Mr HOLT (FAWKNER, VICTORIA) - I direct a question to the Treasurer arising out of a directive issued by the Commonwealth Bank to the trading banks restricting advances and overdrafts, which bears on the possible consequences, particularly to small industries and businesses, of a prolonged strike on the coal-fields. Will the right honorable gentleman state whether, under the directive, managers of branches of the private banks will have authority to exercise discretion in making advances available to small businesses and industries which experience difficulties in consequence of the coal strike. If such discretionary authority is not granted at present, will the right honorable gentleman confer with the Commonwealth Bank with a view to modifying the directive in order to meet this emergency?