previous time. on the petrol consumed over the period of The Minister for Works: That is not the last two or three years. I am sure the SO. figure would be astounding. I am cer- tain that in this connection if in no Mr. KELLY: It is. other the Government would be wise to The Minister for Works: It is not. make a closer scrutiny. Prom time to time we find the Government patting it- Mr. KELLY: One has only to go on self on the back because of certain hap- the roads at any time of the day or night penings that have been proposed in this to find that what I say is perfectly true. State during the past few months. The Premier: Do you think the metal We have had a great song about Kwin- trades strike had anything to do with it? ana and about B.H.P.; we have also had Mr. KELLY: Then there is the matter a song about the other things that have of railway rehabilitation. We heard a taken place or are allegedly about to take great deal when this Government came place. I have heard enough to make into office about what it was going to do me believe that these things will only about railway rehabilitation and what had allegedly take place. I think the Premier. not been done previously. But what can the Minister for Works and their other this Government or any other Govern- colleagues have indulged in a tremendous ment do if it has not unlimited finances? amount of wishful thinking in the past The Premier knows that the Government's 12 months. I believe that before they remarks concerning rehabilitation were felt jubilation over these things a lot more only a case of wish'ful thinking. affairs of state should have received More Government attention. I have sometimes Mr. Ackland: If it had not been for asked the Premier's opinion of the gold- the metal trades strike we would not have mining industry. How does he feel that had so much road transport today. that industry has fared while these so- Mr. KELLY: It is all very well for called progresses are being made? Can the hon. member to tell us it was the the Premier feel happy about the affairs strike! Many other failures on the part of the trawling industry established at of the Government were far more the great cost? cause of this State being in its Present The Premier: No, I cannot. position than was the strike. Mr. KELLY: I am certain the Premier Mr. Brady: Hear, heart cannot. I will Show members at a later Mr. KELLY: Again, what can the Gov- date just what could have happened in ernment claim in connection with the regard to that trawling industry, and North-West? It needs the closest of where I feel it was let down by the short- scrutiny to find any improvements in the comings of the Government. North-West over the last six years. Mr. Griffith: You are not discrediting The Premier: Have You heard about the value of Kwinana? the Mir Beef scheme? Mr. KELLY: I am not speaking on the Mr. KELLY: Yes; and I think the value of Kwinana: I am saying that the Premier has little about which to be satis- Government could have considered many fied in that connection. other State affairs long before it gave consideration to such matters as Kwinana The Premier: You are about the only and 3.111'., and the hon. member should one I have heard say that. 1992 rASSEMBLY.]

Mr. KELLY: I am not the only one The Premier: You are in a critical who has said it. If the Premier thinks mood tonight! that because he has brought beef by air, which in many cases could not have Mr. KELLY: I feel quite critical. Every walked to market, poor-conditioned stuff to time I read the Budget I get hot and inflict on the people- bothered and feel more critical than I can express. Seeing that the Premier The Premier: Not poor-conditioned. thinks I am in a critical mood, I would Mr. KELLY: Of course it was! I have ask him what great improvement has seen meat brought by air from the North- taken Place with regard to native affairs. West which I would not put in my shop Surely the views of "The West Australian," if I were a butcher. I would not be pre- which has such a great amount of influ- pared to foist on the public the type of ence over the Government, should be taken meat that in some cases--not all-was stock of. lifted by that scheme. The Premier has The Premier: Have you noticed how little with which to console himself from the expenditure of the Department of that angle. Native Affairs has increased year by year? The Premier: Do you not think it a Mr. KELLY: What Is the pound worth, worthwhile experiment? today? Mr. KELLY: I do not think there is The Premier: Never mind about the a great deal to commend it. pound! Take the number of natives be- Ing cared for and the actual money pro- The Premier: You are well out of step. vided. Mr. HILLY: No, I am not. I suppose Mr. KELLY: Whereas in the past a the Premier must be proud also of the native could buy a pair of dungarees for raising of freights 20s. per ton! It was 6s. or 8s., he now has to pay 30s. where a wonderful thing to bring poor-condi- is the Premier's analogy? tioned beef by air that could not walk to market, beef so poor that it could not The Premier: Look at past expenditure get away from the stations on foot and compared with that of today and com- could not have been removed if it had pare what is being done for natives now not been for the air beef scheme. I as against what was done in past years. think it might easily and truthfully be Mr. KELLY: I have done so, and the said that the Premier, in cutting the comparison is not very wonderful so far throats of thousands of those bullocks, as the present Government is concerned. saved their lives. There has been an increase, I grant. The Premier: No! The Premier: A very substantial in- Mr. KELLY: Again, what has the Gov- crease. ernment done with regard to that in- Mr. KELLY: But it has not been com- famous local government Bill? What con- mensurate with the decline in