Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):
Questions world's conscience has condemned the wanton aggressors who have placed freedom, Christianity, and civilization in jeopardy. As the chairman of the foreign relations committee said yesterday in the House of Representatives, the lease-lend bill "is the voice of aroused America, sounding the trumpet call of victory for free government everywhere." The courage, determination and fortitude of the people of Britain in the face of continuous and appalling danger have not only gained the ungrudging admiration of the American people, but they have proved, with inexorable logic, that the strength of Britain is the one great obstacle in the path of the aggressors. The American people know that the magnificent resistance of Britain has made her the main outwork of the defences of the United States. Canada's example, as a nation of the new world, actively participating to the utmost limit in the present struggle, has also had its influence in arousing the people of the United States to their present realization that freedom itself is at stake in this war. It in no sense minimizes the magnificent effort of Britain and the nations of the British commonwealth to say that the aid, .the cooperation and the limitless resources of the United States definitely ensure final victory. We in Canada may feel more than a little pride in the share -we have had in bringing about the closer relationship between the United States and the British commonwealth. It will, I believe, seal the spiritual union of free peoples everywhere, out of which we may hope to build an enduring new world order.
Hon. R. B. HANSON (Leader of the Opposition):
Mr. Speaker, the passage of the lease-lend bill by the congress of the United States and its approval by the great president of that republic constitute an event of great magnitude and importance at this juncture of world affairs. To Britain as the head of our beleaguered empire, and to Canada and the other dominions which stand at her side as belligerents, it may -well be, as indeed I think it will be, a turning point in this war distracted world. In any event its importance cannot be overestimated.
We in Canada as good neighbours of the United States, along with our kinsfolk in Britain, should raise our voices in grateful acknowledgment of the effort of the president and his administration in pursuing the policy now adopted. In the days to come, with the abundant assistance which will be forthcoming, we and generations yet unborn will raise our voices and call their names blessed.
(Questions answered orally are indicated by an asterisk.)
1. Was Richard Creed, supervisor inspector of fruits and vegetables suspended by the Department of Agriculture? If so, when?
2. What was the reason or reasons for his suspension?
3. Were any other fruit and vegetable inspectors suspended or expelled in the maritime provinces from 1933 to 1936, both years inclusive?
4. Was Richard Creed dismissed from his position? If so, when and what were the grounds for his dismissal?
5. What were the carryover charges due by the shippers for inspection fees on potato table stock and turnips for the years 1933 and 1934 in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island?
1. Yes; on December 1, 1934.
2. Unsatisfactory collections and remittances of inspection fees.
3. Yes.
4. Yes; February 1, 1936; unsatisfactory service in connection with the collection and remittance of inspection fees.
5. Prince Edward Island, 1933-34, $1,033.50; 1934-35, $390. New Brunswick, 1933-34, $9; 1934-35. $714.
1. What type of air training schools are located at Macleod, Granum and Claresholm, in the province of Alberta?
2. How much money is allocated for the construction of each of these three schools?
3. How many regular officers and men are stationed at each of these schools as instructors, and what position does each hold?
4. How many trainees will each of these schools accommodate at any one time?
Mr. POWER:
With respect to Nos. 1 and 2 of this question, there will be no difficulty in giving an answer. With respect to Nos. 3 and 4, I would prefer in the public interest not to make specific answers. I have on some occasions in the house stated in a broad and general way the number of persons who were employed at the various flying training schools and the number of trainees; but if the hon. member would permit, I would prefer not to specify exactly the number of such persons.
Mr. SPEAKER:
Nos. 3 and 4 dropped. The remainder stands.
Questions
1. What is the number of the various regiments comprising both active service forces and that of the non-permanent militia, or non-active service armies?
2. What is the total number of regimental bands authorized and at present functioning, showing the number of pipe, bugle, brass and drum bands, respectively?
3. What, if any, consideration has been given to the matter of providing a greater number of bands for military purposes?
Mr. RALSTON:
I spoke to the hon. member regarding this question and advised him that it would be difficult to give satisfactory information in answer to the first question as it stands, since the word "regiment" is usually regarded as applying to substantial formations of infantry and artillery, and it would be doubtful whether giving this information so far as the active forces are concerned would be in the public interest. The hon. member indicated that he was satisfied not to proceed further with this part of the question as far as the active forces are concerned.
I am therefore tabling the answer to the second part of question No. 1, and questions Nos. 2 and 3.
1. (a) Referred to orally.
(b) 493 units composed of regiments of cavalry, batteries of artillery, engineer and signal formations, battalions of infantry, including reserve companies of veterans guard of Canada, army service corps, medical corps, dental corps, ordnance corps and postal corps units and Canadian officers' training corps contingents.
2. As to the Canadian army, active and reserve formations in Canada:-
Regimental bands Authorized Functioning
Brass 117 107Bugle 45 41Pipe 35 33Drum 3 3Trumpet . 3 3Fife 1 1Total 204 1883. Frequent consideration being given and action taken as is deemed advisable. The matter was recently discussed by the minister personally with the G.O.C. Canadian Corps, the senior officer at Canadian military headquarters, London, and the G.O.C's. 1st and 2nd divisions.
1. How many loans were made in Ontario by the Canadian farm loan board in each fiscal
[Mr. Speaker.l
year from the setting up of the board to March 31, 1940?
2. What was the total amount of the loans made in the said province during each of these years?
3. How many applications for loans in the
province of Ontario were disposed of in the period from March 31, 1940, to December 31, 1940, and how many of these applications were granted? .
4. What was the total amount of such loans made from March 31, 1940, to December 31, 1940?
5. How many persons were employed in connection with the Toronto office of the said board during the fiscal year ending March 31, 1940?
6. What was the total cost of the administration of the farm loan board in Ontario for the said fiscal year?
7. Is this cost in addition to the amount collected from farmers for inspection fees and other expenses collected from persons applying for loans?
Mr. ILSLEY:
The following reply is furnished by the Canadian farm loan board:
1 and 2.
Year ending Loans granted in
31st March Province of Ontario
No. Amount
1936 .... 700 $1,380,2001937 .... 501 1.044,6001938 .... 418 885,8001939 .... 413 852,6001940 .... 437 934,400
3 and 4. During the period March 31, 1940, to December 31, 1940, the board disposed of 569 applications in the province of Ontario as follows: 247 granted loans for the amount of $529,400. 107 still pending as at December 31, 1940. 322 withdrawn, cancelled or rejected.
5. During the fiscal year ending March 31, 1940, 21 persons were employed in the province of Ontario on a salary basis. In addition, the board employed as and when required 25 part-time appraisers throughout the province on a daily fee basis.
6 and 7. The cost of operations in the province of Ontario for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1940, was $49,087.73 after crediting inspection fees retained amounting to $8,206.63. Included in the cost of operations is a proportion of head office expenses amounting to $10,251.74.