VPRS 12066 Orders in Council

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 consists of carbon copies of Orders in Council as submitted to the State Executive Council on behalf of the Prices Control Branch by the Attorney-General as the Prices Control Branch was responsible to the Law Department (VA 2825). These Orders-in-Council are primarily concerned with the appointment, promotion and resignation of officers of the Branch. Further details pertaining to officers of the Prices Control Branch may be found in VPRS 10250 Personnel Files.