Mr. Howe:

That is what I suggested-that we pass the resolution now and discuss the bill this afternoon.

Mr. Coldwell:

Has the bill been printed?

Mr. Howe:

Yes, and it will be distributed as soon as the resolution is passed and the bill introduced.

Mr. Coldwell:

I think the house would be well advised to follow the normal procedure and give the bill second reading tomorrow.

Mr. Howe:

I am in the hands of the house. If that is the wish of the house, I cannot object.

Mr. Speaker:

Shall we proceed now with the resolution?

Agreed.

Motion agreed to and the house went into committee, Mr. Dion in the chair.

Mr. Fulton:

What department will have the administration of the act? Will it be under the minister who is sponsoring the resolution, or under the Department of Public Works?

Mr. Howe:

Two departments will be involved. The Minister of Public Works will have to do with the upkeep of the house, and the Minister of Finance will have to do with the upkeep of the grounds through the federal district commission, and general oversight over the internal arrangements of the house. I think I could explain these matters better after the bill has been distributed.

Mr. Diefenbaker:

Could the minister advise what the cost of the residence is to be, and whether or not the building in front of the house to be designated as the residence of the Prime Minister is to remain there or be removed? The question was asked whether this building was to be used as a house for the private secretary of the Prime Minister, and the reply given was that it would be leased to such persons as might be designated by the Prime Minister. Could we have information with regard to those two matters?

Mr. Cruickshank:

I may get an apartment yet.

Mr. Fournier (Hull):

Mr. Chairman, as to

the cost of the whole project, I can only say that the work is under way. I could not give a definite figure. This is an old building which is being torn down. Only the shell will be kept, and it will be remodelled. The work is under the supervision of, and according to plans prepared by, the firm of Allward and Gouinlock, architects, of Toronto. One thing I am sure of is that the work was given to the Garvock firm at a price of $10,000. As time goes on I shall give progress reports to the house.

Mr. Diefenbaker:

What is the estimated

cost? There must be some general estimate?

Mr. Fournier (Hull):

Those I have consulted so far dare not give an exact estimate, because in estimating the cost of remodelling an old building we are nearly always wide of the mark. I believe in the main estimates there is an amount of $80,000, but I am sure that will not be sufficient.

Mr. Diefenbaker:

What is the general

estimate?

Mr. Fournier (Hull):

I think it will be

somewhere around $100,000-that would only be a personal guess, and if I make a mistake it will come back on me. I would rather not give my opinion. I am not a contractor.

Mr. Smith (Calgary West):

Allow yourself

a leeway of $100,000 for error.

Mr. Fournier (Hull):

If that is the attitude

of my good friends, I would say between $150,000 and $200,000; that is about the closest I can come. That estimate is given in good faith, and in a kindly way.

The next question concerned the coach house, as they call it. At the moment opinion is divided on that subject. Some people believe we should keep that building, while others have been pressing me to have it demolished and keep only the lower part of it for a garage. Within the next few days a decision will be made about that building.

Mr. Smith (Calgary West):

You might

keep it for use as a parliamentary doghouse.

Mr. Fournier (Hull):

I would not know

what the present or future prime ministers would think of that. Within the next ten days we expect to have a decision on it.