1. What representations, if any, have been made by this government to the British govern-

[Mr_ E. Lapointe.]

ment with respect to an increase of war disability pensions payable to imperial veterans of the great war now residing in Canada?

2. If any such representations have been so made, what were the nature and character of same ?

3. What has been the attitude of the British government with respect to such representations?

4. Will this government consider the arrangement of a conference with the British government for the purpose of further discussing the above matter?

Mr. POWER:

During the session of 1936 there was set up a committee on pensions and returned soldier problems. During the course of the hearing before the committee strong representations were made by exsoldiers who had served in the imperial forces, at present residing in Canada, to the effect that representations should be made on their behalf to the British government. During that summer, while on the trip to Vimy, I had occasion to discuss with officers of the British Ministry of Pensions the situation with respect to these ex-imembers of the imperial forces. I made certain informal representations. As a result of these representations I came to the conclusion that no particular encouragement would 'be given to the idea that there should be special recognition for ex-imperial soldiers now residing in Canada. The British government, or representatives of the British government with whom I discussed the matter, felt at that time that it would not be fair to ex-service men residing in other dominions that special favours or special privileges should be accorded to ex-mem'bers of the forces in Canada.

As to the fourth question, this is a matter of government policy, and I do not think it has a place on the order paper.

1. When the Canadian tunnelling company was formed in 1915, for special service overseas, were the members thereof promised extra pay?

2. Was extra pay promised them as an inducement to join said company?

3. If so, have these men been paid this extra

pay? .

4. Did the imperial and Australian companies, engaged in similar special work, receive extra pay? If so, at what rate?

1. No extra pay was authorized to be paid to personnel enlisted in, or transferred to Canadian tunnelling companies, and no officer was authorized to make any promise as to extra pay.

Motions for Papers

2. and 3. Answered by No. 1.

4. Personnel mustered as tunnellers in British tunnelling companies in 1915, received certain special inclusive rates of pay, ranging from 6s. Od. to 8s. Id. per day, depending on rank-from Sapper to Sergeant.

Tunnellers' mates received working pay at the rate of Is. Od. per day in addition to the pay of their ranks.

No information as to rates of pay in Australian tunnelling companies is available in the department.

^REPORTED REVOLUTION PROPOSED IN QUEBEC BY FATHER GRAVEL

Mr. CHURCH:

What action will be taken by the government to prevent or suppress the revolution proposed by Father Gravel as the means for the people of Quebec to recapture their own province as reported by the press of Quebec city in articles published on April 6, 1938.

Mr. LAPOINTE (Quebec East):

This

question serves to show the soundness of the rules of the house to the effect that a question should seek to obtain information, not to supply it to the house. The government is not aware of the facts mentioned by the hon. gentleman, but I know personally that he has been wrongly informed, at least in some important particulars. I may add that the fears of the hon. gentleman are groundless. There will be no revolution in Quebec.