Mr. Arnold Peters (Timiskaming) moved

for leave to introduce Bill No. C-109, to govern, license and regulate the operation of rainmaking equipment in Canada.

Explain.

Mr. Peters:

Mr. Speaker, following the advent of rainmaking equipment and its commercial use, which may infringe on the rights of others, it appears that licensing and control regulations must be adopted to protect the public and make possible the payment of compensation where damage is deemed to result from such use.

I would beg the indulgence of the house and ask hon. members to give consideration to the second reading of this bill later this day in order to allay the fears of farmers who have been plagued with this problem for some time in many parts of northern Ontario.

Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.

Mr. Robert Stanbury (York-Scarborough) moved

for leave to introduce Bill No. C-110, to amend the Criminal Code (abolition of *capital punishment) and the Parole Act (persons convicted of murder or treason).

Explain.

Mr. Stanbury:

This is a matter of substantial concern to the public and to this house, and I ask leave of the house to introduce this bill today.

Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.

Right Hon. J. G. Diefenbaker (Leader of the Opposition):

I would direct a question to

the Minister of Veterans Affairs and ask him whether any representations were made by the Royal Canadian Legion for increases in veterans disability pensions and dependants' allowances; and whether in view of the reasonable circumstances in which the request was made the government has decided that this overdue action should be taken, and will be taken, at this session of parliament.

Hon. Roger Teillei (Minister of Veterans Affairs):

Representations have been received from the Royal Canadian Legion to this effect. A committee composed of officials and representatives is at work at the present time discussing basic rates of pension. As soon as the report of this committee has been completed I hope to be able to make recommendations to the government. It is not possible for me to indicate now what type of representation it will be.

Mr. Diefenbaker:

Would the minister tell us what he meant by a committee of civil servants and representatives? Who are the representatives who are meeting together with the civil servants in this regard?

Mr. Teillei:

I would hesitate to name them. However, I will gladly get their names for the right hon. Leader of the Opposition and let him have the information.

Mr. H. W. Herridge (Koolenay Wesi):

Did

the Royal Canadian Legion make recommendations for amendments to other legislation?

Mr. Teillei:

There were recommendations. I do not have the report here, Mr. Speaker, but the main burden of the representations had to do with the pension rates. Of course, as hon. members know, there is also a committee at work under Mr. Justice Woods studying the procedures and organization of the Canadian Pension Commission.

Mr. Raymond Langlois (Meganlic):

Mr. Speaker, I should also like to direct a supplementary question to the minister. Is it the intention of the government to close down the veterans hospital in Quebec and, if so, when will this take place?