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

Mr. Speaker, in view of the announcement by the minister in respect of the member countries of the world gold pool, does he still think they will be able to control the price of gold if countries like Russia, China and others continue to deal in gold on the free market?

Mr. Kerridge:

Mr. Chairman, I am rising briefly to support the representation by the hon. member for New Westminster that every effort be made to make certain that historic films be preserved in the future and are not subject to fire and destruction as has been the situation in a few cases in the past.

On behalf of a good many women in my riding who are associated with groups such as the women's institute and the parent-teachers association I should like to express their appreciation of the work done by the National Film Board in constituencies such as the one I have the honour to represent. There are many very small and sometimes isolated communities which have received very good service from the National Film Board. One of the best supporters of the National Film Board has been one of the finest national film councils of rural Canada, that of Kootenay West. I have been asked by these people to

March 15. 1968

Supply-Secretary of State express to the minister their appreciation of the good work done by the National Film Board in the area I represent.

Mr. Herridge:

I have a brief question. Could the minister enlighten the house as to what the $350,000 is to cover? Could she tell us what pictures have been purchased with this money, and in view of the fact that she has many more cultural opportunities than the member for Kootenay West could she explain to the committee the purpose and the philosophy behind abstract art?

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

Mr. Speaker, I should like to put a supplementary question to the Secretary of State for External Affairs. In view of the rather unusual television interview with the attorney general of Ontario last night, has the government an indication that Mr. Paul Hall of the Seafarers International Union in the United States brought pressure to bear on the United States government?

Mr. Herridge:

Before we conclude these estimates, which are the final estimates for our centennial year so far as the minister's department is concerned, I want to say on behalf of all parties in the house that I have this little poem which is dedicated to the minister:

When time who steals our years away Shall steal our pleasures too Fond memories of her days still stay And half our joys renew.