Mr. Nicholson:

I thank the hon. member for having made these representations, but I would suggest that it might be more helpful if the apple producers directed their representations to the unions concerned and to the shipping federation.

Mr. Valade:

I want to direct a question to the Minister of Labour following the answer he gave. Can the minister inform us if in his talks with the parties concerned he is going to discuss the security of the longshoremen? I think this is one of the problems, and it would be helpful to discuss that.

Mr. Nicholson:

I take it that the hon. member is talking about the safety of the longshoremen rather than security. On that score, the collective agreements in force contain a provision dealing with the safety of the workmen. The Picard committee amended the collective agreement. The parties have rights under the agreements that can be enforced through grievance procedures. I think this matter can be safely left to both parties, who are experienced in enforcing their rights under collective agreements.

Mr. A. D. Hales (Wellington South):

I have a question for the Minister of National Revenue which concerns the Canada Pension Plan. Is the minister now in a position to make refunds to employers who have contributed large overpayments to the Canada Pension Plan?

Hon. E. J. Benson (Minister of National Revenue and President of the Treasury Board):

Technically, yes; legally, no.

Mr. Hales:

Has the minister or his department established a formula which could be used to make these refunds?

Mr. Benson:

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated there is no technical problem now in the way. The problem is a legal one. We do not have any authority to do this, and we cannot

November 22, 1967

do it until we have had consultations with the provinces and the legislation has been changed.

Mr. Hales:

Has the minister made arrangements with the provinces to discuss this issue, and would he also advise the house if he would be prepared to table his letter to the province of Quebec?

Mr. Benson:

Mr. Speaker, as was indicated by my hon. friend I have written to the premier of Quebec, but I have not as yet received a reply from him.

Mr. E. Nasserden (Rosthern):

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Finance. Is it the intention of the government to appoint a superintendent of lay-offs to accommodate the government's plan to slow down the economy?

Mr. H. W. Herridge (Kooienay West):

Mr. Speaker, I wish to direct a question to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. It relates to a matter of particular concern to the recipients of war veterans allowances. In view of the 2 per cent increase in old age security and guaranteed income supplement, and questions asked of the minister in the house and put to him personally, is he now in a position to inform the house how this 2 per cent increase will affect recipients of war veterans allowances?

Hon. Roger Teillel (Minister of Veterans Affairs):

Mr. Speaker, the 2 per cent increase in O.A.S.-G.I.S. will not affect war veterans allowance recipients. I am informed that by amending the regulations it will be possible for us to refrain from deducting those amounts from their allowances, and I have so recommended.