Mr. BLONDIN (Translation):

They are

distributed as a rule throughout the Dominion. We have opened new centres and it was found necessary to appoint more officers, but the new men are assigned to various points throughout the country. As regards the. province of Quebec, they are distributed between the cities of Quebec, Three Rivers, St. Hyacinthe, Montreal and other localities, according to their importance.

Weights and measures-rents, fuel, travelling expenses, postage, stationery, etc., including amount for purchase of standards of the metric system, salaries and other expenses of inspectors, $81,000.

Mr. MARCIL:

How is the inspection of weights and measures carried on in the province of Quebec?

Mr. BLONDIN:

The inspectors make

regular inspections every two years, or whenever they are called upon to do so.

Mr. MARCIL:

How many officials has tie minister now in the district of Quebec?

Mr. BLONDIN:

I am informed that we have nine.

Mr. MARCIL:

I understand that some inspectors in the district of Quebec are employed only two or three months in the

year. These men have no stated salaries, and are given allowances for their travelling expenses. What is the average salary paid to these men who are not employed the whole year round?

Mr. BLONDIN:

Mr. MARCIL:

What salary is paid to Mr. John Dagneau, of St. Omer, county of Bonaventure, district of Quebec?

Mr. BLONDIN:

I will obtain that information for my hon. friend.

Mr. MARCIL:

How many officials did the hon. minister have in the Quebec district five years ago? In my constituency three men have replaced two men, and I should like to know if the increase has been general throughout the 'district. I should like to know also whether Mr. Dagneau's salary has been increased, what he has been paid for travelling expenses, whether it is the custom of the department to allow such men to take part in municipal organizations and in the distribution of patronage and public offices. Hardly a return is brought down in the House which does not contain the name of John Dagneau as being the man making the complaint, as being a witness, or as having some connection with the distribution of patronage.

I do not know whether this is done with the minister's knowledge, but I would like to know exactly whether these men are permitted to interfere in political and municipal affairs. I think this man is mayor of his locality, but I have no objection to that. What are the rules governing officials who are employed for only two or three months in the year?

Mr. BLONDIN:

I am informed that the salaries of these officials range from $100 to $200.

Mr. MARCIL:

Mr. Dagneau receives

much more that that.

Mr. BLONDIN:

I cannot give the

information now.

Mr. MARCIL:

I presume the minister will say that, so far as interference in politics is concerned, it is not permitted?

Mr. BLONDIN:

I understand that is the policy of our department.

Mr. MARCIL:

The minister may take my word for it that Mr. Dagneau is the most active politician we have in Bonaventure; he is even spoken of as becoming the Conservative candidate in the constituency, to which I would have no objection. He took the place of a man who

had been dismissed because he had taken part in politics, and the same rule should apply to him as to his predecessor.

Mr. DEMERS (Translation):

How does the minister deal with those employees?

Mr. BLONDIN (Translation):

The employees must be warned that complaints have been lodged against them, and that, in the future, they will have to submit to the Government regulations; and, if they do not comply, they are dismissed.

Mr. DEMERS (Translation):

Has the

minister had to take such action since he took control of the department.

Mr. BDONDIN (Translation):

Happily

not.

Rent, fuel, travelling expenses, stamps, stationery, etc., for the weights and measures branch, including the purchase of metric standard units, appointments and other expenses of inspectors, etc., $81,000.