Senator COLLINGS (Queensland) . - Will the Minister furnish the committee with information on this item? There seems to be no reason why we should encourage the importation of such articles as bolts and nuts. Surely the local manufacturers can fully meet the demand. Following up the Minister's remark a few moments ago - that the local manufacturers had made no protest against the reduction of the duties on dry batteries - I should say that they know too well the policy of this Government, and that they realize what a fetish the Ottawa agreement has become. Like members of the Opposition in this chamber, they probably consider that it is practically useless to make protests to the Government, which always uses its majority to achieve its ends.

Senator Hardy - Can the honorable senator cite one instance in which a manufacturer has not put his case before the Tariff Board?

Senator COLLINGS - I have personal knowledge of numbers of manufacturers definitely refusing to play a losing game any longer, because they are convinced as to what would be the result of further protests to the Government. Will the Minister explain why it is considered necessary to give importers any opportunity at all in regard to such articles as bolts and nuts?