Mr. COLD WELL:

I did not rise to

precipitate a debate on this subject this evening, particularly since I have no doubt that very few members of the house have had an opportunity of reading the report of the commission, so I do not think it would be fair to discuss the matter under this item, nor would it be in order to do so. But I should like to point out that in this instance the riot act was not read, and I think the right hon. leader of the opposition has either misread the report or has been misinformed regarding several matters in connection with it. When the proper time comes perhaps we can discuss this matter in more detail.

Mr. DOUGLAS:

I do not propose to discuss the matter raised by the right hon. leader of the opposition-

Mr. BENNETT:

I did not raise it. It was raised by the hon. member for Rosetown-Biggar.

Mr. DOUGLAS:

Quite so; I meant the statement made by the right hon. gentleman. This is not the time or place to discuss the matter, but I do not think his remarks should be allowed to pass without its being said that the police were not attacked by the men. The place where the clubs were found was a long distance away from where the riot- took place. I think this whole question is one to which the house ought to give some attention at the proper time, but the statement of the right hon. gentleman was misleading and, therefore, ought not to be left unchallenged at. this time.

Mr. BENNETT:

It speaks for itself.

Mr. MacNEIL:

On this point I notice in the general orders tabled by the minister that rifle associations are being formed and that the men who join these rifle associations must

Supply-National Defence

subject themselves to military discipline at times of civil disturbance or when any emergency may arise. May I ask in what way these rifle associations are equipped and to what extent the members are warned that in time of emergency they may be called upon to perform military duty under the direction of the officer commanding?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

No new civilian rifle associations have been formed. The only new rifle associations are those attached to existing militia units, regimental associations. If there was an emergency and they happened to be called out they would not be called out by reason of their membership in any rifle association; it would be with their units, if such a regrettable thing took place. So there is no significance whatever in the formation of new rifle associations; it is purely in connection with the militia activities.

Mr. BENNETT:

Does that provide for camps this year?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

That is the ordinary vote of the non-permanent active militia. It could be broken down into:

Training, $1,588,800.

Grants to associations, $94,200.

Operational expenses of military properties, $252,844.

Salaries and wages, $422,256.

Mr. BENNETT:

What about camps this year? What provision is made for them?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

That

comes under the first item I mentioned, training.

Mr. LANDERYOU:

How many men are there in the militia?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

There

were 6,888 officers, and 41,873 men, totalling 48,761.

Mr. BENNETT:

At what date?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

That is as of December 31, 1935.

Mr. DOUGLAS:

How does that figure

compare with last year?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

That is at the end of last year. I think there was a slight reduction, about 1,900 during the year.

Mr. LANDERYOU:

Is this sum to pay them a wage?

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver):

No; there are training allowances for these summer camps.