Mr. Howard C. Green (Vancouver-Quadra):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask a question of the Minister of Mines and Resources. Some weeks ago I placed on the order paper a question having to do with the immigration branch, and concerning permits being given to persons of the Japanese race to return to Canada. On November 21 that question was made an order for return. On December 3 the Secretary of State (Mr. Bradley) said that the responsible official was away, but that the return would be brought down as soon as possible. The minister's estimates are to be called today. I wonder if it would be possible to have that return before the estimates are under consideration?

Hon. Colin Gibson (Minister of Mines and Resources):

Mr. Speaker, I have made

inquiries and understand that this return is about ready. It has taken some time to secure the information, because the Japanese admitted to Canada are screened over in Japan before they come here. There was some difficulty in getting answers as to the categories in which the Japanese should be placed. I shall try to bring down the return later in the day, if it is available.

Hon. W. Earl Rowe (Dufferin-Simcoe):

Mr. Speaker, in view of the rapidly diminishing market overseas, referred to especially the other day by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Gardiner) in Brantford, would the government give consideration, at least before the calling of another session, to encouraging the taking of initial steps toward calling a British commonwealth trade conference?

Mr. Church:

Mr. Speaker-

Mr. Fraser:

Wait for an answer.

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

The statement which preceded the question is one in which I cannot concur. I do not know of any rapidly diminishing market overseas. If there is any lack of trade, I suggest that at least we are having plenty of conferences.

Mr. Rowe:

I suggest that the Minister of Trade and Commerce consult the Minister of Agriculture.

Right Hon. J. G. Gardiner (Minister of Agriculture):

May I say to the hon. member that he might consult the report of the meeting. I did not include quite as much territory as he has referred to.

Mr. Casselman:

Quite a bit, though.

Mr. T. L. Church (Broadview):

Mr. Speaker, how did Canada vote last Tuesday in the United Nations committee regarding a plan to give Jerusalem an international form of government? Has the government any announcement to make on the subject? In the event of Canada's supporting it, how will effect be given to it? What army will be assigned by Canada to it, either by voluntary recruiting or otherwise? Has this last-mentioned matter been considered by the government?

Hon. L. B. Pearson (Secretary of Slate for External Affairs):

I believe the plan to which the hon. member is referring is that which was introduced into the United Nations by certain delegations for the establishment of an international form of government for the city of Jerusalem. There have been other plans, but I think this is the one to which the hon. member refers.

Concerning that particular plan before the political committee of the assembly, the Canadian delegation abstained. It abstained on the ground that it was not satisfied the plan could be carried out effectively. The plan was carried in the committee, and I believe is being voted on today in the general assembly of the United Nations.

The house in committee of supply, Mr. Dion in the chair.