Mr. VIEN:

I do not believe that in the clause in the Act appropriating $500,000,000 there was any specific amount mentioned under the title that we now find in subsection (c) of section 2. I do not remember that last year we voted any amount of money for the promoting of trade and industry and transportation facilities therefor. This is entirely new, and if the term " transportation facilities " is not to be construed as meaning shipbuilding, I hardly see how we could be called upon to give to the Government the right to facilitate transport and expend any money for that purpose unless the items are brought down in the Estimates of some department. The Acting Prime Minister does not appear to know much more on the subject than I do. This is not for shipbuilding; it is not for the chartering of ships. The demobilization of our troops is covered by other sections, and this is not for carrying war materials back to this country. If it is not for the building of ships, how should we be called upon to vote any money for the payment of transportation of our goods or for bringing into Canada the goods we buy? I fail entirely to see any purpose which would commend itself to this Committee for which we would give to the Government a blanket authorization to spend any portion of the $350,000,000, if it does not come under the title of shipbuilding. I would, therefore,

suggest that the words " transportation facilities " be struck out.

Mr. CANNON:

Clause (d) of section 2

says:

The carrying out of any measures deemed necessary or advisable by the Governor in consequence of the war.

Is this a revival or extension of the War Measures Act?

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

This is a vote of money, and it can be availed of by the Government for the carrying out of any measures deemed necessary by the Governor in Council in consequence of the war; that is to say, in connection with any measures relating to demobilization, or to many questions w'hieh might arise. I am sure it does not extend the powers of the Government under the War Measures Act beyond the limitations imposed by Parliament in that Act.

Mr. CANNON:

I think it does.

Some lion. MEMBERS: Carried.

Mr. CANNON:

Hon. members need not be in such a hurry. The section will be carried when we are through with it, and not before. Some hon. members do not seem to appreciate the importance of this clause, and we shall discuss it as long as we deem it necessary to do so. I am not quite satisfied with the explanation given by the Acting Prime Minister. The scope of this clause is very wide. This is for carrying out any measures deemed necessary in consequence of the war, not for the prosecution of the war, because the war is over. How far will it go? Where will the Government stop? Now that the war is over, are we, by this Bill, going to have government by Order in Council, just as during the past five years? I do not think the people of this country would be satisfied with such a condition of things.

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

Section 2 authorizes the paying out of a sum not exceeding $350,000,000 for the purposes mentioned, amongst others, for the carrying out of any measures deemed necessary or advisable by the Governor in Council in consequence of the war. The purpose of this is to place the Government in funds to carry out measures which it is lawfully authorized to carry out. This is not a measure like the War Measures Act, authorizing the Government to do specific things.

Mr. FIELDING:

I understand from the Acting Prime [DOT] Minister that these words were taken from similar Bills of previous years?

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

With certain

changes to meet altered conditions.

Mr. FIELDING:

I have in my hand the $500,000,000 loan resolution of 1917, and I do not find these words in it. I have not looked at the others.

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

Which words does my hon. friend refer to?

Mr. FIELDING:

Clause (d).

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

I think they are in the Act of 1918.

Mr. FIELDING:

If the minister says that they are in the previous resolution, I am content.

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

I am not sure; I will send up for the Act.

Mr. McKENZIE:

If the words of clause (d) were used in the Act of 1918, that could be very readily understood, and it would be quite proper, because the war was on and unforeseen conditions would have to be provided for. The minister, however, may see when he gets the Act. There are so many things in connection with this very comprehensive clause, it is difficult to exhaust them all. Is the $70,000,000 for which the Government have made the country liable by Order in Council, included in this appropriation of $350,000,000? I refer to the $20,000,000 for roads in the provinces, $25,000,000 for housing, and $25,000,000 for trade with Rumania?

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

The first two would not be. The Highways resolution is on the Order Paper, and it would provide for payment out of the ConsolidatedRevenue Fund. The vote for Housing is in the Estimates, and it will also provide for payment out of the Consolidated

Revenue Fund. The credits which I mentioned last night would be payable, partly out of this appropriation and partly out of any balance from the last vote.

Mr. J. H. SINCLAIR:

Did the War

Appropriation Act not provide for an expenditure of $500,000,000?

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

Yes.

Mr. J. H. SINCLAIR:

I think the minister stated some time ago that a large portion of that appropriation was still unexpended.

Sir THOMAS WHITE:

Yes.