spending solation can it take to itself in that direc- power. tion? We had brought into this Chamber Hon. J. T. Tonkin: You are still get- with a fanfare of trumpets-and much ting it done on the cheap by putting the time was wasted over it--a local govern- burden on missions. ment Hill which wat drawn up without consultation with the people concerned The Premier: We are making money and was eventually scrapped. available to the missions. The Premier: Was it not sent to a The CHAIRMAN: Order! Select Committee? Hon. J. T. Tonkin: That is the best Mr. KELLY: We were promised that way of looking after the natives provided we would immediately have another Bill: you are paying sufficient; but you are not that it was a case of a temporary with- paying enough. drawal only. But we have come to the The CHAIRMAN: Order! The Govern- end of another session and still we have ment front bench and the Opposition heard nothing further about the Bill. front bench cannot have a private argu- There have been six years of plenty, but ment. The member for Merredin-Yilgarn what has been done for the very great will proceed. number of soldier settlers who have sought Mr. KELLY: I did not expect that these to be placed on farms, dairies or grazing unruly interjections were going to take properties? place. Recently the Leader of the Op- The Minister for Works: More have position spoke of the Government being been so placed than in any other State. bankrupt of constructive ideas. That is Mr. KELLY: We have probably had perfectly apparent. twice as many applicants. The Premier: Who said that? The Minister for Works: The percent- Mr. KELLY: The Leader of the Op- age has been better. position, a man for whom I have a great Mr. KELLY: It is a poor percentage, regard. There is no doubt, on analysis, even if it is a better one. that that is exactly the Position. All the [11 November, 1952.1 191993 work that has been cartied out by this The Minister for Works: That is the Government over the past six years was trouble. You are being shown places that planned by the Labour Government prior are not progressing. to 1947?. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The Premier: You never thought about the railways, Swinana, the development Mr. KELLY: There is little production of Albany or development in the Great as the years go by, notwithstanding these Southern. broad acres- The CHAIRMAN: Order! The Minister for Works: Look at the good as well as the bad. Mr. KELLY: There is no doubt about it. Mr. KELLY: -that the Minister has told us about. There has been very little Hon. J. T. Tonkin: You have gone Quiet improvement, beyond replacements. I on rehabilitation now. think, as I earlier remarked, that we have The Premier: Where? to take serious stock of these problems Hon. J. T. Tonkin: Here. before we claim that any advance has The CHAIRMAN: Order! The member been made. for Merredin-Yilgarn will proceed. Mr. May: There have been big improve- ments in Pinjarra. Mr. KELLY: A-s I have said on a num- ber of occasions, what new ground has Mr. KELLY: If I am started off on that the Government broken? line, I can name improvements in some other parts. The Minister for Works: Opened up Mr. Yates: There have been quite a few thousands of acres of land. There is new at Collie. development everywhere. The Premier: Collie Is the most fav- Mr. KELLY: It has been spread all over owred town in the State. the State. There is new development taking place everywhere, and in nine out Mr. KELLY: I now desire to deal with a of 10 cases the settlers are starving for few parochial matters. First of all there want of finance. The Minister for Works, is the question of the junior high school whom I do not often assail, laughs. But at Merredin. The prefab building re- he only needs to take a trip around areas cently put up in Merredin is greatly outside those to which he is accustomed- appreciated, and I am not going to de- tract from the good job done in that The Premier: Is this going to be the connection. But the situation has only report of the Select Committee? been partially relieved. The classes are Mr. KELLY: This is not going to be still hopelessly overcrowded and we still my report. I am not dealing with the have classrooms in various halls and in Select Committee evidence. I will tell other places throughout the town. It is the Premier, if he does not know, that very unfair to our teaching staff, par- there is a dire necessity for some action ticularly in a centre like Merredin, where to be taken on behalf of people engaged increases are fairly rapid. It will be very in various industries. Where has the unsatisfactory to our teachers if this hole- normal developmental policy been ac- and-corner policy is to be continued. celerated? I cannot altogether accept the gloomy The Minister for Works: In every outlook of the Minister for Education as direction. published in the Press some two or three Mr. KELLY: The Minister started to months ago wherein he claimied that the tell me where. Look at all the broad acres Gover-nent was that close to bankruptcy that have been brought into production! that it made little difference. I feel that But what have they produced? the time is approaching when we must give consideration to the establishment of The Minister for Works: I could not a five-year high school plan for Merredin. say. I have discussed this matter with the Mr. KELLY: No; nor could anyone else. Minister on some occasions and he has assured me there are other places in this The Minister for Works: it is the State which have greater claims than foundation of opening up a lot of land Merredin. Narrogin is one of them. But which is basic to the economy of this I do not think that, on statistics, Narrogin country. could prove that it had any greater claim Mr. KELLY: At a cost of millions of than Merredin. Taking a radius of 50 to