1970-04-30

ORAL QUESTION PERIOD


Hon. Robert L. Stanfield (Leader of the Opposition):: Mr. Speaker, I had a question for the Secretary of State for External Affairs who I would have thought would not find it necessary to be in the province of Quebec today.


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!


Robert Lorne Stanfield: So perhaps I could address it to the Prime Minister-oh, the minister has arrived.


Mr. Baldwin:: The late Mr. Sharp.


Robert Lorne Stanfield: I would like to ask the Secretary of State for External Affairs a question relating to Cambodia. In view of the special relationship which we assume exists between Canada and the United States and the fact that Canada is a member of the International Control Commission in Indochina, I would like to ask the Secretary of State for External Affairs whether there was any consultation with the government of Canada prior to President Nixon's announcement yesterday of United States air and technical support in Cambodia?


Hon. Mitchell Sharp (Secretary of State for External Affairs):: Mr. Speaker, as the Leader of the Opposition knows, the Cambodian government asked the International Control Commission to leave Cambodia. The answer to his direct question is that there was no consultation.


Robert Lorne Stanfield: Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Secretary of State for External Affairs could tell the House what progress has been made in
the active negotiations that the Prime Minister assured the House on April 17 were being held with the other members of the commission, India and Poland?


Mitchell William Sharp: Mr. Speaker, we have had consultations not only with the members of the International Control Commission but while I was in France the Foreign Minister, Mr. Schumann, discussed his idea of reviving the Geneva Conference or of holding a meeting of all of the countries concerned. We have talked with the British government about this. We have had some consultation with other governments to try to see how we might play a useful part. We have made it very clear in connection with the International Control Commission that we would not be prepared to return to Cambodia if we were asked to return unless agreement were reached by all the parties as to the functions of the International Control Commission. We see no point whatever in returning to the kind of futile exercise which prevailed before the Cambodians asked us to leave.


Robert Lorne Stanfield: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the Secretary of State for External Affairs could tell us what is the status of negotiations with regard to a new Geneva Conference? What prospects are there, in brief, of such a conference being held?


Mitchell William Sharp: Mr. Speaker, I do not think they are very good at the moment. There has not been agreement among the principal countries concerned as to the calling of such a conference. Some proposals have been put forward, some tentatively, but there has obviously been no consensus yet.


Mr. T. C. Douglas (Nanaimo-Cowichan-The Islands):: May I direct a question to the Secretary of State for External Affairs, Mr. Speaker. In view of the concern in Canada about the war in Viet Nam, which will be now deepened by virtue of the widening of hostilities into a general war covering Southeast Asia, and in view of our indirect involvement
Inquiries of the Ministry through the International Control Commission, is the government of Canada making any representations to the United States about this matter and expressing its views and its concern about the widening of military operations in Southeast Asia?


Mitchell William Sharp: Mr. Speaker, I think it would be rather premature for the Canadian government to express any views upon American policy until the President of the United States explains the basis upon which this apparent escalation of the conflict has been justified.


Thomas Clement (Tommy) Douglas: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. In the last couple of weeks I have asked both the Secretary of State for External Affairs and the Prime Minister whether the Canadian government would at least follow the lead of France and other countries in calling for a reconvening of the Geneva Accord nations. At that time the government indicated it would be prepared to participate but not to call for such a conference. May I ask now whether the Canadian government would be prepared to join with other nations in endeavouring to put this question on the agenda of the United Nations so that the matter can be dealt with on an international basis instead of allowing it to drift into what could be a very serious war in Southeast Asia?


Mitchell William Sharp: Mr. Speaker, the Canadian government would, of course, be prepared to look at any proposal that might help to end this conflict. We would be prepared, of course, to participate in a conference. I can reaffirm that position on the part of the Canadian government. As to bringing this matter before the United Nations, I would have thought this a rather doubtful proposition in view of the fact that several of the countries principally concerned are not now adequately represented there.


Thomas Clement (Tommy) Douglas: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. The minister has told us all the things we cannot do. Can the minister tell us about any useful contribution Canada can make, or does the Canadian government intend to sit by as it has done in the Viet Nam war and allow the situation to deteriorate?


