The chair has heard the arguments put forward by all hon. members on this issue. I want to stress that in my view the parliamentary secretary is absolutely correct to raise the issue at this stage. It may seem late to hon. members, but bills are introduced and read for the first time without being reviewed by other hon. members. They sit on the Order Paper until they win a draw and are put on the order of precedence. It seems to me entirely appropriate that the issue be raised at this stage.
It could have been raised earlier I suspect as a point of order at any other time but it has been raised now and it clearly impacts on whether the bill is votable.
I must say that I have grave doubts as to whether this bill is in order. I refer to page 821 of Erskine May's twentieth edition:
Matters which are covered by the term `charges upon the people' may be briefly summarized as-(2) the repeal or reduction of existing alleviations of taxation such as exemptions or drawbacks-
It is clearly stated that where there are such changes it would appear that ways and means proceedings are necessary and the full scope, that is a resolution, would have to be introduced first, followed by the bill.
In view of the fact that the House is ready to proceed with the debate today and in light of the fact that members are prepared to debate the subject today, and in view of the comments that have been made concerning the possibility of such a debate, as your Speaker I will take the matter under advisement and give a formal ruling on the point of order at another time.
We can proceed with debate today. I have indicated the way the Chair is leaning in light of the arguments advanced. If that is satisfactory we will now proceed with debate.