pounds to this State and the Common- 60 miles in the Merredin area, I feel that wealth without any production whatever, the department would be greatly surprised and without any likelihood of production if the figures relating to children in that for years. area were to be correlated with the various The Minister for Works: There will be outlying districts. production. There is no doubt that on analysis we Mr. KELLY: I could take the Minister can get down to a basis of calibratinig to farms where there has been little in- these children within that radius, and it is creased production. futile for the Minister to tell us that Mer- 1994 1994[ASSEMBLY.) redin has no greater claim than Satan- hers, but when it Is realised that the store- ning. In connection with the claim for keeper at Ora Banda has had to carry the a high school, on a five year basis, it ap- prospectors since last January, some idea pears that up to the present no census can be gained of the sacrifice involved, has been taken of the districts out from It is unfair that a man in that position Merredin as far as Southern Cross on one should be called upon to carry such a side and for a distance of 50 or 60 miles large amount of finance over a long period. in other directions. The Minister should The storekeeper who has operated at that make an effort to have taken a census centre for the last 30 years and who knows of the children that will be affected, so the conditions under which the prospectors that some decision may be reached in that and other operate, has now decided to regard. No improvement has been made give up business and, in view of the state in the position with regard to the railway of that Part of the Goldfields, there is barracks at Merredin in the past five or little likelihood that anyone else will de- six years. There have been visits from the sire to open a store at that centre. Minister and some communications on the What will be the position of the pros- subject, and it has been agreed that the pectors once the storekeeper has gone? barracks are unbygienic, obsolete and do They will have no one to turn to or to not conform with normal living standards. finance their requirements. It is up to As things are, there is no encourage- the Government to get busy quickly and ment for single men, train crews or others put the mill in order and have crushings who must use those quarters, to shift to put through from time to time in order Merredin. The lodging position in that that the prospectors may be able to exist. centre is not good, and the result is that There are other matters with which I de- many men who otherwise would not do so sire to deal, but I will mention them under are forced to use the barracks. The posi- the various departmental headings. The tion is causing great concern among rail- Government should give attention to the waymen at Merredin, and undoubtedly the immediate requirements of the State rather shortage of accommodation there is caus- indulge in the futuristic type of thinking ing much hardship, particularly in the that seems to have become popular in the case of the married man who has been last 12 months. transferred to that centre. When trans- fers take place before accommodation is MR. MeCTJLLOCH (Hannans) [9.52): available, families are frequently split up It does not appear that this Government for periods of months until housing is ar- intends to spend too much money on the ranged for them. Such a state of affairs Goldfields. There is a matter that I would is not conducive to contentment on the like the Minister for Immigration to clear part of the railway staff. Not only is it up in relation to the quarantine procedure unfair that husbands should be separated at Fremantle. This may be more a Federal from their wives and families, but also it matter than one for the State Govern- is costly to keep two homes. ment, but I understand that the State is trying to prevent foot and mouth disease As the minister for mines has been in- from entering Western Australia. 1 have formed, the Ora Banda State battery is in on occasion to go to Fremantle to meet need of immediate attention and its con- some of my constituents returning from dition warrants a complete overhaul. it Southern Europe. On the last occasion, has been little more than a patchwork the vessel that I went to meet was the concern for the past few years, particu- "Oceans,' which arrived on a Saturday. larly since it first got into bad condition The people disembarking at Fremantle two or three years ago. Great credit is were not allowed to speak to me but were due to the manager of the mill and the kept a certain distance away, in spite of men who are employed there and keep the fact that I had some important busi- it going. Long delays have frequently ness with one of them. It seemed strange been avoided by the sacrifices made by to me that, while I was not allowed to those who keep the plant operating. it speak to those people, passengers from is most discouraging to the manager to Southern Europe who were proceeding to have to keep the Mill running under such the Eastern States could leave the boat conditions, and there is little inducement at Fremiantic, walk off and speak to any- to the employees there who are called out one. I have even seen one such passenger at all hours-far beyond the normal hours kiss a woman at Fremantle. of service-in an effort to keep th6 plant They are allowed to mix with anybody working. and yet those who disembark at Fremantle The run recently completed at the mill and who are normally resident in this accounted for 1,100 tons of ore, with an State are taken to Woodman's Faint and average value of one ounce to the ton. put through quarantine and fumigation. In the light of present conditions, that is Their luggage is also treated, though it a substantial tonnage and good return, comes from the same hold that contains so the mill is well worthy of attention. the luggage of People going to Melbourne I would advise the Minister that the re- or Sydney. As I have said, the idOceanall cent run was the first since last January. arrived at Fremantle on a Saturday, and That may not convey much to some Mem- residents of this State who had been here III November, 1952.] 