Mr. SPEAKER:

May I call the attention of hon. members to the fact that when another hon. member has the floor no interruptions can be permitted without his consent.

Mr. SPEAKER:

There is no difference in the question now before us, because at the end the amendment says, "and also the above order in council be repealed at once".

So far as the merits of the amendment are concerned, it will be understood of course that the Chair cannot give any direction to the house. Hon. members know the effect of the amendment, without its being pointed out by the Chair. I can rule only as to whether the 32283-55}

Mr. SPEAKER:

Does anyone wish to speak on the amendment? I am of the opinion that the amendment is in order. Therefore the question is that bill No. 3, for granting to His Majesty aid for national defence and security, be read a second time, to which the hon. member for Charlevoix-Saguenay has moved that-

All the words after the word "that" in the present motion be deleted and substituted by the following words: "this house is of the

opinion that no money should be spent for the enforcement of the National Resources Mobilization Act, as well as order in council 8891, and that the above act, chapter 13, IV, Geo. VI, and also the above order in council be repealed at once.

Hon. IAN A. MACKENZIE: (Minister of Veterans' Affairs): Mr. Speaker, I am not sure whether I am in order, but I wish to point out that if this amendment carries it means that the whole war effort of Canada is retarded and impaired. Under the circumstances it is a most serious amendment to contemplate.

I understand Your Honour has ruled it to be in order, but with all respect and deference to Your Honour's ruling, I have some doubts that it is in order. However, in view of your ruling, I have nothing further to say.

Mr. SPEAKER:

I am willing to hear your argument regarding it.

Mr. SPEAKER:

I have listened with care to what has been said regarding the amendment before the house. When I looked at the amendment I came to the conclusion that it was in order. There was one doubt in my mind with regard to the last part of it, namely "and also the above order in council be repealed at once". I had some doubt in my mind regarding that; but the Clerk has now shown me an amendment moved on May 23, 1918, where-

Sir Wilfrid Laurier moved, in amendment thereto, seconded by Mr. Mackenzie, that all the words in the motion after "that" be left out, and the following substituted therefor: "In the opinion of this house the War-time Elections Act should be repealed".

The amendment was declared in order and a recorded vote was taken.