.- a- ,, _, Weenesggyiflarch 27,1968

that there had been an increase in the debt, there were great assets to show for it and that point should not be forgotten. The economy must expand. We must have progressive policies that will increase the production in our primary industries. We are told that production is going down in agriculture. It went down in fisheries last year. It went down in industry. An economy that does not expand will die. And now. with respect to the Budget, we find that the Minister states that he has accepted fiscal responsibility and he tells us that the Departments asked for $7.5

million more than they got. Well, surely these Departments are not asking for money that is not necessary. Surely they’re putting forward constructive programs but the Government must assume the responsibility for financing. That is. the total, complete responsibility of no other committee in this House except the Treasury Board, the Members of the Executive Council. And I submit, Mr. Speaker, that when they turn down $7.5 million of requests by the Departments of this Govern- ment that they weren’t accepting, fully and effectually accepting, their responsi- bilities. I’d like to say a few words about the percentages that were spent on cer- tain Departments and this is a very serious matter. We find that the total Ordinary and Capital Expenditures are estimated to be $55.00v0.000 for next year. On Agri— culture, 3.2"}. I can remember when the Premier stood up on this side of the House and demanded that more money be spent on agriculture. What are they doing this year?

Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: Spending twice as much.

L. George Dewar: You are not, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: Twice as much as when I said that.

L. George Dewar: In 1967, the former Provincial Treasurer, who is sitting right there, budgeted for $2,406,000 on agriculture.

Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: Was he in office in 1967?

L. George Dewar: He made up the Budget.

Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: In 1967?

L. George Dewar: For.. ..

Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: Just a minute now.

L. George Dewar: 1966-1967, I’m quoting his figures for the fiscal year 1966—1967. Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: Oh, you mean the election year.

L. George Dewar: The election year and in 1968 the present Government submitted an estimate of $1,989,000, which is $500,000 less and this year they add insult to injury. It’s down again.

Walter R. Shaw: They’re going to buy the roosters with that.

L. George Dewar: $1,817,000, or down $162,000. That for a primary industry, Mr. Speaker. Fisheries has the magnificent amount of point six. . ..

M. Alban Farmer: One percent? L. George Dewar: No, point six percent of the Budget. M. Alban Farmer: Less than 1%. L. George Dewar: Less than 1%. Walter R. Shaw: Oh, dear, dear.

L. George Dewar: Industry and Natural Resources is a wee bit better but, oh, you must strain hard to get it much better, .7%.

M. Alban Farmer: Point seven.

L. George Dewar: Point seven percent.

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