199590 for 30 years and who were returning from Minister to restore the normal services. a visit to Italy, had the whole of their kit If the people of the metropolitan area taken to Woodmian's Point. The people desire to travel during the week-end they themselves were allowed to come away can avail themselves of buses, but unfortu- after 12 o'clock, but their luggage, even nately the Goldfields' residents are not so down to their shaving gear and overcoats, happily placed. The engines that sihould was kept there, with the result that they receive prior attention are those capable had to go back on the Sunday and col- of making long journeys to Oeraldton, lect it. Albany, Kalgoorlie or over any other The Minister for Lands: There may be lengthy route in the system. I understand an incubation period for the disease. that a treat deal of the work that should be done in the Midland Junction work- Mr. McCULLOCH: I do not know about shops is being sent out to private firms, that. The luggage may have to stay there and I am led to believe that the men are for a certain time, but it was hard that not too busy on the repair of tbclze. loco- these goldfields residents had to remain motives, but I may be wrong. here until the following Wednesday before they could get a train. As to the question of insufficient water Mr. Ackland: Have you ever seen what in the summer, the Minister for Works foot and mouth disease can do? Anything has said that this is a bogey, but I can that is done to keep it out of the country assure him that it is not. When the Muzi- is justified. daring Weir wall was raised by 32 feet we Mr. McCULLOCH: Is it thought that wcere told that there would be ample water for Goldfields residents. However we have a proper method is being adopted? again been informed that for the com- Mr. Ackland: Any method that will ing summer, and principally in the months keep it out is a good method. of December, January and February, there Mr. MeCULLOCH: Is it proper to allow will be further water supply restrictions. people coming from infested countries to There must be something wrong. There is mix with the general public at Fremantle more water in the Mundaring Weir now or Perth? That is what happens in the than ever before and the pipe is carrying case of persons returning from Italy and all that it is capable of doing but still we proceeding to the Eastern States. I was are to suffer these water restrictions on the not allowed to speak to the individual I Goldfields. desired to converse with, and yet passen- As I have said before, even if the Mun- gers who were going to the Eastern States daring Weir were raised a further Soft. were allowed off the boat and mingled the Goldfields people would still not get freely with the People of Fremantle. I any more water with the present pressure agree that every precaution should be through the existing pipe. Until another taken to keep a disease out of the country, pipe is constructed to meet the require- but the present method seems very lax. ments of the people up as far as Merredin. A further point is that any luggage label- the people on the Qoldfields will not enjoy led with the P. and 0. or Orient Line label their inherent rights. I sincerely hope -cften people proceed to Naples or Genoa that if restrictions are imposed this sum- by rail before taking ship-is not takma mer they will be of short duration. I know down for fumigation but is allowed to be that some of the market gardeners at taken away. If the Minister has no juris- Kalgoorlie had beans growing five and six diction over the question, he should draw feet high, and after working from dawn the attention of the Commonwealth auth- to dark they lost all their crops because orities to the practice now adopted at of lack of water. That is definitely un- Fremantle for the prevention of the entry fair. We are trying to encourage the into this State of foot and mouth disease. growing of vegetables on the Qoldfields, but if water restrictions continue to be much has been said recently in this these men will not produce. Chamber on the subject of railways, but if imposed the restoration of week-end passenger I wish to raise another question which trains is to hold up the re-entry of loco- concerns the Minister for Education. On motives to service, it will be hard on the page 43 of Section 'A" of the Auditor people of outback centres who are now be- General's report it is set out that the ing served by only three trains a week. State received £61,480 from the Com- The metal trades strike is being blamed monwealth Government for the free for many things, but the people on the milk scheme. Of that sum £58,622 3s. 2d. Goldfields at present have to be content was spent on the supply of milk, straws, with only three trains per week to and etc., plus the administration cost-of from Perth. In an emergency people will which the Commonwealth pays half- put up with a great deal. In normal times of £530. leaving a credit balance to there are six trains a week giving service the State of £8,328 I7s. 8d. That money to the Goldfields. Three trains a week is all spent for the benefit of the are not sufficient to carry the passengers children in the metropolitan area and that are offering between Kalgoorlie and surrounding districts, and the children Perth and vice versa. As soon as the loco- attending at country centres do not enjoy motives are put into repair it is up to the the privilege of being able to participate. 1996 1996ASSEMBLY.]

