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405

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

JOURNALS OF THE SENATE.

No. 103.

WEDNESDAY,-.2 1st OCTOBER, 1953.

1. Meeting of Senate.—The Senate met at half-past ten a.m., pursuant to adjournment.—The President (Senator the Honorable A. M; McMullin)' took'the Ghair.

2. PRAYERS.

3. Governor-Ge- nera-l’s Message—Assent to B ills.—The following Message from His Excellency the · Governor-General was presented, and the same was read by the President:— W. J. SLIM, Governor-General. Message No. 61.

Proposed Laws intituled :— “ Commonwealth Observatory Trust Fund' -Act 1953 ” “ Forestry and. Timber Bureau 1953 ” as finally passed by the-Senate and the House- of Representatives of the Commonwealth, having been presented to the Governor-GeneraT for' tbe Royal Assent, His Excellency has, in the name and oh behalf of Her Majesty, assented to the said Laws.

Government House, Canberra, 16th October, 1953.

4. Questions.—Questions on notice were -answered.

5. P apers.—.The following Papers- v^ere presented, by Command of His Excellency the Governor-General— Commonwealth Committee on Taxation—Reports— Collection by instalments.

Entertainments Tax—conditional exemption. Pay-roll Tax—exemptions and anomalies. Pay-roll Tax—local governing bodies. , Penal provisions and prosecutions. Provisional tax. Retums-and assessments. Sales Tax—freight charges: Sales Tax exemptions—private hospitals and similar institutions. . Taxation of abnormal income receipts.

6. J oint Committee of P ublic Accounts—R eport.—Senator Paltridge brought up the following Report from the Joint Committee of Public Accounts :— Tenth Report—Department of National Development: Further Report.

7. Customs Tariff Validation Bill (No. 2) 1953.—Message from the House of Rejnesentatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives v>as received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 249.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to provide for the Validation of Collections of--Duties of Customs under Customs Tariff Proposals ”, in- which it' desires the concurrence of the -Senate. ' -Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 20th October, 1953.

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so'much of the Sta-nding Orders be-suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. .

On the motion of Senator O’Sullivan the Bill was read a first time. Senator O’Sullivan moved—That the Bill be now read a second-time. O nthe motion o f Senator Gourtice the debate was"-adjourned. Ordered— -That the resumption of the debate be an Order of the Day for the next day of sitting. F.8176.

406 N o . 103.—21 si and 22nd October, 1953.

8. E xcise Tariff Validation Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 250.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to provide for the Validation of Collections of Duties of Excise under Excise Tariff Proposals ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, . Speaker.

Canberra, 20th October, 1953.

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. On the motion of Senator O’Sullivan the Bill was read a first time. Senator O’Sullivan moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. ' On the motion of Senator Courtice the debate was adjourned. Ordered—That the resumption of the debate be an Order of the Day for the next day of sitting.

9. L oan (War Service L and Settlement) Bill 1953—Message from the House of Representatives.— The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read Mr. P resident, Message No. 251.

, The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to authorize the Raising of Moneys for the purpose of Financial Assistance to the States of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania in connexion with War Service Land Settlement, and for other purposes ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

I Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, . Speaker.·

Canberra, 20th October, 1953. :

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan), pursuant to contingent notice, moved-—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent ' the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. ί

On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Bill was read a first time. : . -

Senator Spooner moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. On the motion of Senator Cole the debate was adjourned. Ordered—That the resumption of the debate !be an Order of the Day for the next day of sitting.

10. Appropriation Bill 1953-54.—The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the further consideration of the Bill. j ,

In the> Committee.

Second Schedule further considered—. ·

To report progress and ask leave to sit again. . .

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported that the Committee had considered the Bill and had made progress, and asked leave to sit again. Ordered—That the Committee have leave to sit again at a later hour of the day.

11. Suspension of Standing Order No. 68.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) moved—That Standing Order No. 68 be suspended for this sitting, to enable new Business to be commenced after half-past ten o’clock at night. Question—put and passed, there being present an absolute majority of the whole number of Senators,

and no dissentient voice. ■

12. Appropriation Bill 1953-54.—The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the further consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Second Schedule further considered— ·

And it being 11 p.m.—The Chairman, under Sessional Order, put the Question—That he do leave the Chair and report to the Senate— Which Question was negatived. .

Debate continued.

And the Committee having continued to sit until twelve o’clock midnight— -THURSDAY, 2 2 n d OCTOBER, 1953, a .m . Debate continued. ’ \

Department of Immigration— , ■ .

