Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The questions posed to us are not falling within the scope of the public accounts audit.
I should use this opportunity to once again clarify that our audit work is strictly on the consolidated financial statements, and that's only in section 2 of volume 1.
Many of the questions of interest to members are in section 1. This is primarily the government's own explanation as to what's happening with its finances and the financial performance of the government over the fiscal year.
The member is now posing questions on volume 2, and we would not have touched any of the tables or data in volume 2.
We are looking at these numbers for the first time just as you are when you're referring to them. We know where to find the numbers, but, again, it's not based on audit work, and I would be very reluctant to speak to them.
As you know we do performance audits, and from time to time we'll be selecting some of these subjects, and that gives us a much more in-depth opportunity to study the issue and then be able to come back with reports.
We will note your interest, Mr. Chair, in what the member's asking, but at this point it wouldn't be right for me to try to speculate and provide a response.