Legislative Assembly

tinue to guarantee the expansion of the crab fishing, which would work in so well for our flshermen and our lobster fishing plants, before and after the fishing season.

Lobster fishermen in part of the province have been faced with declining catches during the past few years. We hope that this trend will soon end, and that lobster catches in the Northumberland Strait will begin to rise.

' I support the lobster licence limitation and the trap limits which have been achieved thus far in close consultation with the fishermen in those districts. I believe, in the long run, these will be of great benefit for our fishermen.

‘ I do hope that this program will continue to be studied very closely by both fishing authorities and by the fishermen themselves. It is important, Mr. Speaker, that those charged with the administration of these regulations exercise good judg- ment so that all fishermen will be treated fairly, and, as far as possible, those who have to make their living lobster fishing will be able to continue to do so.

Mr. Speaker, during the past year, highway construction and paving has pro- ceeded with an increase in the number of miles in provincial paving. As members, more of our time is taken up with highways. These problems usually end up with the man who is responsible for highways administration. A man, I believe, who is faced with more requests than any other department, and I would like to congratulate the Minister of Highways for the manner in which he has conducted this department. He receives every request, and he receives many of them, with his well-known cour- tesy. I think every member in the House can vouch for that. But the Minister of Highways has limitations, he has financial limitations, and so, although it might be desirious to do in many cases what we would like him to do, yet he was unable to carry out the program because of the lack of funds.

I am pleased that the “all-weather” construction program will be continued with increased financial assistance from the Atlantic Development Board. The con- struction of “all weather” highway is very important if we are to develop a good highway system in the Province. In all cases the “all-weather” highway replaces a road that is already paved, although in most cases it is an old road that needs re- placement. But in many rural areas, Mr. Speaker, there are no paved roads at all— old or new. Farmers in rural areas and rural people cannot move their products or travel on those roads sometimes for extended periods during the spring and fall. All-weather roads are important but are of limited value when people who do not live on those roads cannot reach them. Therefore, I urge the Government to do everything possible to expand the road paving program in rural areas. I hope that the FRED program can be used to provide financial assistance to this type of road con- struction and paving. Good highways are important, indeed necessary for economic development. There seems good reason to believe that the comprehensive devlop— ment program could include this work in its program.

Mr. Speaker, there are many matters, both in the Speech and otherwise. of concern to us all about which I would like to speak. However, there will be other opportunities throughout the Session to bring these to the attention of the House. I again express my pleasure for ihe honour that this occasion has brought me, and

to those whom I represent.

(Applause)