PETROL COMMISSION

Northern Advocate, 17 April 1933, Page 6

PETROL COMMISSION

PERSONNEL ATTACKED. “WILL WHITEWASH COMPANIES.” CANBERRA, April 3. During an attack on the personnel of the Royal Commission on the petrol industry in the House of Representatives, the leader of the State Labour party (Mr Beasley) declared that the function of the commission would, be to “whitewash” the oil companies. On the motion for the adjournment, Mr Beasley said it was now clear that the terms of reference of the commission would not include the most important aspect—the sabotaging influences of the oil monopolies in the development of Australia’s natural oil resources. The power of the companies appeared to be greater than that of the Government, Unless the Government seriously tackled the development of Australian oil resources with a view to making'- the nation independent of these interests, no matter what finding the commission returned, .Australia would stall be at the mercy of the oil

companies. Indications were, he said, that the inquiry would centre on landing and distribution costs of petrol. The House already had an idea / of how the oil companies profits had been hidden in the past. The personnel of the commission did not provide for any investigation as to the development of Australian oil resources. Mr Lamb, K.C., the chairman, who had for many years been retained as a servant of vested interests was closely associated with the Nationalist party, and had conducted most of the “terrorist” prosecutions with which that party had been associated. He was also legal adviser to the New Guard. Mr A: E. Barton seemed to be among the favoured few in big business. He had been conducting inquiries for many business organisations. How could the House bo sure that some of these business people l were not in some way connected with the oil companies? As for Mr John Gunn, his associations were such that he should be able to face the problem without any strings or ties, 'All that would happen, said Mr Beasley, would be that the commission would have a charter to “whitewash,” the companies. When it was all over, even if prices were reduced, the.petrolbuying public would still be in the' companies’ hands. At a later stage the excuse could be put up that , some foreign situation necessitated an increase in price.

The Attorney-General (Mr Latham), in reply, said it was hoped that the commission would be able, to arrive at an impartial and unbiased decision. Mr Beasley’s criticism of members apparently rested on the fact that they had filled responsible and difficult tasks in the past. The Government was attempting to develop the local oil industry, but the Royal Commission could not assist in that.

During question time Mr tSeullin asked ]\fr Latliam whether, in view of the delay and the cost that would bo evolved if Commonwealth Constitutional powers were challenged, the Government would seek the co-opera-tion of one or more of the 'States in the Royal Commission on the petrol industry. Mr Latham said it was thought that time would be saved by acting Undor Federal powers, but further consideration would be given to the suggestion.