Mr. H. E. SPENCER (Battle River):

I

should like to address a question to the Minister of Agriculture. A further criticism was made by the Department of Agriculture a few days ago before the committee on agriculture in reference to the new wheat known as Vermilion. I ask the minister if the originator, Mr. Larcombe, was notified and given a chance to appear and to protect the license which was granted to him, I understand, on December 30 last year.

Hon. W. R. MOTHERWELL (Minister of Agriculture):

I do not think he was notified

to appear before that committee, but as my hon. friend knows, after Mr. Larcombe learned

the result of the baking and milling test of

Pure Bred Stock

this Vermilion wheat, both at the experimental farm and at an independent milling concern at Winnipeg, he voluntarily withdrew the Vermilion wheat from public sale as seed, believing that in the public interest, it would not be advisable, in view of the report on the milling qualities, to offer the wheat for sale as seed, although he would personally be at some loss. He did that voluntarily.

Mr. SPENCER:

Is it the intention of the department to cancel his license?

Mr. MOTHERWELL:

The department has no authority to cancel his license.

Hon. R. J. MANION (Fort William):

I

desire to draw the attention of the Minister of Agriculture to a telegram I received. I rather think the same telegram, or one similar to it, was brought to his attention the other day, but I am not certain. It is from the agricultural representative at Fort William, and reads:

Understand Dominion Livestock branch discontinuing bull loan policy throughout Dominion. Fifteen per cent Fort William settlers will be deprived pure bred bulls. Will cause serious loss and discontent among pioneers. Strongly urge efforts reconsideration action. Writing.

I would like the minister to give whatever consideration he can to this.

Hon. W. R. MOTHERWELL (Minister of Agriculture):

I think my hon. friend is unnecessarily alarmed. I may say that I intend to make a statement in the course of a day or two which I hope will allay the fears not only of my hon. friend, but also of the animals in question.

Mr. MANION:

I would like to assure my hon. friend that this telegram did not come from one of the animals.

Mr. M. N. CAMPBELL (Mackenzie):

Will the Minister of Railways inform me if it is the intention of the government to press the railway commission for a quick decision in connection with the case pending before that body, and which is sponsored by the Quebec harbour commission. I observe by the press that the government has made a similar request of the railway commission in connection with the case pending before them entered

by the western provinces. I should like to know if they propose making a similar request in connection with the application of the Quebec harbour commission.

Hon. CHARLES A. DUNNING (Minister of Railways and Canals): The government

has not found any reason for urging expedition in the matter which is now going on actively before the railway commission. The former request arose out of an appeal relating to a matter of procedure before the board and in the judgment the government called attention to the necessity for expedition. The government is of opinion that expedition is required with respect to the whole general rates case now before the railway board, and we have every reason to believe that the board itself is using every means possible to bring about an early conclusion of the case. But the Board of Railway Commissioners cannot restrain the legal gentlemen representing the provinces and other parties, either in their examination of witnesses or in their presentation of argument. Only a few days ago the board did request counsel appearing for all parties to expedite the work of the board by concluding the evidence and arguments as soon as possible.

Mr. L. J. LADNER (Vancouver South):

Has the Minister of Soldiers Civil Re-establishment come to a decision with regard to the extension of time for application for soldiers' insurance? Some inquiries have been made, and it seems to be a matter of concern.

Hon. J. H. KING (Kootenay, Minister of Soldiers Civil Re-establishment):

No, the

matter has not been thoroughly and completely considered. It is under consideration now.

Mr. LADNER:

Could the minister tell us when a decision might be expected?