Closure.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) moved—That the Question be now put. " " . ' '■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ’ . .......,

Question—That the Question be now put—put. ,. . ..

40? N o. 103.—22nd October, 1953, a.m .

The Committee divided—

Ayes, 29.

Senator— Anderson. Cooper. Gorton.

Guy. Hannaford. Henty. Kendall.

Laught. McCallum. McLeay. McMuilin.

Maher. Marriott. Mattner. O’Sullivan.

Paltridge.

Noes, 22.

Senator— McKenna. Nicholls. O’Flaherty. Ryan.

Sandford. Sheehan. Tangney. To obey. Willesee.

Teller:

Senator, Cr itchley.

Senator— Pearson. Rankin, G. J. Reid. Scott. Seward. Spicer.

Spooner. Ward! aw. Wedgwood. Wood. Wordsworth.

Wright.

Teller:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

Senator— Amour. Armstrong. Arnold. Ashley.

Aylett. Benn. Cole. Cooke.

Courtice. Harris. Hendrickson. Kennelly.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative. " ' .

Question—That the vote for the Department of Immigration be agreed to—put accordingly, and passed. '

Second Schedule further considered— Defence Services—Department of the Army— Closure.—Senator McLeay moved—That the Question be now put. ■ ■ Question—That the Question be now put—put. ' '

The Committee divided—

Ayes, 29.

Senator— Senator—

Anderson. Pearson.

Cooper. Rankin, G. J.

Gorton. Reid.

Guy. Scott.

Hannaford. ■ Seward.

Henty. Spicer. .

Kendall. Spooner.

Laught. Wardlaw.

McCallum. Wedgwood.

McLeay. Wood.

McMuilin. W ordsworth.

Maher. Wright.

Marriott. Mattner. Teller:

O’Sullivan. Senator Annabel

Paltridge. Rankin.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative.

Senator— Amour. Armstrong. Ashley. Aylett.

Benn. "

Cooke. Courtice. Harris. Hendrickson. Kennedy.

McKenna.

Noes, 19.

Senator— Nicholls. O’Flaherty. Ryan.

Sandford. Sheehan; . Toohey. Willesee.

■ Teller:

Senator Critchley.

Question—That the vote for Defence Services—Department of the Army be·—agreed to—put accordingly, and passed. ,

Second Schedule further considered— Postmaster-General’s Department— . · . . . . .

Closure.—Senator McLeay moved—That the Question be now put. Question—That the Question be now put—put. The Committee divided—

Ayes, 28.

Senator— Senator—

Anderson. Pearson.

Cooper. ' Reid.

Gorton. Scott.

Guy. Seward.

Hannaford. Spicer.

Henty. Spooner.

Kendall. Wardlaw.

Laught. Wedgwood.

McCallum. Wood.

McLeay. Wordsworth.

McMuilin. Maher.

Wright.

Marriott. Teller: Mattner. O’Sullivan. Senator Annab

Paltridge. Rankin.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative.

Noes, 20. ’

Senator— Senator— .

Amour. McKenna.

Armstrong. , Nicholls. .

Arnold. : O’Flaherty.

Ashley. Ryan. .

Aylett. Sandford.

Benn. Sheehan.

■ Cooke. Toohey.

Courtice. Willesee.

Hendrickson. Teller:

Kennedy. Senator Critchley.

408 N o. 103:—%2nd October, 1953, a.m .

Question—That the vote for the Postmaster-General’s Department be agreed to—put accordingly, and passed. Second Schedule further considered— Broadcasting Services— Closure.—Senator McLeay moved—That the Question be now ;put. Question—That the Question be now put—put.

The 'Committee divided—

Senator—-Anderson. Cooper. Gorton. Guy.

Hanmaford. Henty. Kendall. Laught.

McCallum. McLeay. McMullm.

Maher. M arriott. Mattner.

O’Sullivan. Paltridge.

Ayes, 28. Senator— Pearson. Reid.

Scott. Seward. Spicer. Spooner. Wardlaw.

Wedgwood. Wood. Wordsworth. W right.

Teller:

Senator Ann a belle Rankin.

Noes, 20.

Senator— Amour, Armstrong. Arnold. Ashley.

Aylett. Benn. Cooke. Courtice. Harris.

Hendrickson. Kennelly.

Senator— McKenna- Nicholls, O’Elaherty. Ryan.

Sandford. Sheehan. Toohey. Willesee.

T iller:

Senator Critchley.