Notwithstanding that, the parents of those The Minister for Lands: I will have children are being taxed to pay for the inquiries made. milk that is being supplied to children in the metropolitan area. I cannot see why Mr. McCUTLLOCH: If the Minister does those people should have to pay for milk so he will find that my allegations are that the children of other parents are definitely true and when he does so I hope receiving. It is a similar anomaly to the that greater precautions will be taken £34,000 that was debited to the Goldfields against the spread of this disease. water supply for cement but which was used on, the metropolitan water supply. MR. JOHNSON (Leederville) 110.12]: The Premier, in introducing the Estimates, The Goldfields people are now being and two other speakers since have dealt burdened further by having to contribute with the subject of import restrictions. to the provision of this £58.622 that is It occurs to me that they have obtained being spent on the supply of milk in the their information on the question possibly metropolitan area. If the Commonwealth from the Press or some other source which or State Governments cannot provide free was not fully informed. The reasons given milk for the children in every outback for import restrictions do not entirely line centre in the State. some substitute should up with the facts as they were. Before be supplied in its place. As I have said be- the introduction of these restrictions the fore, an apple or an orange is equal in facts were that over a series of years nutritional value to one-third of a pint during, and since the war it had become of milk. However, my remarks have the habit of importers to order in excess apparently fallen on deaf ears. The of their requirements because suppliers attitude seems to be that those who are were not able to fulfil completely the living in the outback are not entitled to orders made. A further reason for over- the facilities that exist in the metropolitan ordering was the delay in shipping at that area. As to the free hospital scheme that time. However, over a period of years, was in operation some time ago, but supplies from the European markets in which has now been replaced by the new particular improved. We have now im- scheme propounded by Sir Earle Page, I proved conditions generally regarding the would point out that he was a tragic supply of imports, which have speeded up Treasurer and now he is a tragic Minister considerably. for Health. Under his new scheme we have to pay Then again, with regard to further hap- 35s. a day as patients in a hospital penings oversea, suppliers inside the sterl- whether suffering from an illness or in- ing area became suddenly able to supply juries received as the result of an acci- a great deal more fully and more quickly dent. Up until now, an accident victim than before. The result was that orders was allowed 27s. a day from the Workers' that had been lodged in accordance with Compensation Board towards payment of the preconceived habit of trading were his hospital expenses. A further 8s. per delivered, not only in full but on time. This day is paid by that patient, as a result led to an oversupply of imports because of of people having to contribute to social bad judgment. In every enterprise de- services, because he is unfortunate enough veloped by bad judgment, the result is a to meet with an accident while engaged loss of profit, and that is rightly so if we in industry. Tonight the Minister has are to have free enterprise economy. indicated that £:150 will be set aside for Orders that were existent at the time of hospital benefits for a worker's comnpensa- the import restrictions were, because of tion case. I hope he means that, because trading conditions and habits, backed by seldom does such a patient receive any irrevocable letters of credit, which form benefit. of business demands that payment ar- rangements be carried out. Irrevocable I do not see why an individual who letters of credit must be met, and the sometimes has to pay £2 a day and not requisite finance found to meet them. 35s. should have to pay that amount of 5s. per day out of his own pocket. If When supplies were coming in at the £150 is to be made available for hospital rate of two years previous supplies in six benefits, no worker who is a patient in months, many of the importers could not hospital as the result of an accident absorb the results of their very foolish should have to pay any hospital fees. In ordering. It is my opinion, which I think my opinion he has been penalised suffi- would be backed by the pattern of facts, ciently through suffering from his injuries that the import restrictions were imposed and by paying the extra cost above the to protect importers from their own fool- 35s. a day as demanded under this tragic ishness and bad judgment. Had they not plan enunciated by Sir Earle Page and been imposed, there would have been very now put Into effect. I hope the Minister little more imported into Australia. There for Immigration will try to influence who- might have been a better choice as regards ever is responsible to have further in- what was imported, but it is a known fact quiries made about this foot and mouth that in certain sections, ordering had al- disease. The member for Roe knows more ready ceased because there was on order about the subject than I do and he is at the time a suffcient supply of goods to greatly concerned. last at least 12 months and in same in- (11 November, 1952.] 199799

stances even longer than that. There- Mr. JOHNSON: Yes; other Governments fore, I maintain that import restrictions have done the same. I think it is Im- were not imposed for the benefit of the proper to claim to support private enter- Australian economy, but for the benefit prise and then act to the contrary. The of a limited number of people who had Premier may adopt a different attitude as imported on a large scale, and had to be regards what is proper. Perhaps all Gov- protected against their own folly by Gov- ernments have viewed it differently to ernment action. some extent. There are, however, vari- ous items in the Estimates which, to- It must be borne in mind that Govern- gether with statements in the Auditor- ment action was the only one that could General's report in relation thereto, I cut across legal contracts respecting im- shall deal with later on. That brings me Port orders protected by letters of credit. to a point I wish to reiterate. It is the Had these restrictions not been imposed, duty of those whose job it is to lead, to some of the importers would have become lead. I have in mind the words of a well- bankrupt. That would have served them known Army commander, "There are no right and it would have been a good thing bad troops; there are only bad officers." for Australia if that had been the result, I would render that statement rather dif- because it would have been necessary ferently by saying that there are no bad for the goods affected to have been Sold workers, but only bad managements. That quickly, which would have had the effect of applies to enterprise, private or Govern- reducing prices in a manner that would ment, and no person in the position of not have affected employment within Aus- authority