§ 49. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for War why supplies of potatoes, onions and other vegetables for the British Defence Force at Shanghai and Hongkong are being bought from Chinese in British Columbia and not from Canadian and British settlers, many of whom are ex-service men?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)Shipments of potatoes and onions have been arranged by the Canadian Government, at the request of the War Office. I have no information as to the source from which these vegetables were obtained, this having been left to the discretion of the Canadian Government.
§ Mr. HURDSeeing that the money is ours arid the responsibility is ours, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman see that in regard to future contracts, care will be taken to ensure that adequate means of tendering are given to British and Canadian settlers?
§ Captain KINGI think when we ask the Canadian Government to act as our agents, we must allow that discretion to them.
§ Mr. HURDWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey to the Canadian Government his desire that British and Canadian settlers should have first chance?
§ Captain KINGI am afraid that I cannot add anything to my answer.