Download Fragment

Tuesday, 14 September 1937

Mr NOCK (Riverina) .- The honorable member for Franklin (Mr. Frost) has complained of disparity in the treatment of different primary producers under this legislation. We must remember that this assistance was introduced, not as a bounty or subsidy to any particular section, but as a rebate on fertilizers to encourage the greater use of superphosphates and other manures, and that it has had the effect of increasing our national wealth very largely. Throughout the whole of Australia, I have had many people tell me that it has educated them to the value of the use of fertilizers. I remind the honorable member for Franklin that the price of sulphate of ammonia has already been reduced by £1 15s. a ton as the result of the reduction of the customs duty by the present Government, so users of this fertilizer get this advantage as well as 10s. a ton provided for in the bill.

Mr Frost - What is the price of sulphate of ammonia?

Mr NOCK - The price of sulphate of ammonia in New South Wales is £11 15s. a ton, whereas before the reduction of the tariff occurred a few years ago it was £13 10s. a ton.

Mr Frost - And what reduction has taken place in the price of ordinary superphosphate ?

Mr NOCK - A reduction of 10s., from £4 to £3 10s. a ton. That, however, occurred some time ago. The reduction of the price of sulphate of ammonia by £1 15s. a ton occurred in recent years, as the result of an inquiry by the Tariff Board.

Mr Frost - The price of the fertilizers used by fruit-growers is nearly three times that of the superphosphates used by the graziers and dairy-farmers.

---