Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister) moved:

That on Wednesday, the 28th day of May instant, and all subsequent Wednesdays until the end of the session, the sittings shall in every respect be under the same rules as provided for other days.

He said: Mr. Speaker, I think there is a general desire that we should take steps at

this stage of the session to reach the period of adjournment as soon as possible. I understand that the whips had a conference in the afternoon yesterday at which it was agreed that we might resume sittings on Wednesday evenings-that would require a special motion -and also sittings on Friday evenings, which will not require any motion, because at present we simply adjourn at six o'clock on a general understanding. I rather expected from directions given that this motion would have appeared on the Votes and Proceedings of to-day. *

I understand that hon. members-very naturally-will wish to listen in this evening to the broadcast which will be made by President Roosevelt. The broadcast begins at 10.30. It might be understood, if this motion is adopted, that we would adjourn at 10.15 this evening and make up for it by sitting to-morrow night.

Hon. R. B. HANSON (Leader of the Opposition):

Speaking for myself, I am quite in accord with the spirit of this motion. I think we should expedite the business of the house. I am hoping that the motion will be accepted with unanimity. It may be, of course, that certain hon. gentlemen who had no notice of the motion have made commitments, but unless some considerable body of opinion is opposed, I hope the motion will carry.

Mr. A. M. NICHOLSON (Mackenzie):

I should like to address a question to the Minister of Munitions and Supply. Is it a fact that new regulations affecting the oil industry are about to be announced by the oil controller? If so, will these regulations be available before the house adjourns?

Hon. C. D. HOWE (Minister of Munitions and Supply):

I have no knowledge of the subject matter. Had I received notice, I would have asked the oil controller; but I have had no intimation that new regulations are to be forthcoming.

Mr. NICHOLSON:

I am sorry; I sent the minister notice this morning.

Mr. HOWE:

I did not receive it. I have not been at my office.

Pension Act

Mr. J. R. MacNICOL (Davenport):

May I ask the Prime Minister if he is in a position to say anything further in reference to the statement he made on May 21 as to the agreement between Canada and the United States in connection with further diversion of water at Niagara Falls?

Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):

The position is this, that any statement to be made is to be given out simultaneously here and in Washington. The President has had more important matters to attend to within the last day or two, but possibly by to-morrow he will be in a position to make a statement on the diversion referred to, in which case the same will be done here.

Hon. R. B. HANSON (Leader of the Opposition):

Has the Prime Minister anything to report to the house and the country with respect to the state of the war, especially recent developments?