Mr. JAMES ARTHURS (Parry Sound):

Mr. Speaker, is this bill in accordance with the recommendations of the soldiers' committee?

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

Yes.

Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.

1. What sums were spent on advertising in newspapers by the Canadian National Railways in 1927 and 1928, and to whom paid?

2. What sums were spent on free transportation in exchange for (a) newspaper space, (b) eulogy articles on the system and its officials, and to what papers in each case was transportation issued accordingly, (c) to aid in securing new business for the system? . .

3 How was an item of $175,162 increase in such advertising in 1927 and 1928 expended, and what papers benefited?

4. What was the number of passes granted each paper, and to whom?

Mr. DUNNING:

This question calls for information of a kind that the management of the Canadian National Railways holds not to be in the public interest to divulge in detail, as publication, while serving no useful purpose, may place the Canadian National Railways in an individious position with respect to competitors whose advertising appropriations are not subject to publication.

Even if it were advisable to bring down the information asked for in detail, it could not be given in the form of an answer to a question as it covers advertising of all kinds *-newspapers, magazines, printing of booklets, etc.-and also not only the entire Canadian field, but such portions of the United States as are served by Canadian National lines in that country.

The item under advertising in Canadian National accounts which the hon. gentleman refers to as having increased by $175,162 during 1927, covers advertising of all kinds throughout Canada and the United States. During 1927, the management expended on advertising in newspapers $303,809.25. In

Questions

addition thereto there was issued transportation in lieu of cash for advertising space in newspapers in Canada only 8197,225.39.

Mr. FRASER:

What is being done by the government in the matter of the Saint John Valley railway?

Mr. DUNNING:

The possible acquisition of the Saint John and Quebec railway, and certain other railways throughout Canada, is under consideration by the government and the management of Canadian National Railways.

1. Has there been a change in the postmastership at Ashton, Ontario, during the past year?

2. If so, who is the present postmaster and when was he appointed?

3. Who recommended his appointment?

Mr. VENIOT:

1, 2 and 3. Postmaster A. L. Tubman tendered his resignation in February last. The vacancy was advertised in usual way and a certificate has now been received from the Civil Service Commission covering the appointment of Mr. W. H. Bigford. Arrangements are being made for the transfer to the commission's nominee.

1. What was the total quantity of wines or/and spirits seized, condemned or confiscated by officers of the Department of Revenue during each of the years 1923-1924-1925-1926-1927, in each of the several provinces of Canada?

2. What was the proportion of (a) wines, (bl spirits, so seized or confiscated?

3. What disposal was made of such wines and/or spirits so seized, condemned or confiscated?

4. What are the quantities of (a) _ wines, (b) spirits so seized, condemned or confiscated, now stored in (a) Halifax, (b) Pictou, (c) Sydney, (d) North Sydney and (e) other points in Nova Scotia?

5. Have any wines or spirits so seized, condemned or confiscated been sold or transferred to any of the several provincial liquor commissions?

6. If so, to what commissions, what quantities were sold, at what dates and at what prices in each case?

Mr. EULER:

Mr. Speaker, there is no

disposition on the part of the department to refuse the information asked for by my hon. friend, but to furnish it would necessitate the services of four or five clerks for a period extending over five or six months, the mate-56103-1731

rial being so voluminous. Perhaps he will amend his question, or drop it altogether, for I doubt whether it would be worth while to expend so much time on furnishing the desired information.

Mr. CANTLEY:

I will consult the minister in regard to it.

Mr. SPEAKER:

Stands.