Mr. Trudeau:

No, Mr. Speaker, this is not necessary. I see no reason for it.

Mr. Eldon M. Woolliams (Calgary North):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask the Prime Minister a question I have asked on previous occasions. Some days ago the Prime Minister and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce stated they thought it was a good idea to look into the setting up of an immediate commission or study task force to examine the whole petroleum picture in Canada in relation to the effect of the northern and, in particular, the Alaskan development on our industry. Has a decision been reached as yet by the government to set up such a study group, commission or task force?

Mr. Speaker, when the hon. member asked

December 17, 1968 COMMONS

his question the other day I did say I would look into it with the minister. We have had discussions on it, but I should not like to report what he has in mind at this stage. My feeling is that he is not yet prepared to set up a task force or commission. I do not think he is satisfied that the National Energy Board cannot do the job just as well. But I do not know whether he has made any final decision on this matter.

Mr. Woolliams:

Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary question for the Prime Minister. In view of the uncertainty in the industry, would the Prime Minister consider sending to Washington, after careful briefing, a committee composed of senators and members of parliament representative of all parties in the house to find out the American thinking on a new oil policy for Canada and the United States so far as it affects Canada, particularly in view of the fact that a new secretary of the interior has been appointed by the presidentelect of the United States?

Mr. Trudeau:

Mr. Speaker, most suggestions made by the hon. member are worthy of consideration, and I would agree to consider this one. I do feel, however, that until the government itself is in a position to formulate its views on the whole question of a new oil policy for Canada, it might be premature to send such a delegation to Washington. In other words I would prefer, again, that the minister be in a more definite position before taking that step.

[ Translation]

Mr. Gilbert Rondeau (Shefford):

Mr. Speaker, I wish to put a question to the right hon. Prime Minister.

In view of the fact that some of the provinces seem to agree that the federal-provincial conference should be held in February while others want it to be held as soon as possible, in January, could the right hon. Prime Minister tell us whether new arrangements have been made to hold this conference earlier than expected, as he had announced?

Yes, Mr. Speaker. After consulting the premier of British Columbia, for whom the beginning of February was a most inconvenient

DEBATES 4031

Inquiries of the Ministry time, we suggested other dates, which also fall within the first two weeks of February, but on days which the premier of British Columbia finds more convenient. I suggested these dates to the other provinces. I have received some affirmative answers, but all the provinces have not yet answered, and so I cannot say that the date has been definitely settled.

Mr. G. W. Baldwin (Peace River):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask the Prime Minister a question. Now that the advantages of sweet reason and co-operation have been demonstrated, would the right hon. gentleman not seriously consider discussing with his colleagues the possibility of withdrawing those parts of the proposed new rules which are totally unacceptable to a great many members of this house and to many people in Canada, referring them back to the committee and passing the rest of the rules, so we will come back here in the new year under a completely new regime?

Hear, hear.

Mr. Speaker, it seems to me the question may be a bit premature. There is still to be debate and speakers on this matter, I understand on Thursday and Friday of this week. I therefore would not want to make any commitment now. But I would be happy to hear from the opposition that the agreement reached today on one measure through co-operation, will bind them always to co-operate with our suggestions in the future.

Hear, hear.

Mr. Diefenbaker:

Not on behalf of tyranny.

That is not the Christmas spirit.

[ Translation]