VPRS 12074 Index to General Correspondence Files

Rationing and Prices were originally a function of the Commonwealth Government as part of its defence responsibilities with State Deputy Prices Commissioners being appointed for each State under the National Security (Prices) Regulations 1939. This function, after a referendum, became one for the individual states in 1948. The Victorian Government passed the Prices Regulation Act 1948 to both control prices during the period of post-war readjustment and control the progressive removal of price control. A Minister in Charge of Prices was appointed from 1950 to 1955. Under the Act, Commonwealth officers could continue to be employed by the State for the purposes of the Act (S50) and to ensure continuity of administration of the function.This series provided an index to general correspondence from individuals and other Government Agencies seeking information from the Prices Control Branch. Cards give the relevant File Number (files are not in custody as at June 1999), the date of receipt of and reply to the correspondence and a brief summary of the subject matter. Inquiries came from within the State of Victoria and from similar agencies in other States as well as the Commonwealth.