Senator MCAULIFFE (QUEENSLAND) - My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Treasurer. Does the Department of the Treasury have in the States research officers who are responsible for assessing current economic trends, especially with regard to lead indicators? Does the Treasury avail itself of the experience of officers in the States from other departments, such as the Department of Labor and Immigration, the Department of Overseas Trade, and the Department of Housing and Construction, who are daily involved in research in current trends in their respective departmental areas? If the Treasury does not have permanently within the States research officers responsible for these functions of research and liaison, will the Treasurer immediately investigate the obvious need for such positions with a view to establishing them?

Senator WRIEDT - It is my understanding that the Federal Treasury does not have officers in that category stationed in the States and that in fact it works in conjunction with the State departmental officials. I would think that the establishment of such positions would tend to create duplication in the States and therefore presumably the Treasurer would take the view that it is better to rely on the expertise within the State departments that is currently available to him. Nevertheless I will convey the suggestion to the Treasurer and ascertain whether there is anything further that he would like to add.