Mr. CRERAR:
I understand there is only one project that is under consideration in western Saskatchewan. There is some expenditure being incurred at Wainwright in Alberta. This is to cover the investigation of petroliferous areas in Canada ; that is, possible oil areas.
Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):
Generally?
Mr. CRERAR:
Yes.
Mr. BENCE:
I want to know the areas that are being investigated in Saskatchewan. How much is expended in that particular province? How much is earmarked for it?
Mr. CRERAR:
I regret that I cannot give my hon. friend the precise location of that area. There is only one area in the southwestern part of the province.
Mr. BENCE:
Is no work being done in northwestern Saskatchewan in the direction of Lloydminster?
Mr. CRERAR:
No.
Mr. MacNICOL:
Is it proposed to drill for oil at the town of Peace River or down the river from Peace River?
Mr. CRERAR:
We have quite a number of geological parties-seventeen. We have ten parties prospecting for oil in Alberta, largely in the northern part of the province and also some over the border in British Columbia.
Mr. MacNICOL:
I was referring to the oil site at or near the town of Peace River. The minister is undoubtedly familiar with the oil formations, or evidences of oil, on the Peace river, right at the town of Peace River and down the river some twenty-five miles. Last summer I went down the river about twenty-five miles.
Mr. CRERAR:
I cannot tell my hon. friend the precise places where these geological parties are making surveys, but I should think it likely that the area he speaks of will come under their work.
War Appropriation-Mines and Resources
Mr. MacNICOL:
They are survey parties? This vote just covers survey parties?
Mr. CRERAR:
It covers more than that.
Mr. MacNICOL:
Does it cover the actual drilling of wells in any area?
Mr. CRERAR:
No.
Mr. BENCE:
Can the minister give me that information as to how much of the money is being spent or is earmarked for Saskatchewan?
Mr. CRERAR:
There is an estimate of $10,000, but it may be more or less than that. We get a vote of $500,000. There is great urgency for oil, and consequently we have arranged for as many survey parties to go out for oil as we can get. It is impossible when you get your estimate to say just how much money you will spend here and how much you will spend there.
Mr. COLD WELL:
You have $10,000 earmarked?
Mr. CRERAR:
Yes. Whatever is necessary for the party in Saskatchewan will be available out of this vote.
Mr. BENCE:
I am interested to see that enough money is available to ensure that the work is done completely in that province.