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!

April 30, 1970


Mr. Lome Nystrom (Yorkton-Melville):: Mr. Speaker, in view of the deepening crisis in Cambodia and in view of the increased United States involvement there, will the Canadian government now give serious consideration to terminating the Canada-United States defence-sharing arrangement?


Mitchell William Sharp: No, Mr. Speaker. The reasons for continuing our defence-sharing agreement with the United States have been explained on many occasions. But I should like to say to my hon. friend and to the Leader of the NDP that I did not hear the same sort of concern expressed about the presence in Cambodia of troops from North Viet Nam.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear!



POST OFFICE


Mr. Heath Macquarrie (Hillsborough):: Mr. Speaker, may I direct a question to the Prime Minister. It is in reference to the administration of the Post Office Department which is currently facing grave problems. Does the Prime Minister not believe that there is some legitimate public and parliamentary concern as to who is now administering this trouble-starred department? If so, will he not penetrate this unbecoming curtain of silence?


An hon. Member:: Answer!


Mr. Speaker:: The hon. member for Regina East.


Heath Nelson Macquarrie: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. If the Prime Minister will not show consideration to the House and to the people, may I appeal to him to show consideration for the Postmaster General himself in light of the accusation that there is apparently not room in the country now for him and the Minister of Labour at the one time?



WHEAT-ACREAGE REDUCTION PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Mr. John Burton (Regina East):: I wish to direct a question to the Minister without Portfolio in charge of the Wheat Board. Can the minister inform the House now when the regulations in connection with operation LIFT

April 30, 1970

will be announced? Can he also tell us if these proposed regulations have been discussed with the farm organizations and, if so, which farm organizations?


Hon. Otto E. Lang (Minister without Portfolio):: Mr. Speaker, the regulations are in force. Of course, the pattern of effect of the regulations upon farmers has been discussed very widely throughout the country with most farm organizations.


John Stratford Burton: A supplementary question. If these regulations are in force, can the minister make them available to the members of this House and, more important, to the farmers of western Canada?


Otto Emil Lang: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will be glad to do that.


Right Hon. J. G. Diefenbaker (Prince Albert):: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Does the minister say the regulations have been completed and are now confirmed? If so, will he table them today? The farmers of western Canada do not know where in blazes they are going because the regulations have not been made available to them.


Otto Emil Lang: I think that might be arranged, Mr. Speaker.


John Stratford Burton: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker.


John George Diefenbaker: I rise on a question of privilege.


Mr. Speaker:: Order, please. The right hon. gentleman seeks the floor on a question of privilege.


John George Diefenbaker: A facetious answer like that from a minister is not acceptable.


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!


John George Diefenbaker: Groan if you will!


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!


John George Diefenbaker: Keep it up!


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!


John George Diefenbaker: Mr. Speaker, the attitude of the Liberal members is one of contempt toward the western farmer, as just shown by the minister.


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear!
Inquiries of the Ministry


John George Diefenbaker: I ask the minister whether he will table the regulations today so they will be available? All we have yet received is a brush-off from a minister who has done nothing for the western farmers.


Otto Emil Lang: On the question of privilege, Mr. Speaker, I, of course, do not have the regulations in my hand. I was conscious of the fact that at a later date it might require the consent of the House to table them. That is why I used the words I did.


John George Diefenbaker: If it requires the consent of the House, can that be secured now so that this fractious minister can produce them?


Some hon. Members:: Oh, oh!


Mr. Speaker:: Order.



REQUEST FOR CORRESPONDENCE ON ACREAGE REDUCTION PROGRAM

John Stratford Burton: A further supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. When did these regulations go into force and on what date was the order in council passed? Also, in view of the fact that the minister was able to release an exchange of correspondence between the President of the National Farmers' Union and himself on the question of operation LIFT, can he indicate to us whether he is prepared to make available all correspondence between the minister and the government and farm organizations since operation LIFT was first discussed with farm organizations?


Otto Emil Lang: Mr. Speaker, I will certainly be glad to give consideration to the question in relation to the various parts of correspondence. Of course the usual conditions will have to be applied. It might be more useful if we had specific requests rather than a broad one of this sort. The consent of a variety of people may be required in order to fulfil the request.


