Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order in relation to a question of privilege that I hope to bring forward. I am aware that the House requires one hour's written notice.
The matter arises out of an apparent contempt of Parliament where a witness refused two requests by a committee to answer questions on a matter that was of substantive importance to the committee and to its work.
Mr. Speaker, it will take some time, as you know, to get the transcripts and, indeed, to ask the committee to consider the matter and determine whether a report should be made by the committee to the chamber in regard to an apparent contempt of Parliament.
I find this to be an important issue and I raise it for the attention of the House. This matter does not come forward very often, in fact there is very little current precedence, but I believe some consideration should be given to it.
I rise on a point of order because there is a requirement that the matter be raised at the earliest possible time and it would appear that the earliest possible time will not be until after the committee can consider it. I rise simply to give notice that I intend to bring a point of privilege as soon as all the relevant information is available and the environment committee has an opportunity to consider a report to Parliament.