Mr. MARTIN:

Certainly, some of the

big concerns have given notice about it since they have heard of the law.

Mr. MEDERIC MARTIN:

I do not want to take much part in this discussion, but I would like to know if the minister will consider the insertion of a clause in. the Bill preventing big concerns which hold a great deal of property for increasing the rents on their tenants. Because if that is not done the poor people will pay the tax in the long run. There are some concerns in Montreal which have a great many tenants, and they have started already to notify those tenants that they will increase the rents. I suppose my hon. friend does not wish to see the poor people pay all the tax, so I think it would be a good thing to put a clause in the Bill to the effect that property owners will be prohibited from increasing their rentals with a view to reimbursing themselves for what they are called upon to pay under this Act. There are many large property-holders in Montreal receiving $100,000 a year and more in rent, if they increase their rents by five per cent it will simply mean that the poor people will pay the tax. Of course, it is always the poor who pay these taxes.

Mr. MARTIN:

machinery, and that both Acts should be continued in force until the end of the war.

Mr. MEDERIC MARTIN:

That is not what I mean. My point is, I would like to see a clause in the Bill prohibiting those people from raising their rents in order to reimburse themselves for the amount they have to pay as taxes un'der this Act. They are simply trying to get the tax back from the poor people.

Mr. MEDERIU MARTIN:

Certainly this Government has the power, to interfere if those large property holders increase the rents without good and sufficient reason. If they do increase the rents, it will be simply for the purpose of making the poor people pay the tax. In any event, I would ask my hon. friend to take the matter into consideration, and consult the Minister of Justice with a view to determining whether some such prohibition could be included in the Bill. They are starting in Montr real to tell their tenants that they will increase the rents. If they do so the tax will be paid by the poor people.