Hon. W. M. Hamilton (Postmaster General) moved

for leave to introduce Bill No. C-88, to amend the Post Office Act.

Hon. W. M. Hamilton (Postmaster General):

I thank the hon. member for giving me notice of this question. I have some doubt that "Northern Neighbours" is either reliable or independent. I agree with him when he says that it seems to be U.S.S.R. propaganda. However, the Postmaster General does not classify magazines as being eligible for second class rates. The laws of the country establish certain qualifications which, if met, allow any publications to benefit from the second class rates. This publication meets those qualifications. It is therefore entitled to second class rates. I might add that I do not accept the implication in the question that the Postmaster General should assume the responsibility for censorship of that which passes

through the mails. I have trust and confidence in the Canadian people themselves to make their decisions. I do not think we need a censorship branch in the Post Office Department.

Mr. Hamilton (Notre Dame de Grace):

This bill is designed to implement certain recommendations contained in the report of the royal commission on publications and, specifically, to eliminate for all publications local delivery rates of postage and to reduce rates on cultural publications and certain other special classes, allowing the first 5,000 copies of such publications to be carried free of charge.

Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.

Hon. W. M. Hamilton (Postmaster General):

Yes, Mr. Speaker, that would be-

(Text):

Hon. W. M. Hamilton (Postmaster General):

Mr. Speaker, I should very much like to accommodate this last request of the hon. member, but there are two obstacles which stand in the way. When I said "last request" I meant "death-bed request". As for the two obstacles, I would point out that the hon. member referred to the wrong party as forming the next government; and second, to be commemorated on a postage stamp one must not be alive. I hope to be both alive and here in this position if the Prime Minister so wishes when this house next convenes.