§ 68. Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the comparative cost of living in Queensland for the years 1913 up to the present; if he will issue a White Paper with the concerns taken over and managed by the State showing income, expenditure, and liabilities; and also the hours and wages of the workers engaged in such concerns?
Colonel WILSONThe Secretary of State has not at his disposal the necessary information, and he does not consider that he could properly call on the Queensland Government to furnish it.
§ Mr. SWANIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware of the statements that have been made as to these concerns and their economic effect, and, as there is a strong desire manifested in this House to get an understanding how these concerns have worked, would it not be in the interest of the House that a statement should be furnished as to the economic effect or otherwise of the working of the concerns in Queensland—information which has often been requested from the other side of the House.
Colonel WILSONI doubt whether any information that could be supplied at the present time would be of any real value. If the information is not contained in the Australian Year Book—which comes out every year—I will see if anything can be done to meet the hon. Member's wishes.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that in 1906 we asked for information from the Colonies on similar matters, and a very valuable return was obtained? Could not that be repeated?
§ Mr. LAWSONHas it not been publicly stated repeatedly that the cost of living in this country has gone up 35 per cent. since 1919?