John Stratford Burton: I have one short supplementary question arising out of an answer given earlier by the minister. He asked hon. members to refer specifically to correspondence that they would like him to table. Would he arrange to table the telegram from the President of the National Farmers Union to the Prime Minister on February 22 in which the government's proposals for operation LIFT were specifically rejected?
6450	COMMONS
Inquiries of the Ministry


Otto Emil Lang: That is the kind of difficulty I can foresee with regard to the general question. I am not sure it is in my hands, in any respect, to table that item.



WHEAT-ACREAGE REDUCTION PROGRAM-EXTENSION BEYOND JULY 15 FOR SEEDING COVER CROP

Mr. S. J. Korchinski (Mackenzie):: My question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture. In view of the fact that seeding by most farmers will be at least one month later than the seeding that will be done on the minister's farm, and as the farmers will not be able to reap the fodder from any perennial grass cover crop that he may be able to, will the minister extend the date from July 15 by at least three weeks or one month so that other farmers can qualify in the same way that he can?


Hon. H. A. Olson (Minister of Agriculture):: If the hon. member had been here the other day, he would know that I answered a question essentially the same as the one he is now asking. July 15 is approximately the middle of the summer in all regions of Canada. It has to be borne in mind that the permission to seed a cover crop of oats before July 15 was designed for protection against soil erosion, wind erosion, not primarily for the purpose of seeding a crop of that nature.


Stanley James Korchinski: In view of the fact that perennial grass cannot be used as hay for at least two years, will the minister be prepared to help farmers who wish to co-operate with him by extending the period for one month and allowing them to use the cover crop for fodder?


Horace Andrew (Bud) Olson: There is no prohibition in the regulations as far as I know which would prevent any man using this cover crop for grazing purposes.



WHEAT-ACREAGE REDUCTION PROGRAM-CONSIDERATION FOR FARMERS WHO MADE REDUCTIONS LAST YEAR

Mr. Les Benjamin (Regina-Lake Centre):: My question is directed to the Minister without Portfolio in charge of the Wheat Board. If I may preface it, Mr. Speaker, members of this House have been asking since operation LIFT-


Mr. Speaker:: Order. The hon. member
cannot preface his question in that way. He should ask the question.

DEBATES	April 30, 1970


Leslie Gordon Benjamin: In view of the statement issued publicly by a member of the Saskatchewan Federation of Agriculture concerning the parts of operation LIFT which he feels are inequitable and unfair, would the minister say whether or not, taking into account the remarks of Mr. Bowden, additional consideration will be given to the situation of farmers who reduced their acreage in 1969?


Otto Emil Lang: As has been indicated many times, the situation of those who had reduced their acreage previously was taken into consideration at the time the policy itself was formulated; it was felt that any other changes which could be made would have as many adverse effects as positive ones. That is exactly why we achieved the balance we did in the program.



UNITED STATES WHEAT ACREAGE ESTIMATES

Mr. A. B. Douglas (Assiniboia):: My question, too, is directed to the Minister without Portfolio in charge of the Wheat Board and it relates to recent allegations that farmers in the United States are increasing their wheat acreage this year, thus reducing the effect of the LIFT program. Can the minister give the House the latest estimates of the acreage of wheat to be harvested in the United States in 1970?


Otto Emil Lang: I would be glad to get the precise figures of estimates, but estimates of wheat to be seeded in the United States show a definite downward trend compared with last year and only in one or two isolated areas is an increase indicated.



BROADCASTING


Mr. Robert Muir (Cape Breton-The Sydneys):: My question is addressed to the Secretary of State, Mr. Speaker. I have given the hon. gentleman notice. It is urgent and it is prompted by a recent statement by the CRTC and the CBC. Can the minister tell us what steps are being taken to provide a second television channel in Sydney, Nova Scotia?


