Hon. Mr. HAGGART.

I would like to ask what is the earliest day when we could expect the Redistribution Bill.

The Bill is in a very advanced stage. I would not like to fix a definite date for its introduction, but I can promise that it will be introduced very shortly.

Mr. W. F. MACLEAN (East York).

Before the motion for Committee of Supply is put,

I would ask the Minister of Justice if it is ; the intention of the government to introduce a general telephone law this session ?

I think that when the hon. gentleman (Mr. Maclean) asked that question before, the leader of the House suggested that there should be a formal notice. The Prime Minister is absent at the moment, but if the hon. gentleman will put a notice on the paper it will be a reminder, and an answer will be given.

Mr. MACLEAN.

I think this is sufficient notice, and the next time the Committee of Supply is moved for I shall press for an answer.

The hon. gentleman cannot get an answer if we have not one ready for him.

Mr. F. D. MONK (Jacques Cartier).

Before you leave the Chair, Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention and that of the House to a matter of very great importance to the city of Montreal. I refer to the vacancy in St. James division. We have had the announcement in the speech from the Throne that very important matters in connection with the transportation question and other matters of interest to the city of Montreal are to be brought up this session. I think it extremely desirable that this important division of the city of Montreal should be represented without delay in this House, as its interest in these questions is so great. You, Mr. Speaker, have, no doubt, issued your warrant, and an election can be had there in time enough to have here from St. .Tames division a representative who will be able to sit and deliberate upon these important questions. Besides, the division having been represented as it has been for the past two sessions, and in view of other circumstances to which I need not refer, it is but right and pvoper that an election should be had there without delay and the division represented. I do not think it should be necessary to insist at length upon the urgency of this matter. I live in the division and have a vote there, and I know that the electors of the division are extremely anxious to be represented in the present session. I would ask the government if it is the intention to have an election there without delay.

My hon. friend (Mr. Monk) is, no doubt, aware that there has been a special finding in that case, and a report that there was a general system of bribery in the election. Under these circumstances, the question arises whether the

warrant should be issued direct by the Speaker, or whether it should not be taken cognizance of by the House itself. There are several precedents on the subject, and we must consider them.

Mr. MONK.

I was not aware that there was such a report.

Mr. SPEAKER.

As my name was brought into the discussion, I may inform the hon. member (Mr. Monk) that I was prevented from issuing my warrant because a report was made that a general system of corruption had prevailed in the election. Section 48, chapter 9, of the Revised Statutes seemed to cover the case and to prevent my issuing my warrant.

Mr. MACLEAN.

Is it the intention of the Minister of Justice to bring it before the attention of the House ?

It is a matter to he considered by the House, not by the Department of Justice.

Mr. MACLEAN.

When will it be brought before the House ?

At the proper time.

Hon. Mr. HAGGART.

I see by a report in the Toronto ' Globe ' that it is likely that the budget speech will be made on Thursday next. Is there any intention on the part of the Finance Minister to-

The report is not correct. An announcement will be made, as usfial, a couple of days in advance.