1. Has the government taken action with regard to the resolution adopted by the House of Commons on March 9, 1936, with reference to the construction of a bridge over the St. Lawrence, between Three Rivers and Ste. Angele de Laval?

2. If not, why?

3. If so, what has been done?

Mr. DUBOIS:

Before this item carries may we have the quantity exported into the United States?

Mr. LUCIEN DUBOIS (Nicolet-Yamaska) (Translation) moved:

Whereas the city of Three Rivers is the most important centre on the St. Lawrence river, between Quebec and Montreal;

And whereas (a) the said city being an industrial centre largely inhabited by the labouring class is the natural outlet for agricultural products of the region; (b) the farmers of the south shore are interested in that important city being easily accessible to them, both for the selling of their products and the making of purchases; (c) the ferry boat service is not always regular, chiefly in winter season and sometimes in summer months by reason of the very large number of passengers; (d) practical means of communication at all hours of the day would benefit the working-class population of Three Rivers and the farmers of the south shore; (e) from a tourist standpoint the regional highway of St. Angele de Laval via Sherbrooke is the shortest route between Three Rivers and the United States; (f) the construction of a bridge

Three Rivers-St. Angele Bridge

between Three Rivers and St. Angele de Laval would greatly facilitate communications between La Tuque, Grand'Mere, Shawinigan, Cape de la Madeleine, Louiseville, etc., and important centres on the south shore, such as the cities of Nicolet, Vietoriaville, Sherbrooke, St. Hyacinthe, etc.; (g) the construction of a bridge would encourage the development of a large number of counties as it would improve transportation facilities and the amount of labour made available in the region; (h) S't. Angele de Laval is one of the terminals of the Canadian National Railways on the south shore between Montreal and Quebec;

Therefore be it resolved, that, in the opinion of this house, it is expedient that the government should consider the advisability of appointing experts to look into this matter in all its aspects and report as speedily as possible.

Mr. Speaker, more than ever, the time has come for action. I therefore do not wish to speak at length, and quote all sorts of figures, and then prevent the house from passing as soon as possible the resolution which I have the honour to submit for consideration.

The resolution speaks for itself and its conclusion, which is as follows, is in no way embarrassing to the government:

That, in the opinion of this house, it is expedient that the government should consider the advisability of appointing experts to look into this matter in all its aspects and report as speedily as possible.

I trust that the government will view my request with due consideration. I believe it to be a reasonable one and I have nothing further to add for the present.

1. Is the government aware that the Canadian Farm Loan Board has not yet reached a decision with respect to certain loan applications it received some two months ago?

2. If so, will the government take the necessary steps to require the board to expedite its findings ?

1. What is the date of reemployment of each member of the staff of the provincial bureau of the Canadian Farm Loan Board at Quebec, mentioned in answer No. 1 of sessional paper 377?

2. In addition to the above-mentioned persons, were other persons employed since April 19, 1935, at the provincial bureau of the Canadian Farm Loan Board at Quebec?

Questions as Orders for Returns

3. What are the names, occupations and salaries of such new members of the staff of the provincial bureau of the Canadian Farm Loan Board at Quebec?

4. From April 19, to May 20, 1935, what persons worked at the provincial bureau of the Canadian Farm Loan Board at Quebec, and how many days did each such person work and what duties did each such person perform?

5. When were letters, received' at the

provincial bureau of the Canadian Farm Loan Board, from April 19, to May 20, 1935,

answered ?

6. When were loan applications, received at the provincial bureau of the Canadian Farm Loan Board at Quebec, from April 19, to May 20, 1935, considered?