Hon. Gerard Pelletier (Secretary of State):: First, Mr. Speaker, I should like to thank the hon. member for advising me of his question. I was thus able to obtain information and here is the answer I was given.
April 30, 1970	COMMONS
Cape Breton Broadcasters Ltd., which is now providing television services to the Cape Breton and Eastern Nova areas, met with the CBC in order to reach agreement on the best way to give to the public in these regions a second TV channel.
Technically and financially, however, extending TV coverage in that area is very difficult. For instance, separate technical facilities would be required for broadcasting in the various regions of that territory. I might add however that Cape Breton Broadcasters Ltd., the CBC and the CRTC will get together very soon in order to determine exactly what has to be done and to draft a schedule of the work required in that region.



MANPOWER


Mr. W. B. Nesbitt (Oxford):: Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Manpower and Immigration. As has been requested on other occasions, will the minister make a statement on motions very shortly concerning the proposed plans for the employment of students during the coming summer months in view of the desperate plight of many students in respect of summer employment?


Hon. Allan J. MacEachen (Minister of Manpower and Immigration):: Mr. Speaker, I intend to make a statement early in the week.


Mr. Frank Howard (Skeena):: I have a supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Would the minister also make a statement concerning the plans the government has for the employment of those who are not students?



HEALTH AND WELFARE


Mr. P. B. Rynard (Simcoe North):: Mr. Speaker, I should like to address a question to the Minister of National Health and Welfare. In view of the ban on cyclamates for use in dietetic foods and drinks, would the minister inform the House what substitute sweeteners will replace them and what steps his department has taken to ensure that the new artificial sweeteners are actually safe?


Hon. John C. Munro (Minister of National Health and Welfare):: Mr. Speaker, I am aware that the industry has developed substi-22218-621
DEBATES	6451
Inquiries of the Ministry tutes which the Food and Drug Directorate is looking into in order to determine their safety. I shall be glad to inform the hon. member of the precise particulars later.



NATIONAL REVENUE


Mr. Gerald Richard Cobbe (Portage):: Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Prime Minister. Is the government considering extending the period in which people can file their income tax returns in view of the fact that people in many parts of western Canada have been forced to leave their homes owing to serious flooding?


Right Hon. P. E. Trudeau (Prime Minister):: I know of no such plans, Mr. Speaker. However, I shall take the matter up with the Minister of National Revenue.



INDUSTRY


Mr. Max Saltsman (Waterloo):: Mr. Speaker, I should like to direct my question to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce. Has he concluded his meetings with the rubber industry representatives? If so, has the minister reached any conclusions and is he prepared to make a statement respecting these meetings?


Hon. Jean-Luc Pepin (Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce):: Not today, Mr. Speaker. I shall inquire, however, on the progress of these negotiations going on between the industry and my department and keep the House informed.



TELEVISION TUBES-MEETINGS WITH MANUFACTURERS

Max Saltsman: In view of the crisis facing the television tube manufacturers in Canada, is it the minister's intention to call the tube manufacturers together in order to have similar meetings to work out a rationalization program?


Jean-Luc Pepin: Mr. Speaker, the question implies that my department is not in touch with the tube manufacturers. That is incorrect. Conversations go on all the time and we try to help as much as we can. I should like to emphasize once again that if
6452	COMMONS
Inquiries of the Ministry the tube industry is in decline at the same time the transistor industry is growing and I can demonstrate quite easily that there are more jobs now being created in the transistor industry than are being lost in the tube industry.



PLANS TO MAINTAIN OPERATION OF DUNLOP PLANT, TORONTO, AND YARMOUTH TEXTILE PLANT

Mr. John Gilbert (Broadview):: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce. What special plans has the minister with regard to saving the Dunlop tire plant in Toronto and also the textile plant in Yarmouth because, as he knows, this is very important?


Jean-Luc Pepin: Mr. Speaker, I know it is important. Reasons have been given for the closing of that plant and these reasons have been accepted by my department as facts.



THE MINISTRY


Hon. Marcel Lambert (Edmonton West):: Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Prime Minister. Could he advise the House whether the Minister of Communications is on leave in view of his absence from the House for nigh on three weeks?


Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Yes, Mr. Speaker.


Marcel Joseph Aimé Lambert: Was it at
the request of the minister or of the Prime Minister?


