Legislative‘Assembly ,

“The Hon. Leo Rossiter, Minister of Industry and Natural Resources, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Dear Mr. Rossiter:

About one year ago a directive was presented to all Minis- ters of the Crown asking that copies of all agreements and con- tracts between the Government and parties to whom laws or guar— antees of any nature would be arranged were to be forwarded promptly to the office of the Provincial Treasurer and the Deputy Provincial Secretary.

I was rather amazed a few days ago that your office had not complied with these instructions. I have no doubt that this is due to some unfortunate neglect in your internal administration.

I am, therefore, bringing this error to your attention and ask that all copies of all agreements and arrangements be promptly delivered to the Department indicated without delay.

I would further indicate that there are unfortunate rumors prevalent regarding our association with the Georgetown project. I do know that the Leader of the Opposition is now conducting a thorough investigation of our association with these developments and intends to present a searching inquiry during the Legislature into the whole situation. You will remember that under a casual attack during the last session our faces were pretty red, because we had no answer to legitimate inquiries. More information regard- ing the various steps undertaken must be available.

In this connection the inquiries of the Industrial Board now on your desk must receive immediate attention. These questions should require no delay. Who are the Directors behind these two companies? Surely there must be a list of Directors available and with whom negotiations have been conducted. These are the ques- tions that are being asked. It was my understanding that such a group of Directors, representatives of strong financial stability were organized and provided our guarantees and expenditures with ample security. Unless we have this detailed information fully authenti- cated we will be like sitting ducks under Matheson investigation.

This is the situation that will undoubtedly come up at our next Council meeting and I would, therefore, request that detailed infor- mation be prepared immediately covering this situation. I think you quite realize that this Government could be brought into disrepute and trouble from its good record position if we are not able to pro- vide not only full and complete answers but also answers that will indicate that our agreements and guarantees are supported by ample security.

There is another matter which should be clarified. It was our understanding that the Bathurst Marine were to provide suf- ficient machinery and equipment to care for a financial portion of this project. I would ask that an inventory of the equipment be pre- pared at once and copies be provided to each Council member in this connection and indeed in all phases of the construction develop- ment and expenditures now overseen, now looked after by Mr. Mac- Neill. I believe from a public standpoint it would strengthen our position if a Public Works man of experience were provided to col- laborate with Mr. MacNeill from now on and conduct the services indicated.

These are matters in which I am deeply concerned and from the best interests of the Government, its Ministers, and the public, I would ask that immediate attention would be given to the suf- gestions herewith advanced.

Sincerely, W. R. Shaw, Premier.” —258—