1. Has the government, on behalf of the Department of Pensions and National Health, purchased a property in Montreal known as "the Benny farm"? If so, when and at what price?

2. Was the said property purchased from the

owner or through an agent; and if through an agent, what commission was paid on the transaction ? '

3. What is the area of the site and for what purpose was the property purchased?

1. No. Subject to approval by the treasury board as to cost, the Department of Pensions and National Health has been authorized by order in council P.C. 3864 dated May 30, 1944 to acquire land west of Benny avenue between Sherbrooke and Monkland streets.

2 and 3. Answered by No. 1.

Mr. FRASER (Peterborough West):

What is the total amount of money received to date under item 36, general income tax T1 form for the year 1942?

Mr. GIBSON:

The total amount of deferred tax received as of May 31, 1944, under item 36, T.l general 1942 is $4,743,111.

[Mr. W. C. Macdonald.)

Mr. MAYHEW:

W'hat steps were taken by the Department of Labour to facilitate the movement of farmers and farm workers into other industries during the winter months of 1943-44?

1. An extensive educational and publicity campaign was undertaken early in the fall of 1943 to encourage farmers who could be spared from agriculture to accept work in other essential industries during the winter months. This campaign made clear to farm workers the procedure they were to follow in obtaining employment. In the case of those who were on postponement of military service assurance was given that their postponement would not be affected by accepting such employment provided that they had fulfilled the necessary national selective service mobilization requirements. This educational and publicity campaign included newspaper articles and advertisements, radio broadcasts, posters and a special letter from the director of national selective service to all farmers throughout Canada.

2. In addition to the above publicity conducted by the Department of Labour, the cooperation of interested provincial departments and industries was secured in publicity specially adapted to meet the specialized needs for labour across Canada during the winter months.

3. Under the dominion-provincial farm labour agreements all of the provinces made available members of their provincial' field staffs to assist in recruiting farm workers who could be spared from agriculture during the winter months. With the assistance of these officials and of members of local agricultural production committees, not only were the essential needs of agriculture protected, but those who could be spared during the winter months were recruited for other high priority employment.

4. In some of the less commercialized districts where farm labour needs were less acute, certain high priority industries were permitted to employ canvassers under the direction of national selective service to recruit workers.

5. Through an arrangement with the national film board representatives of national selective service attended showings of films on the rural circuits in several of the provinces. On these occasions the needs of other essential industries were made known and farm workers, who could be spared, were recruited to help meet them.

Questions as Orders for Returns

1. When was the overseas service control board formed?

2. How many officers have been recommended for overseas service by that board?

Mr. MACDONALD (Halifax):

No such board exists. On the assumption that the officers survey and classification boards are meant the information is as follows:

1. October 1, 1943.

2. It is not the function of such boards to recommend officers for overseas service.

There are six such boards assigned to definite areas covering Canada and Newfoundland, and each board is responsible for the survey and classification of all officers within its respective area. Eventually every officer will appear before one of these boards in order that he may be appraised and that a recommendation may be submitted as to his suitability to retain present employment-for reallocation if his services can be utilized to better advantage elsewhere-or for his return to civilian status.

veteran's land act

1. Is the Veterans' Land Act in force?

2. Are discharged veterans of the present war allowed to purchase land under this act?

3. If not, why not?

4. If the act is not in force at present, when will it become operative?

1. Yes.

2. Yes. Discharged veterans certified as qualified under the act and regulations are assisted to purchase land. Farm machinery is in very short supply and a similar situation prevails with respect to building materials. Present administrative policy restricts establishments at this stage of the war to disabled veterans and to others in exceptional circumstances.

3 and 4. Answered by 1 and 2.

1. Will the government construct a new hospital as a neurological centre in the city of Montreal? If so, what will be its capacity and estimated cost?

2. Has the government retained the services of any firm of architects to prepare plans for a new neurological hospital in Montreal? If so, who has been so retained?

3. Have any arrangements been made regarding the person who will be in charge of such neurological hospital?

4. Has Dr. Wilder G. Penfield been appointed as head of this new neurological hospital?

5. If so, will he ibe consulted so that plans in regard to the operating rooms and other facilities may be provided to meet his special requirements?

6. If not, who will be responsible for this work?