Hon. Brooke Claxion (Minister of National Defence):

Mr. Speaker, as hon. members know, Canada supplied the equipment, largely armament and ammunition, for a division to The Netherlands, and this was delivered last December.

Monday night in the house I stated that, arrangements having been completed for replacement by equipment of U.S. pattern, we had indicated to the council deputies under the North Atlantic treaty our willingness to supply the equipment for another division, and we asked advice as to its disposition.

Word was received today that the standing group had recommended that this equipment be delivered to Belgium. I am glad to report that this action was approved by the cabinet this afternoon.

As soon as shipping instructions are received, the equipment will be shipped from the ordnance depot at Longue Pointe, Montreal, where it is ready and in good condition.

By this action we will help to strengthen 'the defences of freedom in western Europe, promote standardization on each side of the Atlantic, and strengthen the ties which already exist between the forces and peoples of Belgium and our own country.

Mr. Pearkes:

Mr. Speaker, arising out of the statement the minister has just made, may I ask if he can indicate when the equipment which is being sent to Belgium will be replaced-I presume from some other country-for Canadian purposes?

Mr. Claxion:

Arrangements have already been made for the replacement of the equipment for the first division, which was shipped to The Netherlands, by purchases from the

United States. Delivery of that equipment will be commenced at an early day and completed in' a few months. We expect with confidence that that will be followed by similar arrangements to be made with the United States for replacements. Whether or not we shall offer equipment for a third division until the replacement of the equipment for the first division has been completed, is a matter still under consideration.

Hon. Brooke Claxion (Minister of National Defence):

With the permission of the house, Mr. Speaker, I should like to revert to motions.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Beaudoin):

Has

the minister leave of the house to revert to motions?

Agreed.

Mr. Claxion:

I should like to give the

house the text of a telegram received from our ambassador in Brussels this afternoon. In this telegram he states that Colonel De Greefs said:

On recommendation of the standing group of the North Atlantic treaty organization the Canadian government has decided to offer Belgium the armament of an infantry division. His Excellency Lieutenant General Maurice Pope, ambassador of Canada, has today informed foreign affairs minister Paul Van Zeeland of this decision. Belgium is glad to accept this offer and sees in it a new expression of the active sympathy Canada has always expressed towards Belgium.

Mr. W. J. Browne (St. John's Wesf):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask a question of the Minister of Justice. As he is aware, provision was made last year for the appointment of five district court judges in Newfoundland. Have any been appointed? If not, how much longer shall we have to wait until they are appointed?

Hon. Sluart S. Garson (Minister of

Justice): The matter to which the hon. member refers is under consideration by the attorney general of Newfoundland and by our department.

Inquiries of the Ministry ROYAL COMMISSIONS

Mr. P. E. Wright (Melfort):

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Transport give the house any information as to when the report of the royal commission on transportation will be ready for tabling?

Hon. Lionel Chevrier (Minister of Transport):

I expect to have the report from the chairman of the royal commission on transportation within the next few days. When I do receive it, some time will be required before it can be printed. As soon as that can be done-possibly within two or three weeks -it will be tabled in the house.