Mr MORRIS(4.15) —I move:

That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent:

1. The Minister for Transport making a full statement to the Parliament on the Government's decision to convert Trans-Australia Airlines into a public company detailing:

(a) what precise disadvantages and/or advantages, if any, will accrue to air travellers;

(b) what costs will be incurred in converting TAA into a public company and who will bear the costs;

(c) why the Minister has abandoned the Australian National Airlines Commission Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1980 which he stated on 18 September 1980 would ensure 'that TAA operates on a similar basis to a privately owned airline';

(d) why an unnamed private firm of consultants is to examine the practicalities of selling shares in TAA in preference to a public committee of inquiry, such as the Holcroft committee;

Mr Charles Jones —Or a parliamentary committee.

Mr MORRIS —Or a parliamentary committee. The motion continues:

(e) the principal features of the memorandum of association and the articles of association of the proposed company;

(f) whether the Government now proposes to require Ansett Airlines to be formed into a public company separate and distinct from Ansett Transport Industries Ltd, and

(g) why the Government has repudiated its firm election promises in several statements that TAA would never be sold; and

2. The honourable member for Shortland being granted equal time to respond.

This is a matter and an issue of major national significance.

Motion (by Mr Fife) proposed:

That the honourable member be not further heard.

Mr Morris —The Government's decision to sell Trans-Australia Airlines amounts to a theft of public assets.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —The honourable member for Shortland will resume his seat.

Mr Morris —It is a sell-out of public assets for which the Government has no mandate.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Order! The honourable member for Shortland will resume his seat.

Question put.