Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

As a matter of course, the Postmaster General can contend that under the liberal regime some boxes were purchased at fancy prices-

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

Will the hon.

member 'allow me to complete my answer? It was also a question of economy. By

transferring the boxes stored in the west to eastern points, the cost would have been increased and it was, therefore, to economize that we effected that transaction. The hon. member contends that no tenders were asked. First, pursuant to the act, the department is not obliged to call for tenders.

Mr. MERCIER (St-Henri) (Translation):

Under $5,000.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

This does not

apply to the Post Office department. Secondly, this box was patented; I could not

call for tenders on a box recently patented. It was recommended by the department's experts, both as regards economy and meeting modern requirement, especially in connection with postal parcels. The hon. member will admit that, for a number of years, this system of distributing goods has been in vogue and seems to be considerably developing. The distribution of parcel post throughout the country has greatly increased-I am not alluding to these times of depression-and will further develop.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

Since the

hon. Postmaster General refers to economy, why did he not call for tenders? That is the first question I am putting to him. The second question to which he did not answer just now, is the following: I wish to inquire in what number of the "Patent Record" is to be found the description of this patent.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

As explained, I did not call for tenders because it

was a new box, recently patented, which answered the requirements of the department

because it was of better quality; and, secondly, because it was cheaper than those we had purchased previously. Some of these postal boxes were paid $2.80, S3.00 and even $4.00; this one only cost us $2.75.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

How many

postal boxes were paid $4.00 by the Liberals, were they made from stove pipes? Other boxes were purchased from Lesieur-50 boxes at $46.25. That was costly!

I wish to inquire from the Postmaster General in what number of the Patent Record is this invention described?

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

The number of the patent is 319,598, February 1932.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

I thank the hon. Postmaster General for his information. Would the hon. minister take a copy of the order in council sanctioning the purchase of 10,000 rural mail boxes from Amedee Lesieur? Has the minister any objection?

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

No, not at all. However, not this evening.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

No, to-morrow. If the committee is not going to rise, 1 shall broach another subject. I do not wish to take up too much of the committee's time; however, there are certain cases on which I desire the hon. Postmaster General to throw some light. I wish to show him all the courtesy possible. However, I shall have to slip certain matters thoroughly, so as to obtain all the information to which we are entitled.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

Certainly .

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

Thank you. Does the hon. Postmaster General wish me to submit to him another case or is the committee going to rise?

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

I am ready to meet the wishes of the hon. member or the committee.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

The hon.

Postmaster General is in charge.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

No, the committee and its chairman are.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

I shall refer to the case of Notre-Dame-du-Lac.

I regret very much that the right hon. Prime Minister was not present in the house the other evening or at the beginning of this evening sitting, because I said many pleasant things about him. When I am so disposed, I do so heartily.

Questions

The Notre-Dame-du-Lac case is almost as interesting as that of Sully.

Progress reported.