Hon. W. E. Harris (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration):

Yesterday the hon. member for Peterborough West (Mr. Fraser) inquired about the staff of the immigration office at Hong Kong. Up until September of 1949 we had only one officer there. We added one in that month. We added two in 1950. We added four clerks in 1950. Therefore we think the facilities are now reasonably adequate. The number of immigration visas granted in 1949 was 986, and we granted 2,068 during 1950.

I gathered from the tenor of the hon. member's preceding questions that he was more concerned about Canadians than immigrants. I want to assure him that the immigration staff is there for the assistance of Canadians as well, and we do assist in identifying them and getting their passage if they seek to come home.

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

Has the medical staff, for the purpose of checking medical fitness, been increased? That was the cause of the delay before.

Mr. Harris (Grey-Bruce):

The medical staff is partly our own, but consists largely of roster doctors outside the offices, whom we employ.

Mr. Gordon Graydon (Peel):

I should like

to have addressed my question to the Minister of Resources and Development (Mr. Winters), but he was unable to be here, and is not here today. I do not want to let the matter stand any longer; therefore I address the question to the Prime Minister for his consideration and that of the Minister of Resources and Development when he returns.

In view of the objections that have been raised in some quarters to the drastic policy announced by the Minister of Resources and Development on Monday last with respect to curtailment of housing loans under the National Housing Act, will the Prime

Minister reconsider the stand taken by the government on that occasion and ease the severe provisions which may have the effect of a serious cutback in housing generally?

Right Hon. L. S. St. Laurent (Prime Minister):

As I understand the statement of the Minister of Resources and Development, it was a promise to keep the matter of housing constantly under review, on the basis that, next to construction required for defence purposes, housing was to have the highest priority.

Mr. Graydon:

I am very glad the door has

not been closed.

Mr. Bona Arsenault (Bonaventure):

I

should like to direct a question to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Taking it for granted that Jacques de Bernon-ville is entitled to a new trial if he returns to France upon deportation, what information has the minister to the effect that the trial will be held in the appropriate court of normal jurisdiction, as stated in the minister's press release of yesterday, February 8?

Hon. W. E. Harris (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration):

I will take the question as notice and table the text of the appropriate French decrees.

Mr. Stanley Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre):

I should like to ask the Minister of Labour a question with reference to the new section 5A of the unemployment insurance regulations. I refer to the section brought into force by order in council P.C. 5090, effective since November 15, 1950, and disqualifying certain married women from receiving benefits. Have protests been

received against the new section? Is consideration being given to revising or dropping it?