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

I should like to make a brief announcement with respect to Canadian supplies for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. A protocol setting forth the supplies to be furnished to the U.S.S.R. by the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada is now under negotiation. The protocol will cover the supplies to be provided during the year beginning July 1, 1943. To avoid giving information which would be of great value to the enemy, the contents of the protocol must

remain secret. It is expected that under it the three countries will undertake to make available for shipment to Russia stated quantities of munitions, war materials and essential supplies, subject to modification after consultation, in the event of unforeseen developments in the war situation.

Hitherto supplies have been furnished to the U.S.S.R. by the United Kingdom and the United States under annual agreements of this type to which the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union have been parties. The supplies which have gone to Russia from Canada, except for wheat and some miscellaneous commodities for which special arrangements were made, have been included in the commitments made by the United Kingdom or in some cases in those made by the United States. It has been agreed between the governments concerned that it is appropriate for Canada as an important producer of war supplies for the U.S.S.R. to become a direct party to the protocol now under negotiation. In this way Canada will be able to express once again her deep appreciation of the outstanding importance to the common cause of the contribution of the U.S.S.R. and her recognition of the vital importance of the Soviet front.

Hon. J. A. MacKINNON (Minister of Trade and Commerce) moved:

That the report of the Canadian wheat board for the crop year 1941 to 1942 be referred to the standing committee on agriculture and colonization.

Hon. HUMPHREY MITCHELL (Minister of Labour):

On Thursday last the leader of the opposition asked if I would table the transcript of the evidence in the inquiry now under way by the national war labour board. I now table two copies of the evidence up to date, and as subsequent copies are ready I shall be glad to table them.

Parliamentary Assistants

Mr. GORDON GRAYDON (Leader of the Opposition):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to address a question to the Prime Minister.

A British United Press dispatch from Rio de Janeiro appearing in the Ottawa Journal last evening stated that "Prime Minister W. L. Mackenzie King of Canada is making plans to visit Brazil, possibly in June, it was understood here to-day." Based upon the above press report, I would like to ask the Prime Minister the following questions: (1) Are

plans for such a visit under consideration?

(2) Wheni does the Prime Minister expect to make such a visit? (3) Will he visit other South American countries as well as Brazil?

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

Mr. Speaker, my bon.

friend was kind enough to give me notice of the question and I will answer him specifically in reference to the various clauses: (1) Are plans for such a visit under consideration? The answer is no. (2) When does the Prime Minister expect to make such a visit? The answer is, answered by the answer to No. 1.

(3) Will he visit other South American, countries as well as Brazil? The answer is, answered by the answers to Nos. 1 and 2.

Mr. GRAYDON:

Mr. Speaker, may I congratulate the Prime Minister upon being very specific in this particular instance. I hope it augurs well for the future.