Mr. SPROULE.

This is a new item for a large amount.

Hon. SYDNEY FISHER (Minister of Agriculture).

We have one government steamer at Grosse Isle which is used for going out to meet incoming vessels. The service there requires two vessels, one to be used by the officers in meeting vessels for purposes of inspection and another, which is equipped with the disinfecting apparatus, so that at any time when a vessel needs to be disinfected the steamer fitted with the disinfecting apparatus may be laid up against her and per form the disinfection. This vessel also does the work of carrying people to and from quarantine, and also of conveying them from quarantine to Quebec, where we have to deliver them after their release. For some years back we have been chartering vessels for these purposes. It has been almost impossible to get a suitable vessel, and we have felt that it was necessary to procure a vessel of our own instead of being dependent on chartered vessels. This last year I was paving, and the present year I am paying no less than $4,200 for the use of a vessel for the season, and I have to pay the crew and the equipment and expenses as well. I felt that that was a bad paying business for the country. I therefore ask for a vote which will enable me to purchase a vessel and keep her and manage her for this purpose, so as to be relieved in the future of this heavy charge.

Mr. POPE.

Has this vessel been ordered ?

Mr. FISHER.

No steps will be taken in regard to the purchase of the vessel until I am authorized by the House to do so.

Mr. POPE.

Has the minister any estimate to show that this amount will be sufficient ?

Mr. FISHER.

It is based on the supposed value of a vessel of the character we require. I am informed that such a vessel could be built for this price.

Mr. POPE.

Is it your intention to get a new boat ?

Mr. FISHER.

If possible, for this price or anything near this price, I would get a boat built in Canada, or purchase one that would be practically a new boat. I Would not buy an old boat.

Mr. POPE.

Will you ask for tenders ?

Mr. FISHER.

Yes, unless possibly it may be built in the government yard at Sorel. I would utilize the officers of the government for this purpose. We have in the Marine Department, experts who have been in the

bn bit of purchasing or securing vessels for the government.

Mr. BLAIN.

Has the hon. minister made any estimate of what it would cost fo equip the vessel and keep it in operation for twelve months ?

Mr. FISHER.

At the present time, when we charter a vessel, we have to furnish a crew, purchase the coal and supplies, and run ihe vessel. I am paying $4,200 for the season.

Mr. POPE.

What system have you adopted-by tender or otherwise ?

Mr. FISHER.

I have searched for a suitable vessel, and I have had difficulty in finding one. Two years ago I chartered one, and after an experience of two seasons, she was condemned. A little over a year ago another vessel was chartered, and it was practically the only vessel my officers could find in the St. Lawrence that was at all suitable for this work.

Mr. T. I. THOMSON.

Has the minister any vessel in view at present ?

Mr. FISHER.

Not one. I do not know where I could get one.

Mr. T. I. THOMSON.

It is the minister's intention, then, if he purchases one, to purchase it on the advice of the government officials ?

Mr. FISHER.

Certainly.

Mr. T. I. THOMSON.

All I can say is that if they do not purchase vessels with any greater success than they sell them, I think it would be much better to take the matter out of their hands. Last session I [DOT]called attention to the sale of a splendid steamer, the Bayfield, which had been engaged in the survey of the Georgian bay, for $3,250. If the policy of the government is to purchase vessels on the same principle on which they sell them, it would be far better to place the business in the hands of anybody but the government officials. In view of our experience of the past, I think it would be well to have full information before we pass this item.

Mr. FISHER.

I cannot give more information than I have already, stated. I must make use of the government officers for such work. I have not in my department any expert upon vessels. The Department of Marine and Fisheries has amongst its officers men whose judgment is used by the government for this purpose. I confess that I am in ignorance of the details of what the hon. gentleman is alluding to, as it is not in my *department; consequently I cannot give any answer in regard to that. But jus't as in a matter of law I would consult the department of justice, so in a matter of purchasing vessels, I would secure the best information I could from the Department of Marine *which is charged with such matters.