Mr. Knight:

For a copy of all correspondence exchanged between the government of Manitoba or any minister or department thereof and the federal government or any minister or department thereof, in reference to the question of federal aid to education, dated at any time since January 1, 1947.

Mr. St. Laurent:

This is subject to the usual reservation in connection with getting the consent of the government of Manitoba.

Mr. Speaker:

Carried, subject to the usual reservation regarding provincial consent.

Mrs. Fairclough:

For a copy of all schedules of postal rates issued from year to year from 1914, to date, also for a statement showing profit or loss yearly on the handling of second-class mail since and including the year 1939.

Hon. Robert H. Winters (Minister of Resources and Development) moved

that the house go into committee at the next sitting to consider the following resolution:

That it is expedient to bring in a measure to provide elected representation in the territorial government for the population of the northwest territories, and to give the governor in council power to appoint judicial officers for the said territories.

He said: Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor General, having been made acquainted with the subject matter of this resolution, recommends it to the consideration of the house.

Mr. Gordon Graydon (Peel):

May I direct a question to the Secretary of State for External Affairs, based upon press reports appearing today with respect to the arrest of Canadian citizens and other repressive treatment which seems to have been accorded citizens of this country in Red China? Can the minister tell us whether he has any late reports dealing with the subject of Canadian citizens still in Red China, and whether it is possible for Canadian citizens to leave that country freely for Canada if they so desire?

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

We have had information in my department through the United Kingdom authorities in Peking, which information has been transmitted to us through London,

and also information from other sources, that certain Canadians have been detained by the government in Peking. We have asked the United Kingdom authorities in China to look into the cases that have been brought to our attention and to do everything they can to afford those Canadians protection. Since we ourselves have no diplomatic representation in China, on this occasion we are dependent upon the good offices of-the United Kingdom diplomatic service; and, as always, they are only too anxious to help, as I hope we would help if the circumstances were reversed.

On the general question of the position of Canadians in China, I would not like to say anything at this moment without more consideration; but I can tell the hon. member for Peel that Canadians are leaving China at the present time. Delays have been put in their way but of those who wish to return to Canada some are getting out of China. I may be able to give him more particulars on that aspect of the matter shortly.