over workers has any logical tralia. Everyone would have known that reason to complain about the standard of they were forced sales, and there would work he gets from them. It is the job have been a reduction in prices without of the person in authority to get good cost to the Australian economy, apart work. For that reason, the Government from a few bankruptcies. If Governments in control of the affairs of State should that believe in private enterprise inter- take whatever credit it can find in all the fere to protect those associated with such things It has not done, because it has been enterprise from the results of their its job to carry own folly, and prevent them from paying them out. the penalties that private enterprise ex- I mention such a matter as housing. tracts from those who are not efficient, The Government claims to have done those Governments should be roundly con- great things in that respect. It has pro- demned by those who believe in private vided about as many houses as there have enterprise. In that number I trust I am been marriages. Each marriage requires not included. that a house shall be available if it is to be successful. Beyond that, we know that During the course of debates in the 64,000 people have arrived as migrants, Commonwealth Parliament, slight mention and at least the larger proportion of those was made by some inquiries carried out in people will also require housing accom- the interests of a firm known as David modation. It would appear from these Jones. At the time the inquiries were figures alone that the housing situation made, credit controls with the Common- today is worse than it was when the Gov- wealth Bank were limited to six months. ernment assumed office. My investigations In those circumstances the answers sup- lead me to believe that there are at least plied to a member in the Federal House two families represented in the average reflected very little credit upon the indi- home in the metropolitan area while in vidual responsible because they indicated some there are more. either that a special allowance had been The Premier: I am sure that is not made in the interests of this influential right. firm or that the individual conveying the answers did not tell the truth. That leads Mr. JOHNSON: The average home in me to a subject I wish to discuss regarding my electorate has Sj adults in it, in addi- the relationship of Government practices. tion to some children. Some of those children are almost at the adult stage. if we are to have an economy, based Mr. Griffith: Would those adults re- on private enterprise, it is essential that present two or more families? any profits that result from private entarpnise should be paid and also Mr. JOHNSON: In most instances, two that the losses as well should be met. There families. There are scarcely any houses should be no Protection for private enter- with only one person residing there. prise by any Government that believes in Mr. Griffith: That is niot the position that system. Private enterprise should in my electorate. be able to stand on its own feet. Yet we find in the Estimates subsidies made avail- Mr. JOHNSON: Then the hon. mem- able by the Government in many forms ber's electorate is more favoured than to various sections of those engaged in mine, but the position at Leederville is private enterprises. as I have described it. In most instances the three adults carry at least two differ- The Premier: And that has been done ent surnames. In one house I visited by other Governments as Well. there are five adults of the same name, 1998 1998[ASSEMBLY.]

two married women having the same sur- would not be easy, but it would not be name. Another point I wish to raise con- impossible. We have a degree of know- cerns the matter of rents. Reference ledge of the employment that exists at has been made to the rent figure present, and this would afford a basis taken into consideration in the "C" series from which to start. The Government index as applied to the basic wage has its plans for legislation and for ad- calculation. The Attorney General was ministrative action. In some cases legis- good enough to inform me that no officer lation has a great effect upon employ- in the State Public Service was in a posi- ment; in other cases very little. tion to say just what was the rental figure taken into consideration in the "C" series Quickly skimming through the index index, but he indicated that the figure of Bills that have been introduced this supplied by the Commonwealth Statisti- session, I find that there have been but cian was based on the rents charged for four in 48 that could be claimed to have houses in 1937 with some slight adjust- any effect on the manpower situation. ments and that the figure did not include Those are the Coogee-Ewinana Railway any rents that had been charged since Bill and the Railway (Mundaring-Mun- the last war. daring Weir) Discontinuance Bill. Neither of those will have much effect. The B.H.P. As we all know, rents charged for old agreement Bill may have some direct houses are usually less than those applic- effect and so may the Anglo-Iranian Bill able to newly-erected premises. The rent that was passed last session. it could for Commonwealth-State rental homes is be argued that the State Electricity Com- fairly high, a good deal higher than the mission Act Amendment Bill to authorise figure suggested in connection with the borrowing was for that purpose, but here basic wage adjustments. A very eminent the effect would be only indirect. sociologist named Rowntree who resides in England, defined poverty as the stan- It would not be impossible for the Gov- dard of income after a rent that leaves ernment to indicate that, taking the em- a balance less than the subsistence level. If ployment situation at any given stage, the rent included in the "C" series index its plans for certain legislative action is less than the amount paid by a basic would have so much effect on the man- wage earner, that basic wage earner is power position and administrative action definitely paid below the Poverty line. if would have other effect. The manpower a man having a margin receives insumf- estimate would not be much more accu- cient margin to absorb the rent differ- rate than the financial estimate, but it ential between the amount in the "C" would be an indication whether or not the series index and the actual rent, lie also Government was planning to deal with the is below the poverty line. manpower situation as it exists. We know I suggest that an investigation in West- that the time when there were three or ern Australia would show that from the more jobs to every person seeking em- rent cause alone a large proportion of ployment no longer exists. Some actual the working population are below the pov- unemployment prevails, though I under- erty line. To say that these people are stand the Position in the more highly in- not starving would be perfectly true, but dustrialised States is worse. we have laid down a minimum standard There is also a degree of concealed un- and I see no reason why it should not be employment; I refer to people who are maintained. Fuirther investigation along working less than full time. Not all in- these lines is well