Mr. TUCKER:

I do not know whether they are true, but representations have been made to me regarding the effect of the present regulations in connection with Bang's disease. In districts in which it is felt that the disease may exist, the farmers get their cattle tested, and if animals are found to be suffering from the disease they are tagged. Then there is a tendency, it is said, for these farmers immediately to try to get rid of such an animal, with the result that the disease is spread more widely than it otherwise would be. It is also said that this attitude follows when an animal is tagged: The farmers say, "This animal has been tested for Bang's disease." They see it is tagged and nothing is done in regard to it, so they conclude that it is now free from the disease, when exactly the reverse is the case. Does that correctly represent the situation, and, if so, is any attention being paid to it by the minister?

Mr. W. A. TUCKER (Rosthern):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask a question of the Minister of National Revenue (Mr. Ilsley) based upon a circular letter which was sent out by the International Harvester Company to its dealers in my constituency. This letter is dated at Saskatoon, February 5, 1936, and reads:

Dealers: General letter No. 12. Repair

prices for ball and roller bearings, bolts, nuts, washers, screws and rivets-

Mr. TUCKER:

I must read the letter in

order to make my question intelligible. It is a very short letter.

Mr. TUCKER:

I spoke to the Minister

of National Revenue about the matter, and I believe he is ready to answer my question.

Mr. TUCKER:

This letter indicates that

effective immediately the prices of parts necessary for duty free farm tractors will be increased 33i per cent. The letter states that this increase in price is made necessary on account of duty now being paid on these parts. Could the minister advise whether there has been any increase in the duty on parts necessary for duty free tractors? If

there has not been any increase, will the government take some action in regard to this increase in the price of parts which are so important to the farmers of western Canada?

Hon. CHARLES A. DUNNING (Minister of Finance): I know of no increase in duties whatsoever. If my hon. friend would place his question upon the order paper I would have a better chance than I have at the moment of answering accurately the latter part of his question.