Hon. Brooke Claxlon (Minister of National Defence):

Mr. Speaker, following disciplinary troubles on several of the ships of the Royal Canadian Navy, I appointed a commission to investigate and report on the causes of these incidents and other related matters. The commission consisted of Rear Admiral E. R. Mainguy, O.B.E., chairman; Mr. L. W. Brock-ington, C.M.G., K.C., and Mr. Louis C. Audette, members. I believe everyone will agree that the reputations and personalities of the members of the commission created respect and inspired confidence.

The commission has made its report, and its recommendations are being examined. As the report itself points out, several of its recommendations had already been carried out before the report was made, and many others are well on the way to being implemented. Although the report might be regarded as confidential, it has been decided that in this case the general interest would be served by making its contents public. As hon. members have expressed interest, it would probably meet the wish of the house if a copy of the report were tabled.

I should like to take this opportunity of expressing warmest appreciation to the members of the inquiry. Each of the three members brought to this task outstanding qualifications. The report is a highly constructive and useful document of general interest, and it will be of great value in the work of developing the navy on sound lines. Its findings should prove invaluable in furthering the great reputation and traditions of the Canadian navy, earned so magnificently in time of war by its major contribution to victory at sea.

Mr. G. K. Fraser (Peterborough West):

should like to direct a question to the Minister of Trade and Commerce and the Minister

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of Agriculture. As the deputy ministers of those two departments have recently returned from the United Kingdom following a conference, will either of the ministers state whether any new agreements or contracts are contemplated?

Right Hon. C. D. Howe (Minister of Trade and Commerce):

The deputy ministers of trade and commerce and of agriculture went to the United Kingdom to place the views of this government before the officials of the corresponding departments in the United Kingdom. The government is now waiting to hear the views of the ministers on the representations that were made.

Mr. Fraser:

When will the minister make a statement to the house?

Mr. T. L. Church (Broadview):

The hour from eight to nine tonight is reserved for private bills, and I notice that, according to the order paper, item No. 49 will be considered tonight. This item reads as follows:

Resuming debate on the motion of Mr. Maybank for the second reading of Bill No. 66 (letter E of the Senate), intituled: "An act to incorporate Alberta Natural Gas Company."

Will this bill be referred to one of the standing committees of the house in order that they may make a detailed study of it? As I see it, the bill creates a huge franchise for the private promoters, and there is no control over rates. The Bell Telephone bill a few years ago was referred to a committee for detailed study, although it came from another place.

Right Hon. C. D. Howe (Minister of Trade and Commerce):

It is my understanding that the bill will be referred to the appropriate committee of the House of Commons, which I believe is the committee on railways, canals and telegraph lines.

Mr. J. G. Diefenbaker (Lake Centre):

should like to direct a question to the Minister of National Revenue. Some announcements have been made outside the

Inquiries of the Ministry house by private members supporting the government to the effect that the licence fee for receiving sets is to be done away with next year. Is that correct?

Hon. J. J. McCann (Minister of National Revenue):

I have no information, Mr. Speaker, except what I have seen in the papers. Persons who make statements of that kind do so entirely on their own responsibility.

Mr. Graydon:

In other words, they are talking through their hats.

Mr. Diefenbaker:

Is it the intention of the government to set up the radio committee at the present session, so that we can find out?

Mr. Speaker:

Orders of the day.