The CHAIRMAN (Translation):

Very well.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

I do not wish to be disagreeable to the chairman. As it is almost 11 o'clock-I have too much esteem for the chairman-he is aware of it also-to say things which would be unpleasant to him.

The CHAIRMAN (Translation):

It is not a question of esteem,- it is a question of duty.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

If he performs his duty, I carry out mine, in my own way. We are both sincere; however, we do not agree on this subject.

I shall ask the hon. Postmaster General why Laurent was awarded a temporary contract since October, 1930, and why tenders were not asked for such an important contract?

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

The hon. member knows that this is often the practice. The Laurent contract is renewable at the minister's good pleasure; I think it is a fair one and that Mr. Laurent has greatly improved that service; and, thereby proved a saving to the department. For instance, in the changes connected with our garage, at Montreal, we saved more than S6,000.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

May I inquire from the minister whether it was not to keep Laurent in suspense that no tender Was called for and that the contract is temporary, instead of being for a specified period?

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

I have just stated it is because he gives a good service, I have no further knowledge of the matter.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

Then, sir, I am not joking, I shall request the right hon. Prime Minister to continue this inquiry in the Court House, in Montreal, with the files that are there.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

Will the hon. member explain his insinuation?

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

It is not an insinuation, but an advice which I am giving to the Prime Minister. If he wishes to look into the matter, he can verify the facts in the files of the Montreal Court House. And should he not wish to go there, he had best send a judge or lawyer and he will be given all the details. As I am not allowed

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[DOT]to question the hon. Postmaster General, I shall drop the matter.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

I request the hon. member for Temiscouata to further explain and not leave the house under the impression of his insinuation. Does the hon. member contend that Mr. Laurent is involved in certain court cases which renders him unworthy of occupying a position in the department, and, thereby, unworthy of having a contract? I wish to know.

Mr. POUI/IOT (Translation): I stated what I had to say. It is my turn to leave matters take their course.

Mr. SAUVE (Translation):

The hon. member has already been before the court.

Mr. POULIOT (Translation):

Yes, and I won my cases. Thank heaven! Come with me and you will see!

Progress reported.