On the motion of Mr. Doucet: For a copy of the report of Colonel Machin to the Governor in Council respecting the Quebec riots of 1917.
Hon. E. M. MACDONALD (Minister of National Defence):
My attention has just
been called to-day to this motion. I would like my hon. friend to let the motion stand, as I desire to look into the matter.
Motion stands.
On the motion of Hon. Mr. Manion (for Hon. Mr. Baxter): For a copy of all reports, memoranda, documents and other papers, in relation to Wrangel island, which are in possession of the Department of External Affairs, and a copy of all correspondence of Canada, and (a) Vilhaljmur Stefannson; (b) the British government and (c) the government of the United States. Right Hon, W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister): It is just possible that the British government or the government of the United States may regard some of the correspondence asked for as confidential, in which event it will have to be so regarded. I think everything else can be brought down.
Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER:
Carried, subject to the limitations mentioned by the Prime Minister.
On the motion of Mr. Brown (for Mr. Good1): For a return showing: 1. The amount of Dominion Notes advanced under the War Finance Act of 1914 (with amendments), and outstanding at the end of March, June, September and December of each year from 1914 until the present year. 2. The amounts of securities accepted as a basis for the foregoing issues of Dominion notes, given for the same periods. 3. The different classes of securities and the various amounts of each accepted for rediscounting for the same periods. 4. The different institutions (banks) which took advantage of the rediscounting privileges, and to what extent, for the above mentioned periods.
Hon. J. A. ROBB (Acting Minister of Finance) :
Mr. Speaker, the department offers
no objection to giving the information, but in the absence of the mover of the motion (Mr. Good), I think it might stand. I might point out to the House that to furnish this information will require considerable clerical help and involve a good deal of expense, without, so far as I can see, serving any good purpose. I should like to discuss it with my hon. friend, who is strong for economy, before allowing it to pass.
Motion stands.
On the Orders of the Day:
Mr. L. J. LADNER (Vancouver South):
May I ask the government, in view of the insistent requests from British Columbia, whether they have taken any further steps in connection with the Australian treaty?
Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):
There is nothing further to report at this time. The matter is still the subject of negotiation,.
Canada Grain Act
Mr. LADNER:
Do I understand the Prime Minister to intimate that the negotiations are still open, notwithstanding the intimation, of the Prime Minister of Australia that they had been closed?
Mr. MACKENZIE KING:
If my hon.
friend had been in his seat the other day he would have heard my reply to the intimation which he has just made. I do not view the remarks of the Prime Minister of Australia in the same way that my hon. friend does.
Mr. MEIGHEN:
Is it correct that Mr. Ross, who was to go back to recontinue the negotiations, has not yet gone?
Mr. MACKENZIE KING:
I think he is expected to leave this week.
On the Orders of the Day: Mr. JEAN-FRANCOIS POULIOT (Temis-couata): Mr. Speaker, may I direct the attention of the House to the fact that owing to the coolness and presence of mind of a trainman and the engineer on an Intercolonial train the other day a very serious accident was averted and the lives of several people saved? But the engineer was very seriously hurt, and I do not think he will be able to work in that capacity in future. Is it the intention of the government to award anything to this man so that he may be able to maintain himself and his family? His name is Mr. Gagnon. Hon. GEORGE P. GRAHAM (Minister of Railways and Canals): This matter has not been called to the attention of the government before, but I can assure my hon. friend that it will be given every consideration. I might point out tlhat these matters now always emanate from the Canadian National board in a report, on which the government acts or declines to act.