Mr. W. R. MACDONALD (Deputy Speaker):

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege.

Yesterday the hon. member for Parlcdale (Mr. Bruce) made certain observations with respect to my actions as chairman of the committee of the whole. As these observations were so completely without foundation as to be fantastic, I did not, at the time, take his remarks seriously. Also I felt it would be most unbecoming for the Deputy Speaker to enter into a controversy with another member, and I still intend to avoid it. However, as certain sections of the press have given prominence to his remarks, I feel that I should make a brief statement.

The words to which the hon. member objected were brought to my attention in committee two days after they were uttered. The hon. member for Parkdale rose in committee on a point of order. I allowed him the widest latitude possible, as I felt he should be given an opportunity to make a complete statement. I. was most anxious that I should be as fair as possible toward him. When he had completed his statement it was necessary for me to make a ruling, and irrespective of my personal feelings in any matter I am bound to see that the rules and precedents of parliament are observed. I read the rule which applied to the point of order which had been raised, and in accordance with the rule I made the finding to which the hon. member objects.

It is natural that any hon. member should be somewhat disappointed when a ruling is made against him. May I, however, Mr. Speaker, be permitted to point out that it is contrary to long established practice in this house and in the British House of Commons for any hon. member to attack the Deputy Speaker, and I trust that in future it will not be tolerated.

Cable Services

Mr. POULIOT:

Is it the intention of the government to send the hon. member for Parkdale (Mr. Bruce) over there as a Canadian delegate?

1. Have the R.C.A.F. an airport or landing field near Tilsonburg, Ontario?

2. If so, when was it constructed?

3. What use was made of this airport?

4. What was the cost of constructing and equipping this airport?

1. The R.C.A.F. had a landing field near Tilsonburg, Ontario, which has now been declared surplus and is in the process of being turned over to the Department of Transport.

2. Construction was commenced in the * spring of 1944.

3. This airport was used as a relief field to No. 16 Service Flying Training School, Hagersville.

4. $273,594.38.

Questions

1. Has the Department of Labour any statistical information indicating that there is a shortage of woods workers in Canada? If so, what is the number required by provinces?

2. When was the last estimate of such labour requirements made?

3. Have any exit permits been granted to residents of Canada in each of the months of September and October, to cross the border to work in the woods in the state of Maine? If so, how many?

1. The woods-worker situation in Canada as at September 1, 1945, shows three times as many men (54,767) engaged in logging and pulpwood cutting as at the same date in 1939 at the outbreak of war. There were 8,405 more than this time last year, and 16,228 more than in 1943 at the same date. The demand, however, has slackened off somewhat due to the late fall; but it is expected that winter requirements will be heavy and a special campaign is under way to locate the men needed. The results so far have been good.

The numbers needed for winter work are

estimated to be:

Maritime region 5,000

Quebec region 20,000

Ontario region 14,000

Prairie region 8,000

British Columbia 3,000

2. October 1, 1945.

3. Yes. In September, 2,592; in October to 20th instant, 1,183.

1. Is there an R.C.A.F. building at AYhite-horse known as very important personnel building? If so, what was the cost of building the same?

2. For what purpose was it built? For what purposes is it being used?