Mr. Speaker:: Order, please.



FEDERAL.PROVINCIAL RELATIONS JURISDICTION OVER SABLE ISLAND

Mr. Lloyd R. Crouse (South Shore):: Mr. Speaker, I wish to direct a question to the Minister of Justice. In view of the possibility of oil being discovered on or adjacent to Sable Island, will the Minister of Justice indicate whether this island is considered an offshore territory of Canada over which the federal government claims complete jurisdiction or is this island considered part of the province of Nova Scotia?

DEBATES	April 30. 1970


Hon. John N. Turner (Minister of Justice):: Not only is that a question of geography, it is also probably a legal question. I should like to take it as notice.


Lloyd Roseville Crouse: In view of the importance of establishing geographical co-ordinates for the drawing of baselines in order to implement our new pollution control measures as well as to conserve our fishery resources, will the minister give an early indication of the proper status of this strategic island?


John Napier Turner: I or one of
my colleagues in the cabinet might do that.



INTERNATIONAL GRAINS ARRANGEMENT-DISCUSSION OF STATUS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF EXPORTING NATIONS

Mr. R. R. Southam (Qu'Appelle-Moose Mountain):: I have a question for the Minister without Portfolio who reports to the House for the Canadian Wheat Board. In view of the minister's announcement that a meeting will be held in Ottawa on May 4 and 5 with representatives of major wheat exporting nations, including a spokesman for the European Common Market, to discuss, among other things, limitations of wheat acreages, can the minister advise the House whether discussions on the present status of the International Grains Arrangement will take place, and will he and his advisers impress upon the United States representatives the importance of strengthening the International Grains Arrangement to prevent any further pricecutting by our competitors?


Otto Emil Lang: The meetings in question are essentially to discuss production policies. There will be meetings later among interested countries in connection with the International Grains Arrangement. Of course we are always making our views known to our friends in the United States about the importance of the International Grains Arrangement.



ACREAGE REDUCTION PROGRAM-CONSULTATION AND AGREEMENT WITH OTHER HIGH PROTEIN WHEAT PRODUCERS

Mr. H. A. Moore (Welaskiwin):: Before operation LIFT was announced, was any agreement made or consultation held with other producers of high protein wheat, such as the United States and Australia, so that they could also decrease their acreage?
April 30, 1970	COMMONS


Otto Emil Lang: No, Mr. Speaker.



POLLUTION


Mr. G. H. Aiken (Parry Sound-Muskoka):: have a question for the Minister of National Health and Welfare. In view of the continuing concern over the level of air pollution in our cities and the minister's previous response to a question I asked him when he said that no clean air legislation would be brought in at this session, can the minister advise whether any special arrangements such as monitoring are being carried out at the federal level to meet this continuing serious problem?


John Carr Munro: Air sampling stations have been sponsored by the federal government across the country for several years now under the aegis of the air pollution control division of the Department of National Health and Welfare, and that activity is being carried on.



MANPOWER


Mr. H. E. Stafford (Elgin):: My question is for the Minister of Manpower and Immigration. Has the minister been informed of the decision by Erie Flooring and Wood Products Industries of Toronto to close their hardwood flooring and pallets plant in West Lome, Ontario, which employs 142 workers and is of crucial importance to this community? If so, has the minister anything to report on the situation?


Allan Joseph MacEachen: Yes, I am aware of the closure. I know how regrettable it is because the employer is the single employer in that small community. My officers have opened temporary facilities in the Town hall at West Lome and we are attempting to make all our facilities available to assist the workers.


EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Mr. John Lundrigan (Gander-Twillingaie):: Can the Secretary of State for External Affairs tell us whether in fact Canada has a
DEBATES	6453
Inquiries of the Ministry working relationship with the United States authorities regarding the pollution of the Alaskan coast which is claiming large numbers of birds and animal life? If so, could he give us some indication of whether we are contributing to the experimentation to discover the source of this pollution?


Mitchell William Sharp: I will take notice of that question.


