Hon. R. B. HANSON (Leader of the Opposition):

I have a brief statement which I should like to make to the ministry, upon which I wish to base a question.

In to-day's Ottawa Journal it is stated that Sir Walter Layton, personal representative of Mr. Churchill, recently came to Canada, and it was understood that he has offered certain advice to the government about our war effort. In my view, parliament has the right to know what that advice is, and whether or not that advice has been or will be accepted. In his speech on Tuesday last the Prime Minister made no reference to this important event.

War Materials

It is stated that the advice was to the effect that Canada's war effort should be rationalized, and that we should not waste effort and productive power on orders for things not vital. It is also understood that since Sir Walter Layton came and made known his views the government have set up a war production advisory committee, consisting of Mr. Towers, governor of the Bank of Canada; Mr. H. R. MacMillan, timber controller; Mr. R. A. C. Henry, the personal assistant to the Minister of Munitions and Supply; Major-General Crerar, chief of the general staff, and Mr. Chester, the new master of the ordnance.

AVill the Prime Minister (Mr. Mackenzie King) or the Minister of National Defence (Mr. Ralston) during this debate tell the house and the country just what the position is with respect to this matter? Furthermore we should like to know about this advisory committee. Has it been set up, and if so, what does it propose to do or to remedy?

Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):

I might answer my hon. friend's question immediately. Sir Walter Layton was sent by the British government to confer with the government of the United States at Washington. While he was on that mission he paid what I think he would describe as a courtesy visit to Canada, and in the course of that visit was kind enough to come to luncheon with me and give me an opportunity of discussing with him some matters of mutual interest. He did not come for the purpose of tendering any advice to the Canadian government; nor did he tender any advice, so far as I know.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

Did he not submit a memorandum to the Minister of Munitions and Supply (Mr. Howe) as to what he thought ought to be done?

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

I regard Sir Walter Layton's mission as entirely confidential, and without his consent I would not think of seeking to intimate publicly anything with respect to what might have been regarded as a confidential communication. I have no doubt that Sir Walter Layton would give to our government any information he thought might be of help to us, but that was not the question my hon. friend asked. The hon. gentleman asked whether Sir Walter Layton came to give us advice on the part of the British government.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

I asked what it was proposed to do, assuming that to be so.

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

He gave no advice whatever; and any information he

may have given pertaining to the production of munitions of war would be information that it would be advisable for the British government or the Canadian government or the government of the United States to have, information which it would not be advisable to state publicly or disclose to the enemy.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

What

about the advisory council?

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

Possibly my colleague the Minister of Munitions and Supply (Mr. Howe) will have something to say about the advisory council when he comes to deal with the estimates of his department. That council was not established as the result of any advice tendered by Sir Walter Layton when he was here.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

Does that mean that we will hear about it next spring or next summer, on the estimates, or will that statement be made at this session?

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

I cannot

understand my hon. friend's attitude. He seems to :be seeking to criticize the government rather than trying to get information which will be helpful to all.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

Oh, no; not at all. I am asking if there is such a committee, and when we will hear about it.

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

When my hon. friend the leader of the opposition asks whether the ministry intends to give this house certain information next summer or whether it will be given when the minister speaks, after I have indicated that the minister himself will deal with that matter, I cannot regard it as a remark which was intended to be helpful.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

If I caught the Prime Minister correctly a moment ago, as I think I did, he referred to a statement being made "on the estimates". That was what prompted me to say next summer, because the estimates will not be down until after the long recess, as I understand it.

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

I am obliged to my hon. friend for drawing to my attention the fact that I mentioned the estimates. I meant to say during the present debate.

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

That is good enough.

Mr. MACKENZIE KING:

If my hon. friend had asked me whether I meant the estimates I would have told him that was a slip of t.hn tongue.

90 COMMONS

Labour Dispute-Automobile Industry