Agreed.

No.

Mr. Gordon Towers (Red Deer):

Mr. Speaker, I rise, under the provisions of Standing Order 43, on a matter of urgency.

In view of the fact that the Canadian Grain Commission is the policing body of the grain industry in western Canada and has evidenced its dissatisfaction with the Canadian Wheat Board's handling of hopper cars by setting up a hopper car committee, I move, seconded by the hon. member for Moose Jaw (Mr. Neil):

That the Minister of Agriculture immediately refer this whole matter to the Standing Committee on Agriculture with authorization to that committee to summon officials of the Canadian Grain Commission and the Canadian Wheat Board to appear as witnesses.

Mr. Speaker:

Such a motion can be presented for debate at this time only with the unanimous consent of the House. Is there unanimous consent?

Agreed.

No.

Mr. Alexander:

The Liberals said no, as usual.

Mr. Ross Milne (Peel-Dufferin-Simcoe):

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of a number of Standing Order 43s raised recently in the House, I rise under the provisions of that Standing Order.

In view of statements reported this past weekend and the resulting fears of the Canadian public about their free access to television facilities, I move, seconded by the hon. member for Restigouche (Mr. Harquail):

That this House congratulates the right hon. member for Prince Albert (Mr. Diefenbaker) for referring to the hon. member for Egmont's (Mr. MacDonald) idea of charging 25 cents to every Canadian for every television program watched as "the height in asininity" and recommends that this description be equally applied to the Tory idea of doubling cable-

Mr. Speaker:

Order, please.

Mr. John Wise (Elgin):

Mr. Speaker, if I could have the attention of the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, I would like to direct a question to him. My question relates to the progress of the government's national food strategy or national food policy.

Is the minister satisfied with the progress to date with such a policy and such a strategy? If not, why not? If he is, would he give some indication as to what progress has been made and

February 13, 1979

what recommendations have been implemented as a result of the food strategy talks that took place some 12 months ago?

Hon. Warren Allmand (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs):

Mr. Speaker, progress is being made. It is slow, but it is steady. Changes have been made as a result of the three conferences which took place in the food strategy area. Some changes have been announced recently, including new guidelines for the National Farm Products Marketing Council and some appointments have been made to some marketing boards. Decisions are being implemented as it is appropriate to do so.

Mr. Wise:

I have a supplementary for the same minister. Surely the minister should know that the continuing high levels of inflation, high interest rates and the 83-cent dollar, all products of this government, are adversely affecting the food price issue and food price increases. The minister said some kind of action would be taken. He has denied the return of wage and price controls. Is he referring to food price controls, or just what action does the minister have in mind?

Mr. Allmand:

Mr. Speaker, the government is considering further action with respect to food prices. Once it has made its decision, it will announce it in the House.

Mr. Wise:

I put this question yesterday to the Minister of Agriculture and received no response whatsoever. I now ask the minister, can he give me one simple example?