Mr. A. D. Hales (Wellington):: I should like to address my question to the Minister without Portfolio responsible for citizenship. In view of the government's austerity program, could he advise the House why he found it necessary to write letters to the 265 Members of Parliament enclosing a form to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship in view of the fact that every member of this House must be a Canadian citizen before he can be a member?


Hon. Robert Stanbury (Minister without Portfolio):: With great pleasure, Mr. Speaker. The point of the exercise is to emphasize to Canadians that all people who hold certificates of Canadian citizenship are not new citizens, that you do not need to get them through naturalization but that many people obtain them through the pride of being Canadian citizens, and I thought Members of Parliament might want to celebrate citizenship week by doing so.


Alfred Dryden Hales: Were similar letters sent to the Senate?


Robert Douglas George Stanbury: Yes, Mr. Speaker.


Mr. Dube:: The senior citizens.


Mr. Stanley Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre):: Mr. Speaker, may I direct a question to the right hon. Prime Minister. In view of the fact that the committees of the House are making good use of the extra time granted to them today, but since they need still further time to catch up with the backlog of their work, I wonder if the Prime Minister would suggest to the government House Leader that two or three days might be taken off next
April 30, 1970

Inquiries of the Ministry week for this purpose and also to enable the government to deal with its white paper on social security so that it might be brought down during the month of May?


Pierre Elliott Trudeau: May I say, in reply to the first part of the question, Mr. Speaker, that I am informed by the government House Leader of the possibility that another day might be set aside next week if this meets the desire of all parties.


Stanley Howard Knowles: Will the government use that day, as I suggested, to deal with its white paper on social security so that it can be tabled soon?


Pierre Elliott Trudeau: I am afraid a day would not be enough.


Stanley Howard Knowles: Take two or three.


Gerald William Baldwin: Would the Prime Minister discuss with the government House Leader some way of dealing with the problem which was evident this morning when a committee was dealing with millions of dollars of estimates and only three members were present?


Mr. A. D. Alkenbrack (Fronlenac-Lennox and Addington):: I have a question for the Prime Minister in the extended absence of the Postmaster General, and it is a question on pollution. There are at present many boxes containing hundreds of thousands of copies of the political publication "The Canadian Liberal" at the door of the central post office in this building which are about to be mailed out to the public. By what method of postage, frank or otherwise, is this publication being sent out?


Mr. Speaker:: Perhaps I should indicate to the hon. member that this is the kind of question which comes under the jurisdiction of the House rather than of the government. The hon. member's question should be addressed to the Chair in writing. I gather that this is the procedure to follow in such cases.



LABOUR RELATIONS


Frank Howard: I should like to direct a question to the Minister of Labour.


What steps is the minister or his department taking to assist in mediating or bringing to a conclusion the strike of some 230 fishermen against the Acadia Fishing Company and Booth Fisheries in Nova Scotia?


Hon. Bryce Mackasey (Minister of Labour):: I am uncertain whether this comes under federal jurisdiction. I doubt that it does. If it does not, then it is up to the Department of Labour of the province of Nova Scotia, which I understand can deal with it more than adequately.


Frank Howard: Inasmuch as there is some doubt about the jurisdiction and as it seems to be a grey area, would the minister look into the matter? Would he also indicate whether or not he has received any representations or requests from the government of Nova Scotia regarding this matter?


Bryce Stuart Mackasey: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will do that. Because of the fact that my next duty day is Monday, I will take the liberty of communicating privately with the hon. member in the meantime.



MANPOWER


Mr. E. B. Osier (Winnipeg Souih Centre):: My question is for the Minister of Manpower and Immigration. In view of persistent rumours that advertised positions for summer jobs at Riding Mountain National Park are being filled by wives of permanent employees, which undermines the government's "Hire a Student" campaign, does the minister intend to take action to stop such practices?


Allan Joseph MacEachen: I will be happy to discuss the matter with the minister responsible for the administration of national parks.



FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL RELATIONS QUEBEC-POLICY DISCUSSIONS WITH NEW PRIME MINISTER RESPECTING GOLD MINING AND DAIRYING

Mr. Roch La Salle (Joliette):: Mr. Speaker, I should like to put a question to the Prime Minister.
During the two past weeks, I had the opportunity to ask questions concerning the correspondence exchanged with the then
April 30. 1970	COMMONS
Quebec Premier in connection with gold mines and the dairy industry. I was twice told that after the election of a new Quebec government, it might be possible to try to solve both problems. Now, since April 29 has come and gone and the Prime Minister's dream has come true, can I ask him whether he will soon discuss the conditions of the gold mines and the dairy industry in Quebec with the new Premier of that province?


Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Mr. Speaker, if the new Quebec Premier wishes to discuss those matters with the federal government, we will be extremely pleased to do so.



PRICES AND INCOMES COMMISSION


Robert Lorne Stanfield: Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs whether the Prices and Incomes Commission considers it to be within its jurisdiction or responsibility to engage in short-term economic forecasting as to trends in this country?


Hon. Ron Basford (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs):: Mr. Speaker, I believe it has on its staff some officials and has been trying to obtain others to do some short-term forecasting.


Robert Lorne Stanfield: A supplementary question. Is it the role of this commission to give the government or the country as a whole any advice as to economic expectations in the short term?


Stanley Ronald Basford: In so far as it may have some bearing on price stability and the achievement of price stability which the government is anxious to obtain

yes.


Robert Lorne Stanfield: One further supplementary question which I direct to the Prime Minister. In view of the persistent recommendation of the Economic Council of Canada as to the importance of an independent agency being established to perform this task of providing better short-term economic forecasts, will the Prime Minister reconsider this recommendation? I ask this question particularly in view of the confusion that seems to exist at the present time as to just what is the short-term economic trend not only in this country but in the world at large.
DEBATES	6455
Inquiries of the Ministry


Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Mr. Speaker, the government has at its means certain officials and tools with which to consider this question of the short-term economic future. The Economic Council of Canada does not have such a term of reference under the statute which set it up, although sometimes it does indulge in short-term economic forecasts.



CONSUMER AFFAIRS


Mr. James E. McGrath (St. John's East):: Mr. Speaker, I wish to direct a question to the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. What steps are being taken by his department in the area of inspection and surveillance in combating false and misleading advertising across the country and what prosecutions, if any, are outstanding in this regard?


Mr. Speaker:: Order, please. I suggest to the hon. member that the information he is seeking now is rather far-reaching. I suggest to the hon. member and to the minister that the information should normally be given by way of a statement rather than by way of an answer to the question at this time.


James Aloysius McGrath: Then may I rephrase the question and ask the minister if he would be prepared to make a statement in the House, in view of the fact that he made a very serious policy statement on this matter in Vancouver recently?


Stanley Ronald Basford: Well, Mr. Speaker, in Vancouver the other day I announced that in furtherance of our campaign against misleading advertising-


James Aloysius McGrath: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister was whether he would make a statement in the House. The minister apparently proposes to make the statement now during the oral question period.


Mr. Speaker:: My understanding was that the question was accepted only to the extent that it sought information from the minister on whether a statement would or would not be made. That is the extent to which the question has been allowed.


Stanley Ronald Basford: Mr. Speaker, the estimates of the department are currently before the Standing Committee on Health, Welfare and Social Affairs, and I dealt at some length, I
April 30, 1970

Inquiries of the Ministry thought, in that committee with the campaign can the minister please tell me what answer I we are running against misleading advertis- can give to those who are suffering severely mg-a very effective campaign, I might say- from the rising cost of living?


Mr. Speaker:: Order, please.


James Aloysius McGrath: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, the members of the opposition parties are being denied an opportunity to comment or to react to this very important statement of policy because the minister refuses to make the statement in the House. Because of that I redirect my question to the minister in this precise form: will he make the statement of policy in the House in order to enable members of the House to comment on it?


Stanley Ronald Basford: Mr. Speaker, I have already made the statement, and I do not think the time of the House should be wasted by making the same statement again. If it is thought appropriate that I make a further statement on misleading advertising, I will consider that.



PRESENCE IN SPEAKER'S GALLERY OF COMMISSIONER E. M. J. A. SASSEN, EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

Stanley Ronald Basford: Mr. Speaker, may I have the indulgence of the House to introduce in your gallery Commissioner E. M. J. A. Sassen, Commissioner of the European Economic Community.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear!


