The hon. member for Russell (Hon. Charles Murphy) made an inquiry in the House a few days ago. with respect to a press report that Australia had made arrangements to send 50,000 members of the original Australian Expeditionary Force to their homes for rest. I addressed a telegram on the same day to Sir George Perley in the following terms:

Press telegram reports Australia has made arrangements to send fifty thousand of original Australian Expeditionary Force home for a rest irrespective whether corresponding reinforcements are sent from Australia. Question as to this has been asked in House of Commons. Please report soon as possible whether press statement has any and what foundation.

To which I received a reply yesterday as follows:

Australian High Commissioner's office states question of returning original Australian Expeditionary Force was raised in Australian House but no instructions have come to Australian headquarters, London, regarding such return and High Commissioner's office not aware of any action taken to effectuate it.

Mr. MURPHY:

The other part of my

question was whether such steps as those suggested were to he taken with reference to the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

No such steps have been taken.

Sir EDWARD KEMP:

Stand.

Mr. A. K. MACLEAN:

This question has been on the Order Paper now for several days. The facts to be ascertained must have been known for some weeks, even months. Why has the question not been answered?

Sir EDWARD KEMP:

If the hon. member had asked how many mattresses and covers had been purchased by the Department of Militia and Defence, the question would have been answered in due course. But, as the question is put, it has been necessary to go to every department of the Government for information. The Militia Department have already answered the question,in the regular way and sent the reply to the proper officer of the Government.

Mr. A. K. MACLEAN:

The question refers to a specific tender for .the supplying of specific goods; there was no need of any rushing from one department to the other. Reference to the advertisement issued by the department would have indicated the officer possessing the information.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

My hon. friend is mistaken about that. When a question is asked in this form it must go to every department of the Government, because it does not appear on its face to what department it relates. It is possible that the Militia Department had or had not such a tender, hut that does not dispose of the question by any means.

Mr. A. K. MACLEAN:

My attention mignt have been directed to that on a previous occasion, or I might have been asked privately to supply the necessary information. The question has reference to the Militia Department.

Sir EDWARD KEMP:

Similar cases occur very frequently when questions are called.

Mr. A. K. MACLEAN:

I will complain no further if I have the assurance that the answer will be sent to my address.

Sir EDWARD KEMP:

I shall be very glad to give my hon. friend the information

so far as the Militia Department is concerned.

1. Is Lieutenant M. J. Howe, formerly of the 188th Battalion, still in the service of the Militia Department?

2. If so, what are his duties, pay and allowances?

1. No.

2. Answered by No. 1.