Senator BISHOP (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) - My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing and Construction or to the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. I refer to defence service housing loans and ask: Has attention been drawn to the complaints by servicemen, ex-servicemen and service associations that at present the availability of funds for those qualified for a loan is worse than the availability of funds for loans to ordinary public servants? Is it a fact that as a result of the sale of land from the reservoir of land which is available for defence service homes some millions of dollars has become available for Consolidated Revenue which might have been used to cut down the waiting time for loans? Will the Minister consider that situation and see whether the request of the Returned Services League in respect of those funds might be acceded to and cut out the waiting time of 14 months which is quite different from the waiting time of ordinary public servants?

Senator Dame MARGARET GUILFOYLE

I believe the matters raised by Senator Bishop are within the responsibility of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. A number of matters have been raised and I will need to refer them to the Minister. I will see what information I am able to provide. I will also present to the Minister the suggestions that have been made by Senator Bishop.