Mr. A. J. Brooks (Royal):

I wish to ask a question of the Minister of Public Works. I sent him notice of it shortly before I came into the house; I am sorry I could not give him more notice. My question is based on a report published in the Telegraph-Journal of Saint John of May 1 with regard to the construction of an interprovincial bridge between Campbellton,, New Brunswick, and Cross Point, Quebec. The report states:

McNair contends Ottawa passing buck-

Order.

Mr. Speaker:

Probably the hon. member can ask his question without reading the report.

Mr. Brooks:

The premier of New Brunswick states that this is entirely a responsibility of the federal government, not a provincial responsibility. My question is this. Is premier McNair correct in saying that the construction of this bridge is entirely the responsibility of the federal government, and if so, has the federal government taken steps to begin the construction of this bridge?

Hon. Alphonse Fournier (Minister of Public Works):

Mr. Speaker, I received notice of this question just before coming into the house, and I wish to thank the hon. gentleman. I have not read that report in the Telegraph-Journal of May 1. I hesitate to believe that the premier of New Brunswick would have used the language that is attributed to him in this article, because he is extremely distinguished in his way of explaining a situation.

In the second place, I must take the hon. gentleman's word that this was said, namely, that the federal government was fully responsible or entirely responsible for the construction of interprovincial bridges. I would not be positive or dogmatic about it. I have not consulted the Department of Justice. On the other hand I know from experience that in the past interprovincial bridges have been built with the co-operation of the provinces. Actually, there is under consideration a project on the Ottawa river at Pembroke. Negotiations are going on between the province of Quebec and the province of Ontario. We hope that some day we shall have this joint bridge put up by the people of the two provinces and the federal authority.

As to the Campbellton and Cross Point bridge, the federal government is well disposed. As to the responsibility, I should like to take more time to look into the matter.

Inquiries of the Ministry

Mr. Brooks:

I might say that if I could have got the page boy to move a little more quickly, I would have had the copy of the newspaper over to the minister some time ago.

Mr. Fournier (Hull):

I will have plenty of time to read it.

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

should like to direct a question to the Minister of Trade and Commerce. Owing to the fact that thousands of Canadians have installed or contemplate installing within the next few months oil stoves or furnaces, can the minister state whether he feels that fuel oil will be in sufficient supply this fall and in the winter of 1952 to take care of the old and new installations?

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

I know of no situation at this moment that would indicate a shortage of fuel oil for next winter. However, next winter is some months away, and circumstances could intervene. Accordingly, I should not like to have the above statement regarded as a commitment that there will be fuel oil. It has been the desire of the oil companies to instal a pipe line from Montreal to Ottawa and Toronto, and another pipe line from Sarnia to Toronto for the distribution of white products, as they are called; but that has not been possible on account of the shortage of steel. Whether distribution problems will interfere with the local supply situation next winter is uncertain. I expect that there will be sufficient fuel oil in the country, and I am hopeful that it will be properly distributed so that no one will suffer.

Mr. Gordon Graydon (Peel):

I should like to direct a question to the Minister of National Health and Welfare. I did not send him notice of it because I know that he can always answer these questions without notice. In view of the fact that he has returned today from attendance at a conference between Canada and the United States with respect to civil defence matters, when will the house have the privilege of hearing his report as to the results of that conference and a statement of government policy on civil defence in Canada generally?

Hon. Paul Martin (Minister of National Health and Welfare):

As my hon. friend likely knows, the estimate providing for civil defence is under the distribution of items in the name of the Minister of National Defence (Mr. Claxton), the transfer of responsibility having taken place after the estimates were arrived at. When the Minister of National Defence brings his estimates to the house I may have an opportunity to say something on the matter.