CHAIR --Our first portfolio this afternoon is Industry, Science and Technology. I state for the record that the total proposed expenditure for this portfolio is $43,744,000. I welcome the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Senator Cook, and the officers from the department and other agencies.

If there are no objections, it is proposed that the program be examined in the following order: program 3, Australian Manufacturing Council; Program 4, National Standards; Program 5, Textiles, Clothing and Footwear; Program 8, Marine Science; Program 10, Nuclear Science and Technology; Export Finance and Insurance Corporation; Australian Industry Development Corporation; Program 1, Department of Industry, Science and Technology; Program 11, Scientific and Industrial Research; Program 1, Multifunction Polis; Program 2, Industrial Property; Program 7, Anti-dumping; Program 9, Customs. Minister, do you wish to make an opening statement?

Senator Cook --I do not have a formal opening statement. There is no need for me to formally address the committee other than to say that of course I stand ready to serve the needs of the committee, through me directly or the officers that I have in attendance. If it meets the approval of the committee, I suggest that the officers whom I might call upon to answer questions introduce themselves and their rank and title at the time they answer.

CHAIR --I was just going to remind all witnesses that, for the benefit of the committee and Hansard, they should identify themselves clearly by name and position when first coming forward to answer any questions. There being no question on programs 3 and 4 I thank those officers for their attendance and they are released.

[4.31 p.m.]