Mr. HUGHES (Victoria).
I would like to draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the fact that I placed a question with the Clerk two days ago which does not appear on the question paper this morning. He may remember that I showed it to him.
I am sorry, but my hon. friend knows that I am not responsible for that. I do not know who is responsible ; but if the hon. gentleman will send his question, I will answer it to-morrow.
Mr. HUGHES (Victoria).
It was in reference to the Bill recently passed by the Ontario legislature extending its term, which many suppose is contrary to the constitution.
Bill (No. 145) to further amend the Railway Act.-Hon. Mr. Blair.
Bill (No. 155) further to amend the Penitentiaries Act (Rt. Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier), read the second time ; considered in committee, reported ; read the third time and passed.
Bill (No. 156) to amend the Customs Tariff, 1897 (Hon. Mr. Fielding), read the second time ; considered in committee, reported ; read the third time and passed.
The MINISTER OF INLAND REVENUE moved third reading of Bill (No. 144) to amend the Inland Revenue Act.
Mr. MACLEAN.
Is this the Bill that provides for the appointment of a Deputy Minister ?
Yes.
Mr. MACLEAN.
I do not see any provision in it that a title be conferred on Mr. Bernier who is described in a circular sent to the members as ' that upright and honest 183
man who deserves to be called the lion of the south.'
Motion agreed to, Bill read the third time and passed.
Bill (No. 151) to amend the Act respecting the Senate and House of Commons (Rt. Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier), read the second time, and House went into committee thereon.
Mr. SPROULE.
I do not see any provision in this Bill regarding the rate per day at which members may draw their allowance. There should also be some better provision for regulating the attendance of members. ' >
That is a point which deserves some consideration. We have not been oblivious to that, but we have thought it proper not to deal with that this session. The only thing we were anxious about at present was to provide for the increase. But I believe that some provision will have to be made to anticipate some-I will not say evils-but some practices that ought to be put a stop to.
Mr. BORDEN (Halifax).
I am not sure but that the fine for non-attendance should be Increased, as well as the indemnity. Of course, I do not urge that that be done in connection with the present Bill, but it is a matter which the right hon. premier might keep in mind. We make a pretty liberal allowance for non-attendance when we allow a member to be absent for fifteen days. The provisions of the statute should be such as to enforce, as far as possible, the reasonable attendance of members upon their duties in the House. I do not think the amount of $1,500 is too great for a man who leaves his business and comes here and attends in a proper way to the business of the House. But I think we should use every possible safeguard so as to insure that, as far as possible, members shall attend here regularly during the session, and that they shall give their time to the service of the country during the period for which parliament is in session. I trust the right hon. gentleman will take that matter into consideration before another session and prepare some amendment to the law in that direction.