. And so it was resolved in the affirmative. Question—That the vote for Broadcasting Sendees be agreed to—put accordingly, and passed. Second Schedule further considered— Territories of the Commonwealth—

Closure.—Senator McLeay moved—That the Question be now put. Question—That the Question be now put-—put. The Committee divided—

Senator— Anderson. Cooper. Gorton.

Guy. Hannaford. Henty. Kendall.

Laught. McCallum. McLeay. McMullin. Maher.

M arriott. Mattner. O’Sullivan. Paltridge.

Ayes, 28. Senator—- Pearson. Reid.

Scott. Seward.

. Spicer.

Spo'oner. Wardlaw. Wedgwood. Wood.

Wordsworth, W right.

Teller:

Senator Anna'belle Rankin.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative.

Noes, 20.

Senator— Amour. Armstrong. Arnold. Ashley. Aylett.

Benn. Cooke. Courtice. H arris.

Hendrickson. Kennelly.

Senator— McKenna. Nicholls. O’Flaherty.

Ryan. Sandford. Sheehan. Toohey.

Willesee.

Teller:

Senator Critchley.

Question—That the votes for the Territories of the Commonwealth be agreed to—put accordingly, and passed. Second Schedule agreed to. Title agreed to. Bill to be reported without requests.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Pearson) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for .National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted , and the .Bill read a third time.

13. Appropriation (Works and Services) Bill 1953-54.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on-the Question—That .the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. ■

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the.Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and debated— Closure.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) moved—That the Question be now put. .

No·. 103.—22nd October, 1953. 409

Question—That the Question be .now puti— *put. .The Committee divided— "

Ayes, 28. Noes; 20.

Senator— Anderson. Cooper. Gorton.

Guy. Hannaford. Henty. Kendall.

Laught. McCallum. McLeay. McMullin.

Maher. Marriott. Mattner. O ’Sullivan.

Paltridge.

Senator— Pearson. Beid. Scott.

Seward. Spicer. Spooner. Wardlaw.

Wedgwood. Wood. Wordsworth. Wright.

Senator— Amour. Armstrong. Arnold. Ashley.

Aylett. Benn. Cooke; Courtice. Harris.

Hendrickson. Kennelly.

Teller:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

And so i t was resolved in the affirmative. . Question—That the Bill stand as printed—put accordingly, and passed. Bill to be reported without amendment.

Senator— McKenna. Nicholls. O’Flaherty. · Ryan.

Sandford. Sheehan. Toohey. Willesee.

Teller:

Senator Critchley.

The 'Deputy-President resumed- the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report- from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill-read a third time.

Suspension of Sitting.—At twenty-seven minutes past eight.a.m. .the .sitting of .the Senate was.suspended, until eleven a.m. .

- The Senate having resumed—

14. P apers.—The following Papers were presented, pursuant to: Statute— Dairy Produce Export Control Act—Twenty ^eighth.. Annual Report of the Australian Dairy Produce Board, for year 1952-53. Egg Export Control Act—Sixth Annual Report of the Australian Egg Board, for. year 1952-53.

Judiciary Act—Rule of Court, dated 9th October, 1953. Public Service Act—Appointments—Department— National Development—M. F. Wall. Supply—A. N. H. Cope.

15. J oint Committee of P ublic Accounts—Report.—Senator- Paltridge -brought up the following Report from the Joint Committee of Public Accounts :— Sixth Report—Department of External Affairs.

16. E state -Duty -Assessment Bill -1-953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, - ' Message No. 252.

The House of Representatives acquaints the Senate that it has agreed to the1 Amendments made by the Senate in the Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to amend, the ' Estate Duty Assessment Aci‘191:4— 1950 ’, as amended by the * Taxation Administration Act 1953 ’ ”. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

‘Canberra, 21st October, 1953.

17. Seamen’s War P ensions and Allowances Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.— The following Message from theH ousenf Representativeswas:received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message 'No. 254.

The House of Representatives returns to the Senate the Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to amend the ‘ Seamen’s War Pensions and Allowances Act 1940-1952'’ ”, and acquaints Jthe Senate that the House of Representatives has agreed to the Bill without amendment. -Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra,-21st October, 1953.

18. Social Services Consolidation Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives -was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 253.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for -aft Act to amend the ‘ Social Services Consolidation Act T947-1952 ’ ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the " Senate. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representati ves, :Speaker.

Canberra, 21st October, 1953. ,

410 N o . 103.—22nd October, 1953.

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Bill was read a first

time. .

