VPRS 12080 Index to Builders' Applications and Purchasers

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.The cards provide an index to applications to build or renovate structures. Cards were prepared for builders and for prospective purchasers. These were retained in separate alphabetical sequences. Both sequences gave the name and address of the builder and purchaser and the number of the file dealing with the matter (the files are not in custody as of June 1999). A number of purchasers may be listed on a single builders card.