§ 1. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, if he has any information to give the House with regard to the proposals of the Australian Government for the development of North Australia?
§ Captain AUSTIN HUDSON (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has had no information in regard to these proposals other than that which has already appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand that, in spite of the fact that the Press is full of statements on the subject, there is no statement to be made in this House?
§ Captain HUDSONI think a statement may be made later, but it cannot be made at the moment.
§ Mr. MANDERThen at the present time do I understand that we have to rely on the Press and that there is no statement to be made in the House?
§ Captain HUDSONI have nothing to add to my Answer, which was that there is no information other than that which has appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman's absence due to his having gone out to inquire about these things at the order of the hon. Gentleman opposite?