Mr. CARDIN:

I heartily welcome the suggestion of my hon. friend, who has had some experience in the matter, that I should ask for a larger amount of money for my department. I am sure that is in agreement with the view already expressed by most of the members of this house, that the Department of Public Works is not spending enough money.

The reason why the estimates are presented in this form is that we wanted to show in the main estimates what was absolutely necessary for the proper carrying on of the business of the government. That is why we have included only the items which appear in the main estimates. Another reason is that at this early hour of the session we are not in a position, as my hon. friend knows, to determine what expenditures will be required. In connection with works already begun we have not the reports of the engineers and are unable to determine, when the main estimates are brought down, what amounts of money may be required to complete those works. The reports of the engineers and architects are not all in so early in the year. That is one reason why we do not find in the main estimates what may be necessary to complete the works which have been undertaken during the year.

Mr. MANION:

At the banquet which was given to my right hon. friend the Minister of Justice (Mr. Lapointe), I think I heard someone say there was a very fine list of estimates all ready.

Oh, no.

Mr. MANION:

Oh, yes; I was listening. You gentlemen were at the banquet; you may not remember, but I was sober, listening in up here. I do not remember who it was,

but somebody made that statement. Perhaps

Privilege-Mr. Pouliot

the minister could tell us something about that splendid list of estimates which were to be brought in.

Just now the minister said these estimates showed what was absolutely indispensable or absolutely necessary. In other words, the supplementary estimates he is going to bring in are not indispensable or absolutely necessary. That was the only conclusion I could reach. Of course I admit that they may be necessary for an election, but I mean necessary as public works. I should like the minister to tell us a little more about the program that is to be brought in, about which we have been hearing so much. Really members of the house should not be the last people in the country to know about these matters.

Mr. CARDIN:

I was just proceeding with my remarks when the leader of the opposition interrupted me. I have, however, no objection to letting the item stand.

Mr. STEWART:

I am glad to know that the door is not yet entirely closed.

Mr. CARDIN:

Oh, no.

Item stands.