Stanley Ronald Basford: Commissioner Sassen's
responsibilities include administration of those sections of the Treaty of Rome dealing with restrictive business practices, and we are delighted to have him in Ottawa for mutual discussions.


Gerald William Baldwin: I hope he gets more out of you than we do.



VETERANS AFFAIRS


Mrs. Grace Maclnnis (Vancouver-Kings-way):: Mr. Speaker, I wish to direct a question to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. In view of the fact that many of my constituents, the latest being an 82-years old veteran of the first world war, keep asking me when veterans pensions and allowances will be increased by the implementation of the Woods report,


Jean-Eudes Dubé: Mr. Speaker, this question has been answered many times in the House.


Winona Grace MacInnis: A supplementary question. Can the minister indicate any probable date when the period of waiting will be brought to an end?


Jean-Eudes Dubé: Not at this time, Mr. Speaker.


Mr. Jack Marshall (Humber-St. George's-Si. Barbe):: Mr. Speaker, my question can be a supplementary question to the Minister of Veterans Affairs because it was pre-empted. Can the minister advise if the direction by cabinet to trim $500 million from the proposals of the Minister of National Health and Welfare with respect to increases for the disadvantaged included a cut-back on increases in war veterans allowances and disability pensions?


Jean-Eudes Dubé: This is not the case, Mr. Speaker. In any event, of course, I cannot comment on what takes place in cabinet.



SAINT JOHN VETERANS HOSPITAL-STATUS OF TAKEOVER AGREEMENT

Mr. Thomas M. Bell (Saint-John-Lancas-ter):: By coincidence, Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is also directed to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. It is in connection with the takeover of the military hospital in Saint John and the conflicting statements made by the minister and his counterpart in New Brunswick. Can the minister say whether he feels that the contract that has been held up can be brought into effect, or has it been completely terminated and will it have to be renegotiated?


Jean-Eudes Dubé: There is no military hospital in Saint John. This is a veterans hospital, and the agreement between the government of Canada and the province of New Brunswick has merely been postponed.


Thomas Miller Bell: With respect to the correction that the minister has made I am glad to hear him make it. It is the first time I have ever seen him show concern for the veterans.


Mr. Speaker:: Order, please. I apologize to hon. members who apparently still have questions to ask, but pursuant to the order of the
April 30, 1970

House made on Tuesday the House will have to stand adjourned until-is the hon. member for Peace River rising on a point of order?


Gerald William Baldwin: Yes, Mr. Speaker.



BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE


Gerald William Baldwin: Might I have the permission of the House and of Your Honour to ask the President of the Privy Council as Government House Leader, having in mind the very lean appearance of the order paper, what the minister proposes to put before the House next week?


Hon. Donald S. Macdonald (President of the Privy Council):: Yes, Mr. Speaker. We only intend to put seven measures before the House in the coming week. For tomorrow's business we will have first the Bills of Exchange Act to be followed by the Supreme Court Act. Monday will be an opposition day. On Tuesday we will deal with the second reading of the Standards Council Bill, to be followed by the report stage of the Oil and Gas Conservation and Production Bill. On Wednesday we hope to carry to conclusion second reading stage of the National Farm
Business of the House
Products Marketing Council bill. On Thursday we would propose to call the Law Reform Commission bill, but I would be glad to take into consideration the suggestion of the hon. member for Winnipeg North Centre that if the extensive committee discussion of this legislation requires a further full committee day we might make a special order for that day.


Mr. Forresiall:: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. May I ask the government house leader when the House does get around to dealing with the amendments to the Canada Elections Act whether the government has any intention of dealing with sections 61 and 62 which were deleted from the terms of reference to the committee?


Donald Stovel Macdonald: Any dealing with the Canada Elections Act would be confined to the subject matters discussed in the committee's report.


Mr. Speaker:: In accordance with the provisions of the special order of the House passed on Tuesday, April 28, the House now stands adjourned until 11 o'clock tomorrow morning.
At 2.52 p.m. the House adjourned, pursuant to special order.

Friday, May 1, 1970