Mr. John Merriam:

Further to my wire to you August 8, Trans-Canada has executed a contract which meets its requirements.

N. E. Tanner.

That telegram is signed "N. E. Tanner". What happened between those dates? What

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Northern Ontario Pipe Line Corporation things transpired? What changed the "Eldon" relationship to a business relationship? Why the alteration in course? The minister tried to give an explanation today to the effect that they could not get together or something of the sort. Actually, it is interesting that it was at this point that this master salesman Symonds entered the picture.

Those are things we want to find out about. Those are questions that must be asked. If we ask them of the government and if we get the kind of answers that we received in reference to the McMahon letters, the replies will not be as valuable as the facts might warrant. Yes; what about Mr. McMahon? He made an offer. He set it out in detail. He showed what he would do. That statement is contained in his letter of April 24, 1956, to the Minister of Trade and Commerce, detailing every possible eventuality, giving the particulars that only a definite offer would possibly include. It was naturally marked "private and confidential". It is to be communicated to the government. The letter is addressed to the Minister of Trade and Commerce.

1. Has the Department of National Defence purchased a vessel known as the Snowbird II, and if so, from whom, at what price, and to what vote was the purchase price charged?

2. To what use will the vessel be put?

3. Who is, or will be, the operator of the vessel during the 1949 season of arctic navigation?

4. What are the terms of the contract of operation, and to what vote will the operating costs be charged?

Questions

5. Was Snowbird II used in government service during the 1948 season of navigation?

6. If so, who was the owner at that time, and what were the terms of any contract between the then owner and the government, with respect to the use of said vessel?

7. What was the total cost to the government of the operation of the Snowbird II in the 1948 season, and to what vote were such costs charged?

Mr. Merrill:

The minister said seventy-seven.

Mr. Merritt:

How many civilian committees for the support of each of the reserve forces have been set up, and in what areas are they located?

Mr. Merritt:

The reason would be that the individual packers do not consider sterling is worth $4.03; is that not correct?