Senator Spooner moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. On the motion of Senator Tangney the debate was adjourned. ' ' ·

Ordered—That the resumption of the debate be an Order of the Day for a later hour of the day.

19. States Grants Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 255.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act . to grant and apply out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund sums for the purpose of Financial Assistance to the States of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, . ■ Speaker.

Canberra, 21st October, 1953. .

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Bill was read a first

time.

Senator Spooner moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. On the motion of Senator McKenna the debate was adjourned. Ordered—That the resumption of the debate be an Order of the Day for a later hour of the day.

20. R escission of Orders of the Senate.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) moved, by leave;—That the Orders of the Senate fixing the resumption of the debate on the following Bills as Orders of the Day for the next day of sitting, be rescinded, and that the resumption of the debate be Orders of the Day for a later hour this day :—

Customs Tariff Validation Bill (No. 2) 1953 ; ,

Excise Tariff Validation Bill 1953 ; and .

Loan (War Service Land Settlement) Bill 1953. Question—put and passed.

21. Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Closure.—The Attorney-General (Senator Spicer) moved—That the Question be now put.

Question—That the Question be now put—put. ' '

The Senate divided— .

Senator— Anderson. Cooper. Gorton.

Guy. Hannaford. Henty. Kendall.

Laught. McCallum. McXeay. Maher. M arriott.· , Mattner.

O’Sullivan. Paltridge.

Ayes, 28. Senator— Pearson. Rankin, G. J.

Reid. Scott. Seward. . Spicer.

Spooner. Wardlaw. Wedgwood. Wood. Wordsworth. Wright.

Teller:

. Senator Anriabelle . Rankin. '

Senator— Armstrong. Ashley. Aylett. .

> Benn. Brown. Cameron. Cole. Cooke. ;

Courtice. H arris. Hendrickson. Kennelly.

Noes, 22.

Senator— McKenna. Nicholls. O’Flaherty.

Ryan. Sandford. Sheehan.

Tangney. Toohey. Willesee.

Teller: ■ .

Senator Critchley.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative. Question—That the Bill be now read a second time—put accordingly, and passed. ' Bill read a second time. . . "

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator McCallum) reported accordingly. , On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time. .

N o. 103.—22nd. October, 1953. 411

22. Sales Tax Bills (Nos. 1 to 9) 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question— That the Bills be now read a second time. :

Debate resumed. -

Question—put and passed. Bills read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bills.

' In the Committee.

Bills, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bills to be reported without requests.

The Acting Deputy-President (Senator McCallum) resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bills were read a third time. - '

23. States Grants (Special F inancial Assistance) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. . ' Debate resumed. .

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate; according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Acting Deputy-President (Senator McCallum) resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

24. P ostponement.—Ordered—That Order of the Day No. 6, Government Business, be postponed until after the further consideration of the Customs Tariff Validation Bill (No. 2) 1953 and the Excise Tariff Validation Bill 1953.

25. Customs Tariff Validation Bill (No. 2) 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. '

Debate resumed. ■ .

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without requests.

The Acting Deputy-President (Senator McCallum) resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

26. Excise Tariff Validation B ill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. . . ...

Question—put and passed. .

Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without requests.

The Acting Deputy-President (Senator McCallum) resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. . On the motion of the Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) the Report from Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

412 N o. 108.—"22nd October, 1953.

27. L oan (Housing) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned- debate- on-the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. '

Debate resumed. Senator Cooke moved an amendment, viz.—leave out all words after “ That ”, insert “ this "Senate is of the opinion that the moneys should be advanced to the States but therGovernment should'call an immediate conference of the parties to the State Housing Agreement (1945) and announce its

intention of carrying out the Commonwealth’s financial obligations under the Agreement and endeavour to secure an amendment to the Agreement which will enable tenants to buy their homes on easy terms, and which will secure a substantial reduction of the interest rate ”.. Debate continued.

And General Business talcing precedence of Government Business after 8 p.m.— 28. Berry F ruits I ndustry.—Senator Wright, pursuant to notice, moved—That this Senate is of the opinion— (1) That the Sugar Concession Committee should sympathetically consider providing out of the

Committee’s surplus funds sufficient moneys to enable a price payable to' the producer to be paid in respect of manufactured berry fruits ; (2) That the Federal Government should give consideration to the provision of finance to promote a vigorous programme of expansion of sales within Australia of berry fruit

products ;

and concurrently— (3) That the Tasmanian State Government has a prime responsibility to assist the industry in a tangible form ; and (4) That the reorganization of costs- of the industry is imperative in all phases· of. picking,

transporting and processing of berry fruits. Senator Guy seconded the motion. Senator Aylett moved an amendment, viz.—paragraph (2), after the words “ to the provision of finance to ” insert the words “ assist the berry fruit growers and’ to ”. Amendment agreed to. Motion, as amended, debated— Senator Scott moved—That the debate be now adjourned.

