HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc1417-8
2. Mr. Ogden

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Tasmania.

Mr. Bowden

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Rye (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine) on 14th March.—[Vol. 743, c. 39.]

Mr. Ogden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is asking for a little more information than was given in those Ques- tions? Can he now say whether there is to be any permanent evidence of an increase in our interest in the disaster areas in Tasmania in the form of perhaps a hospital or a school, or something of that nature?

Mr. Bowden

I do not think that I can go as far as that. I visited the area of the fire devastation and had consultation with the Deputy Premier, since which time I have received a letter from the Premier of Tasmania in which he refers to the magnificent gesture of our contribution. In my discussion with the Deputy Premier, I offered to give any other assistance which they thought would be necessary. I understand, nevertheless, that the Commonwealth Government of Australia and the Tasmanian Government have agreed between them to replace all of the homes free of charge.

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