Mr. AROHAMBAULT:

Where would the people go if there was no hotel?

Mr. WOODSWORTH:

I am not suggesting that there should not be a hotel, but we are speaking of the commercializing of these places. They are already commercialized and a few large corporations gain the major benefit of the large expenditure, which does not return directly to the people. I do not think it is an unreasonable suggestion that there should be some tax on these corporations that derive the greatest financial return.

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

I have not any idea what return the hotel gets, but it will be readily understood that for a period of five months the rates are high because an inistitution of that kind is pretty expensive to keep up. I do not think it begins to pay for the actual investment, but as an adjunct to the railway no doubt it is very valuable.

Mr. GARLAND (Bow River):

The hon.

member for West Calgary (Mr. Shaw) has stated his case and asked a question, and the right hon. leader of the opposition has also asked for information. I should like to see this concluded, and it will be if the minister will only state to the House what he intends to do with the application of the government of Alberta for a lease of this power development.

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

I did expect to hear some very direct objection taken, but as I have heard none I presume that parliament is in favour of the project.

Mr. GARLAND (Bow River):

As the minister is asking for some expression of opinion, I doubt very much whether the financial position of Alberta will justify it entering into this project at the present time, but that is the business of the province itself. On the other hand, there are two applications before the minister; one from a private concern to develop this power plant,

and one from the government of Alberta to develop it on behalf of the people of the province. I say to the minister he should have no difficulty whatever in reaching a conclusion-the people should come before private interests in the development of the public utilities of this country.

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

Agreed.

Mr. SHAW:

May we assume from tie minister's statement that the application of AJberta will be favourably considered, subject to such proper restrictions as may be imposed' by the federal government?

The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Vien):

Carried.

Mr. SHAW:

Mr. Chairman, I should like the minister to indicate what conclusion he has reached on the matter. I did not gather whether that is his attitude or not.

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

I thought I made it very clear that I was simply calling for the attitude of parliament on this question. I have learned discretion since becoming Minister of the Interior in looking into these applications. I say at ones that I would very much prefer that the province of Alberta should make application and receive the grant instead of a private company. After all, these projects are very well safeguarded by federal restrictions. From the expression of opinion to-night I gather that the House feels we should -give consideration to the application of the province if it is in proper form.

Mr. MEIGHEN:

We are not any further yet as to whether this should be preserved as a sort of aesthetic blossom or be made use of as a work for the advantage of the people. The minister says he comes here seeking the attitude of parliament. Well, parliament is seeking the attitude of the minister. Parliament has had its say. Now, what is the minister's position; is he favourable or is he unfavourable?

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

Well, I have made two speeches on this question.

Mr. MEIGHEN:

And said nothing.

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

Possibly

not. If my right hon. friend wants a direct expression of opinion as to whether or not I am going to grant this franchise, I soy I am going to give it consideration and I cannot say to-night whether I shall grant it or not. There are some things that I want to satisfy myself on. If the right hon. gentleman was in mjr place, with so many adverse resolutions before him, even in the facj of a favourable disposition on the part of parliament. to grant a franchise to the province, I think he too would hesitate before taking action. After all, parliament is the proper place, it surely represents the true state of public opinion, and if the province of Alberta is sincere in this thing, and if its application is in order, I will be prepared to go forward with it.

Mr. MEIGHEN:

This is for the past

year?

Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):

No, it is

*an estimate for this year.

Mr. MEIGHEN:

How much did it cost

last year?