Question—That the debate be now' adjourned—put. The Senate divided— '

Senator— Amour. Anderson. Armstrong.

Benn. Brown. Cameron. Cooke.

Cooper. Courtice. Critchley. Gorton.

Hannaford. Harris. Kendall. Laught.

McLeay. McMullin. Maher.

Ayes, 34. Senator— Mattner. Nicholle.

O’Sullivan. Paltridge. Pearson. Reid.

Ryan. Sandford. Scott. Sheehan.

Spooner. Tangney. Toohey. Willesee. Wood.

Tel ler:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

Senator— .Aylett. Cole. Guy.

Henty. Kennelly. McCallum. McKenna.

Marriott.

Noes, 14. Senator— O’Flaherty. Rankin, G. J.

Seward. Wardlaw. Wordsworth.

Teller:

Senator ‘Wright.

And' so it was resolved in the affirmative. Ordered—That the resumption of the debate be an Order of. the Day for the next, day of. sitting.

29. Commonwealth E lectoral Laws—J oint .Committee:—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the motion by Senator Guy, viz :— 1) That a Joint Committee’be appointed to consider and report upon tlie electoral· laws of the Commonwealth.

(2) That five Members of the Senate be appointed to serve on such Committee. (3) That a report on its deliberations be submitted by the Committee to ’both Houses of the Parliament within four months after its appointment. - (4) That, notwithstanding anything'contained·in·tlie Standing-Orders—

(a) the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to adjourn from place to place, and to sit during any adjournment of the Parliam ent; and have leave to report from time-to time the evidence taken ; (b) the Committee have leave to report from-time to time its .proceedings, and any

member of the Committee have power: toraddia:pretest or, dissent to any report; . (c) five members of the Committee constitute a quorum of the Committee ; (d) the Chairman of the Committee have a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equ ality of votin g, have'a- castingwote ;

(e) a Message be sent to'the "House ofRepTesentatives' requesting; its.concurrence and askifig.'that six .Members1 of the House of ;Representati.ves:be-appointed to serve on such Committee, .

N o. 103.—22nd October, 1953. 413

Ordered, on the motion of Senator Guy—That the resumption of the debate be made an Order of the Day for this day week.

’ And consideration of Government Business being resumed— 30. L oan (Housing) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time—And on the amendment moved thereto by Senator Cooke (see previous page). - -

Debate resumed. Question—That the words proposed to be left out be left ouU-put. , The Senate divided— Ayes, 20.

Senator— Senator— Senator—

Amour, Nicholls. Anderson.

Armstrong. O’Flaherty. Cooper.

Aylett. Ryan. Gorton.

Brown. Sandford. Guy.

Cameron. Sheehan. Hannaford.

. Cole. Tangney. Henty.

Cooke. T oohey. Kendall.

Cotirtice. Willesee. Laught.

Harris.

Teller:

McCallum.

Kennelly. McLeay.

McKenna. Senator Critchley. McMullin.

Maher. M arriott. Mattner. O’Sullivan. Paltridge.

Amendment negatived accordingly. Question—That the Bill be'now read a second time—put and passed. Bill read a second time.

Noes, 29.

Senator— Pearson. Rankin, G. J. Reid. Scott.

Seward. Spicer. Spooner. Wardlaw.

Wedgwood. . Wood. Wordsworth. Wright.

Teller:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. . .

On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time. '

31. Papers.—The following Papers were presented, pursuant to Statute— ■ Public Service Arbitration Act—Determinations bv the Arbitrator, &c.—1953— . No. 68—Australian Broadcasting Commission Staff Association. No. 70—Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association ; Printing Industry Employees’

Union ; and Others. ■ No. 71—Meat Inspectors’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service. No. 72—Australian Broadcasting Commission Staff Association. No. 73—Amalgamated Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 74—Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen. No. 75—Federated Ironworkers’ Association of Australia ; and Others. . No. 76—Electrical Trades Union of Australia. No. 77—Professional Officers’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service.

32. Printing Committee.—Seventh Report.—Senator Hannaford brought up the following Report from the Printing Committee :— ' ' . ■

Report.