warranted, and the dustries are working every day and every figures on which the Arbitration Court week in the Year whether on a five or a computes the rent section of the basic six-day week, or on a shift basis of more wage should be completely reviewed in than one shift, and there are quite a detail. The court could do this of its number of people whose annual income own motion, and It should be ijer- will be less than they would receive from suaded into that motion by the Gov- full employment. A manpower budget ernent. The Government has at its would deal with that situation, because command the Statistical Department, it is of no use a man's being employed which could obtain figures and make a at high wages for three weeks if he is reasonable estimation of what is being out of work the fourth week. He has paid in rent. Then we could ascertain to live on the average of the four weeks' whether or not the basic wage does allow salary, and although the week in which for an income over the poverty line. he was not employed would not be shown When speaking on the Address-in-reply, In the statistics of unemployment, he I suggested that the Treasurer should in- would be actually unemployed because he troduce with his Estimates a manpower was receiving no wages. A number of budget. I had hoped that he would do trades, mainly those associated with the something along those lines, If not in the clothing industry, have had a good deal printed document, in his Budget speech. of concealed unemployment, As that was Dot done, I reiterate my One other subject with which I wish plea that in future Budgets something of to deal at this stage is transport. Our this nature should be done. To Produce transport situation is bad, our traffic situa- a man-power budget in absolute detail tion is sick and our accident rate is very [11 November, 1952.) 1999 high. Earlier in this session, I inquired out the State; traffic control in regard to whether it was possible for people con- the issue of drivers' licenses so that there cerned in traffic accidents to be subjected is a common standard throughout the to eyesight tests in the same way as some State; and traffic control, if it can be People are subjected to sobriety tests. achieved, in regard to co-ordination of pas- rue idea would be to discover whether senger traffic under a single authority. there was a degree of eyesight fallability There is also on the Table a report from leading to accidents and whether there the Transport Board concerning passenger were drivers an the road whose eyesight traffic and that deals to some degree with was less than that which should be re- the necessity for central control of pas- quired of a driver in charge of a vehicle. senger traffic and includes some rather The Conmmissioner of Police, according to illuminating figures, when it is considered his report, has power to issue extraordin- in regard to the Budget figures before us, ary licenses to drivers suffering from vari- and other sections of that report. Para- ouis defects. The total number issued was graph 24, regarding co-ordination of ser- 82. Yet in the same report it is indicated vices, reads as follows:- that 580 applicants for drivers' licenses Increasing fares and the financial were found to be suffering from defective difficulties of operators have thrown sight. Of those, 50 were discovered to be emphasis on the necessity for eco- fit with glasses. The report does not in- nomy of operation. The metropolitan dicate whether these extraordinary licenses passenger transport system has de- included the 50 people who were fit to veloped under a multiplicity of opera- drive with glasses. tors and there has been much over- There is no indication whether the lapping of routes and uneconomic people fit to drive with glasses were given competition. In the period since the special licenses endorsed to the effect that board's last report, considerable at- they were to drive only when wearing tention has been given to improve- glasses. I would like to request again ment of the position. that at least for a test period of. say, Paragraph 25 reads- three months, every person concerned in traffic accidents should submit to an eye- A major improvement was effected sight test so that statistics would be when, in December last. Metro Buses available to show whether there is more Pty. Ltd. took over all routes pre- than an average number of persons con- viously operated by Beam Transport cerned in these accidents who suffer from Ltd. to the west of Perth. This fusion eyesight defects to a greater or lesser ex- of interests of two large operators in tent. If it is possible under the present the traffic area has enabled a re- Act. I would like to include in that those organisation of routes and eliminated pedestrians involved in traffic accidents as unnecessary competition. well as persons in charge of vehicles, be- I would query that final statement re- cause it is my contention, being both a garding unnecessary competition, because driver on occasions and a pedestrian on I am led to believe that at least one trans- other occasions, that pedestrians can be at port organisation is paying dividends to least as culpable as drivers in many of shareholders, and yet the Budget indi- these accidents, though it is very seldom cates that our Government-owned pas- that a pedestrian is found to be at fault. senger transport is doing less well. On page 17 of the Police Commissioner's Mr. J. Hegney: Where would there be report there is a paragraph reading- the competition between the Metro and In my last report I expressed the the Beam companies? view that traffic control, including the Mr. JOHNSON: That is for the Trans- licensing of motor drivers and vehicles port Board to say, I feel that competition throughout the State. should be under between private companies is one of the the control of one authority instead penalties they should pay. If the various of being divided as it is at present organisations cannot pay in competition, under many local authorities. I desire they should be eliminated and the services to reiterate that statement and add should be conducted for the benefit of that it would appear to be a hopeless passengers instead of for the benefit of proposition satisfactorily to deal with shareholders. I would like to quote some the many traffic problems which now figures from that report- exist and which will increase corres- Omiba e.Govt. bus. Troley- pondingly with a greater population buse. Pmengeta per bus mfle 2' 88 4-30 5-70 and progress in industry, whilst the Cmt Wo pnaener per present system of multiple control con- Mile...... -9d so95d. I57d tinues. Mfies run :..1.mlin 31 mi111on11 million Passngers carried 32 1..llo 1651 8 Wnion With that statement I wholeheartedly Tots earrnpg £El million l million 1i millon agree, and would like to see steps taken It would appear that even with the elimina- to ensure that all traffic control comes tion of unnecessary competition, Govern- under some central authority-traffic con- ment buses and Government trolley-buses trol in regard to the licensing of vehicles, are running at a cost to the passenger of so that the standard is uniform through- very little more than half of what the pas- 2000 2000[COUNCIL.]

