Hon. Stuart S. Garson (Minister of Justice):

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. Yesterday afternoon I was carrying out an engagement on public business in my own office and I was necessarily absent from the chamber when the hon. member for Brandon (Mr. Dinsdale), in the course of his remarks, attributed to me a statement in these words, which I must repudiate as being incorrect. They are found on page 163 of Hansard, as follows:

For example, our Manitoba minister, speaking recently in Preeceville, Saskatchewan, criticized the trend toward industrialization on the prairies, claiming it to be a revival of what he termed Tory protectionism, whatever that may be.

The fact is, Mr. Speaker, that in that address I never even mentioned the trend toward industrialization on the prairies, let alone criticize it. What I said-and I will quote two sentences-was this:

Yet, some people in Canada argue that the course of our development should be altered, that we should process and finish more of our own raw materials in Canada; and that, for example, rather than export iron ore, we should enlarge the steel-producing capacity of this country. Now, while from our government's deeds it is perfectly clear-

Mr. Drew:

Mr. Speaker, I ask what is the point of privilege that is under consideration?

Mr. Garson:

I have just stated it. If my hon. friend will contain himself for about fifteen seconds I shall finish my remarks.

Mr. Speaker:

I understand that the Minister of Justice was not in the house when the hon. member for Brandon attributed to him certain statements which he states were not made by him. If the minister had been in the house, according to custom, he would have been permitted, at the end of the speech of the hon. member, to correct any incorrect statements that had been made regarding him.

Mr. Drew:

I am merely raising the question because it is obvious that he would be in a position on a question of privilege to correct any inaccurate statements, but I would point out that the minister is taking the occasion to make a speech, and we have from him another speech.

Mr. Garson:

Mr. Speaker, I must object to my hon. friend's interjection. I am not making a speech; I am repudiating what is attributed to me, and stating what I actually said at that time.

Mr. Casselman:

What page?

Mr. Speaker:

Order. The Minister of Justice should only complete the statement which he actually did make, without further comment thereon.

Mr. Garson:

As I was quoting, Mr. Speaker,

when I was interrupted:

Now, while from our government's deeds it Is perfectly clear that we believe in enlarging the steel or any other producing capacity of Canada to the optimum point, we do not by any means agree with the view that we should process all of our raw materials in this country.

Mr. Pearkes:

Are you going to read the whole speech?

Mr. M. J. Coldwell (Roseiown-Biggar):

Mr. Speaker, on a question of privilege; I did not want to raise this while the hon. member was speaking, but the other afternoon I endeavoured to correct a statement which was being made by the hon. member for Peace Paver (Mr. Low). I was told that I could not do that until the amendment to the amendment had been disposed of. I am in the very difficult position today of not having been able to say anything to correct what the hon. gentleman isaid.

Mr. Speaker:

Order. My recollection is that the hon. member for Rosetown-Biggar stated that he had the proof of the statement which he made, and he wanted to prove what he had previously said. Of course I could not allow that. Today the Minister of Justice has corrected a statement which was directed to him. The other day the hon. member for Rosetown-Biggar (Mr. Coldwell) wanted to prove a statement he had already made.

Mr. Coldwell:

I think probably you misunderstood, Mr. Speaker. The hon. member had made a statement that I had said something, and I wished to correct it. I think-perhaps there was a misunderstanding in that regard.

Inquiries of the Ministry

Mr. Speaker:

If there was a misunderstanding, it is unfortunate, and I regret it. In any event I could not have allowed the hon. member for Rosetown-Biggar to make another speech at that time.

Mr. Coldwell:

I understand that.