Mr Martin Ferguson asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 2 March 1998:

(1) Has the Minister or the Minister's department provided grants to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) or bodies related to the ACCI since 2 March 1996; if so, (a)in each case (i) what was the nature of the grant and (ii) for what purposes was it provided and (b) what total sum was provided.

(2) To what boards, committees or other bodies for which the Minster has portfolio responsibility have (a) Mr Mark Patterson, the chief executive of ACCI or (b) other officers or staff of ACCI been appointed since 2 March 1996.

(3) What sums has the Commonwealth paid in sitting fees, board fees, travel costs and related expenses with respect to each appointment referred to in part (2).

Mr Costello (Treasurer) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) None.

(2) (a) None.

(2) (b) One officer of the ACCI has been re-appointed to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Australian Bureau of Statistics) since 2 March 1996.

(3) Since 2 March 1996, approximately $1722.00 has been paid in travel costs and related expenses with respect to the appointment referred to in part 2 (b).