Mr. RICHARDSON (Lisgar).

The object of this Bill, in brief, is to make it difficult to effect saw-offs of election protests. 1 may say that I have been in consultation, with reference to the object of this Bill, with a number of prominent judges on the bench, and the Bill is the result of suggestions made by them. It provides that an affidavit shall be received from the respondent, and the election agents of both sides before the petition is dismissed, and if, in the opinion of the judge, there has been any collusion, he has it in his power to declare that the deposit of $1,000 is forfeited to the public uses of the Dominion.

Mr. RICHARDSON (Lisgar).

By the hon. member for Alberta (Mr. Oliver).

Mr. R. L. RICHARDSON (Lisgar).

Might I suggest to the right hon. premier the desirability of referring all these Bills to amend the Dominion Controverted Elections Act to a special committee ? I do not know myself what the practice of the House is on such a matter, but I may say that I have already given notice of an amendment to the Dominion Controverted Elections Act. I may add that I have been in communication with some of the most prominent judges in the Dominion, and the Bill, of which I have given notice, is the result of suggestions that I have received from them. Now, inasmuch as I believe these amendments will be in the interest of the entire country, would it not be a good idea for the Premier to appoint a special committee to deal with all these amendments, and to make such suggestions to the House as the committee thought wise ?