The Printing Committee have the honour to .report that they have met in Conference with the Printing Committee of the House of Representatives. The Joint Committee, having considered the Petitions and Papers presented to Parliament since the last meeting of the Committee, recommend that the following be printed :—

Australian National University Act—Report of the Council for period 1st July, 1951 to 31st December, 1951. · ·

Commonwealth Committee on Taxation—Reports— ' ’ Collection by instalments. ■ .

Entertainments Tax—conditional exemption. ■ '

Pay-roll Tax—exemptions and anomalies.

- ·" . - Pay-roll Tax—local governing bodies. .

Penal provisions and prosecutions. ■ ·

Provisional tax. Returns and assessments. . - . .

Sales Tax—freight charges. .

: ' Sales Tax exemptions— -private hospitals and similar institutions, Taxation of abnormal income receipts, F.2176— 2

414 N o. 103.;—22nd October, 1953.

Postmaster-General's. Department— Forty-second Annual Report, for year 1951-52. Repatriation Act—Repatriation Commission—Report for year 1951— 52. Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Power. Act—Third Annual Report of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority, for year' 1951-52. .

Social Services Consolidation Act—Report by Director-General of Social Services for year 1952 53. . .

War Service Homes Act—Annual Report for year 1952-53.

22nd October, 1953.

D. C. H annaeord, Vice-Chairman.

Report read by Senator Hannaford. Senator-Hannaford moved, by leave—That the Report be adopted. Question—put and passed.

And. it being 10.30 p.m —

Adjournment Negatived.—The President, under Sessional Order, put the Question^That. the Senate do now adjourn— .

Which Question was negatived.

33. Social Services Consolidation Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. -

Debate resumed. Senator Tangney moved an amendment, viz.—leave out all words after “ Bill ”, insert “ be withdrawn and redrafted to provide for— (1) , the new pension rates to operate from the 1st July, 1953 ;

(2) the rates set out in the Bill to be further increased to the same percentage of the basic wage as before this Government took office ; (3) the amounts of permissible income and permissible property under the means- test to be further increased in accord with the change in money values ; (4) similarly appropriate increases to be made in those social service rates which have not been

so increased ”.

Question—That the words proposed to be left out be left out—put. The Senate divided— '

Ayes, 20. Noes, 29,

Senator— Senator— Senator—

Amour. McKenna. Anderson.

Armstrong. Nicholls. Cooper.

Aylett. O’Flaherty. Gorton.

Benn. Sandford. Guy.

Brown. Sheehan. Hannaford.

Cameron. Tangney. Henty.

Cole. Toohey. . Kendall.

Cooke. Willesee. Laught.

Courtice. Teller: McCallum. Harris. McLeay. Kennelly. . Senator Critchley. McMuilin.

Maher. Marriott. Mattner. O’Sullivan.

Pa.ltridge.

Senator—: '

Pearson. Rankin, G. J. Reid. Scott..

Seward. Spicer. Spooner. Wardlaw.

Wedgwood. Wood. Wordsworth. Wright.

Teller:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

Amendment negatived accordingly. " . ■

Question—That the Bill be now read a second time—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration- of the Bill.

In the. Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as; a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator McCallum) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read' a third time. "

34. States Grants Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the- adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. .

Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. ·

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

No. 103.—22nd October, 1953. 415

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Pearson) reported accordingly. ·

On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

35. L oan (War Service Land Settlement) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

36. R epatriation Bill 1953.—Message from, the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 256.

The House of Representatives returns to the Senate the Bill intituled “ A Bill for an ■ Act to amend the ‘ Repatriation Act 1920-1952 ’ ” , and acquaints the Senate that the House of Representatives has agreed to the Bill without amendment.

Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 22nd October, 1953. .

37. L eave of Absence to all Senators during Adjournment.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) moved, by leave—That leave of absence be granted to every Member of the Senate from the termination of the sitting this day to the day on which the Senate next meets. Question—put and passed.

38. Next Meeting of the Senate.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) moved— That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn till a day and hour to be fixed by the President, which time of meeting shall be notified to each Senator by telegram or letter. Question—put and passed.

39. Adjournment.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) moved—That the Senate do now adjourn. Debate ensued. Question—put and passed. The Senate adjourned at twelve minutes to twelve o’clock midnight, till a day and hour to be fixed

by the President, which time of meeting shall be notified to each Senator by telegram or letter.

40. Attendance.—Present, all the Members except Senators Byrne, Devlin, Fraser, Grant, O’Byrne and Vincent.

JOHN EDWARDS, Clerk of the Senate.

By A uthority: L. F. J ohnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.