Charlie Penson

[Department Of National Defence, January 26th, 1994]

I would like to ask a supplementary question of the minister. Would he at least give the reassurance that he would reinstate the pilot project that looked into cost savings which was set up in the last days of the last administration?

[Department Of National Defence, January 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.

It was reported in the Ottawa Citizen on Saturday and again today that the Department of National Defence has a staff of over 100 military people to administer the household moves of its personnel, yet the department pays more for its moves than do private corporations. Furthermore, private companies exist which say they can provide this administrative service at no cost to the government and that the government would save 10 per cent to 25 per cent on rates over those currently being paid.

What is the minister doing to investigate these cost-saving opportunities at a time of deficit reduction?

[Trade, January 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the minister for that co-operation.

My supplemental question is that it is unlikely this situation will be resolved in court but rather through a political negotiation. Can the minister give his assurance that Canadian durum wheat producers will not be abandoned in these negotiations?

[Trade, January 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade. It concerns the upcoming bilateral trade negotiations with the United States.

There appears to be a major disagreement as to which set of trade rules, GATT or NAFTA, will take precedence. The minister has assured Canadians that his legal advisers are confident that GATT rules will supersede those of NAFTA.

Can the minister produce for this House and especially for thousands of Canadian agriculture producers a copy of this legal opinion?