June 22, 1948 (20th Parliament, 4th Session)

Hon. DOUGLAS ABBOTT (Minister of Finance):

Mr. Speaker, my hon. friend, as he said, was good enough to give me newspaper notice of his intention to raise this question. The statement to which he referred was called to my attention at six o'clock yesterday evening. I had been working in treasury board on the supplementary estimates during the afternoon, and had not seen the afternoon papers. I was in the house at half past ten o'clock, but I left at twenty minutes to eleven. However, I am glad to make a statement as suggested by my hon. friend. .
I would point out to the house something of which it is well aware. It is most unusual for a minister of finance or any other minister either to confirm or to deny rumours of this kind. But in view of the widespread publicity which has been given to this rumour and the statement of my hon. friend, I have no alternative but to say that the rumour is without foundation.
I understand that my hon. friend used the words "flouting of parliament" in his statement to the house yesterday evening.