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Tuesday, 9 September 1958

Mr DAVIDSON - I assure the honorable member for Melbourne that there is no desire, no intent, and indeed no reason for the Government to hold up its determination on this important matter. It may be that I have to acknowledge a little fault in the matter myself, because, as honorable members know, I have been away from duty for a little while.

Mr Calwell - That is not a fault in this instance.

Mr DAVIDSON - The Australian Broadcasting Control Board carried out complete investigations in both Brisbane and Adelaide into the applications for television licences. Those investigations took a great deal longer than was expected, but the applications were very thoroughly canvassed. As I announced last week, I have recently received an interim report from the Australian Broadcasting Control Board. It is my duty to submit that report to the Government for its determination. That will be done very shortly, and some announcement on the matter will be made, I should say, within the next few weeks.

Dr Evatt - When was the interim report received?

Mr DAVIDSON - I received it a week or two ago. I should think an announcement will be made within about a week.

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