Oliver James Wilcox, Esquire, member for the north riding of Essex, by Mr. R. L. Borden and Mr. Armstrong.
Sir WILFRID LAURIER moved:
That the name of Mr. Ross (Middlesex) be added to the following select standing committees: 1. Railways, Canals and Telegraph
lines. 2. Miscellaneous, Private Bills. 3. Banking and Commerce, and (4) Agriculture and Colonization.
Motion agreed to.
Sir WILFRID LAURIER moved:
That the name of Mr. Wilcox be added to the following select standing committees: 1.
Railways, Canals and Telegraph Lines. 2. Miscellaneous, Private Bills. 3. Public Accounts. 4. Agriculture and Colonization, and 5. Library.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. FIELDING.
With regard to the budget, I would propose to move that Thursday be made a government day and on that day I expect to make the budget speech, if there be no objection to taking Thursday for that purpose.
Mr. FOSTER.
I do not often have to ask for delay in these matters but there is an engagement made several months ago that is due on Thursday, and I will not be able to be here. Of course, the Finance Minister may go on, but it would deprive me of the pleasure of listening to his speech.
Mr. FIELDING.
I would not care to go on in the absence of my hon. friend. His face opposite is always an inspiration to
me.
Mr. R. L. BORDEN.
Thursday is government day, I think, without any motion.
Mr. FIELDING.
Not this week.
Sir WILFRID LAURIER.
One month after the opening of parliament.
Mr. R. L. BORDEN.
I thought it was after the third week.
Mr. FIELDING.
I think the fourth week. I believe it is the last Thursday which is private members' day. Thursday would be the only day available. The trouble is that if we get into the following week we are getting dangerously near the recess. However, I will not bring it up on Thursday, if my hon. friend will not be present. I will probably bring it up on Tuesday of the following week, but I will later make a more definite statement.
1. Wkat was the average price paid by the government per bushel for each of the different grades of wheat, oats and barley distributed as seed grain in the year 1908?
2. What was the additional cost incurred per bushel for cleaning the grain, sacking, freight, distribution, customs duties, and other expenses in connection therewith?
3. What was the charge per bushel for each grade made to the farmers to whom the seed grain was supplied?
4. What was the average price per bushel at which the surplus of each grade, not distributed as seed grain, was sold by the government ?
5. What was the contract price paid for wheat and oat sacks and at what price were the unused sacks sold?
6. What was the total amount charged against farmers to whom the seed grain was supplied, and how much was paid on account of such seed grain by the farmers to the government up to March 1, 1909?
7. What was the net profit or loss to the government in connection with the seed grain distribution?