sengers of Private services are paying. QUESTIONS. Those figures indicate that persons for- tunate enough to be catered for by Gov- NORTH-WEST. ernment transport obtain a better service (a) As to Water Supply, Den ham. in proportion to cost than do those who are catered for by the private transport. Hon. H. C. STRICKLAND asked the That is something to which I feel they are Minister for Transport: entitled. If there is any overlapping of Will he state what action, If any, the bus routes, it is the duty of some co- Government proposes to take to provide ordinating body to eliminate it, for the a water supply for the residents and in- benefit not of the operators but of the dustry at Denham, Shark Bay, where passengers. I would like to impress on the recently another shortage was experienced Committee the necessity for co-ordinating owing to the failure of local wells? traffic routes under the services which The MINISTER replied: give benefit to the people carried: that is, the Government services. It is a duty we The possibility of providing a potable owe to those we represent to see that they water supply for Shark Bay has received get the best possible service at the consideration. There is no prospect of cheapest price. There is no doubt that providing a water supply within reasonable the report indicates where it comes from. financial limits and, in fact, there is con- The report also indicates in the same siderable technical difficulty in providing manner that Government enterprise, even a water supply at all. The matter is still under a Government that does not believe under consideration by departmental in it, can produce a reasonably good ser- officers. vice for the people. It is probable that in (b) As to Slpway, Denham. the near future, under a Government that does believe in State enterprise, we will Hon. H. C. STRICKLAND asked the do something better. Minister for Transport: What stage have arrangements reached Progress reported. regarding the promised slipway for fish- House adjourned at 10.52 p.m. ing boats at Denham? The MINISTER replied: No Promise has been made that a slip- way would be provided. The proposal has been Investigated and details, together with estimates, are under examination. BILLS (2)-THIRD READING. Kfrgwisatiuw (Jh0uuct 1, Education Act Amendment. Returned to the Assembly with an Wednesday, 12th November, 1952. amendment. 2, Plant Diseases (Registration Fees) CONTENTS. Act Amendment. page Questions: North-West, (a) as to water Transmitted to the Assembly. supply, Denham 2000 (b) as to siipway, Denhami...... 2000 BILL-PRICES CONTROL ACT AMEND- Bills :Education Act Amendment, 3r. 2000 MENT AND CONTINUANCE. Plant Diseases; (Registration Fees) Act Third Reading. Amendment. 3r...... 2000 Prices Control Act Amendment and Con- THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT tinuance, Sr., passed ...... 2000 (Hon. C. H. Simpson-Midland) [4.36]: Nurses Registration Act Amendment I move-' (No. 1), Corn...... 2001 That the Hill be now read a third Traffic Act Amendment (No. 1), r . .. 2002 time. Main Roads Act Amendment, 2r. ..I 2002 University Buildings, 2r...... 2005 HON. G. FRASER (West) [4.371: 1 can- Marketing of Barley Act Amendment not let the opportunity pass without (Continuance), 2r...... 2006 drawing the attention of the Minister to Native Administration Act Amendment, the debate that took place on this meas- 2r...... 2007 ure, more Particularly from the point of Broken Hill Proprietary Steel Industry view of a Bill being introduced with Agreement, Ir...... 2010 several features mixed up in it. I hope the Government will take notice of what Constitution Acts Amendment, 2r. 2010 Motion : Railways, as to discontinuance of was said in that regard and that in future Wiluna and Laverton lines, passed .. 27012 the question of putting two or three items Adjournment, special ...... 2Z14 in one Bill will be avoided. I am referring to Bills of a continuing nature, and I hope that henceforth only the continuing clause will be included In them so that The PRESIDENT took the Chair at 4.30 fair and reasonable debate can take place P.m., and read prayers. on that Particular phase only.