--of the proceedings.
Well, in answer to Mr. Proulx's question, I will just point out that you could write the rules here. We do have rules that deal with closure, right? We can write the rules so that debate just ends, regardless of whether all the germane points have been discussed or not, but the resting state of Parliament is to permit further debate, because there is always the possibility that the debate might result in a decision being made.
That's why, when the Speaker rules to break a tie, he rules as he does. At third reading, he'll rule against, and at second reading, he'll rule in favour, always to ensure that further discussion and further debate can occur, that the door is never closed. Of course, that's the reason for talking. That is ultimately the reason why, from a procedural point of view, additional debate is always possible in committee. That's all that I'm attempting to do here.
As I say, the issue of contempt of Parliament ultimately comes down to whether Parliament makes that decision. The fear one can legitimately have, I think, is that this and other procedures can be bent sufficiently out of shape such that they no longer serve their initial purpose. The purpose of the concept of contempt of Parliament, as with contempt of court, is not that it be used, first of all, as a rhetorical tool--that's obvious--but additionally that it not be used for the purpose of going after people when you don't have some other method for doing it, because effectively you can find anybody in contempt on the basis of anything at all. All you need is to have a majority willing to do what you want to do.
That's the reason why I think it's so important that we all understand and all support this paragraph, and support it knowingly, knowing what we are voting on. That is why I wanted to send that thought, Mr. Chair.