National Defence committee  Honourable members, I see a quorum. We can now proceed with the election of the chair. I am ready to receive motions to that effect. Ms. Gallant.

National Defence committee  The committee may subpoena witnesses, but in order for it to be enforceable, the committee must report to the House. The House then moves a motion declaring the summons enforceable. Only rarely is a Minister of the Crown summoned to testify.

National Defence committee  No, they do not. They will in a moment.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, he says that if he understands correctly, it's scheduled to finish October 31. That end date is one I slid in.

National Defence committee  It would normally be done as a result of an agreement among the House leaders, where they allow a motion to go forward during daily routine business. The motion would elaborate the details of when we're allowed to report, and perhaps it might limit it to the subject. It's frequently done, and it's been done in the past.

National Defence committee  It's the chairs and the member from the other opposition party.

National Defence committee  If the committee is ready to proceed with it, they can, because more than 48 hours has certainly been given.

National Defence committee  I've drafted it as follows: That one staff member of an absent member's staff be permitted to attend during in camera proceedings during that member's absence.

National Defence committee  The full motion, as amended, would be: That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting and that one staff person of an absent member's staff be permitted to attend in camera proceedings during that member's absence.

National Defence committee  The motion reads as follows: That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk's office for consultation by members of the Committee.

National Defence committee  The motion reads: That 48 hours' notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the committee, unless the substantive motion relates directly to the business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the clerk of the committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

National Defence committee  It says: That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

National Defence committee  The next motion reads: That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the committee and its subcommittees.

National Defence committee  The next motion reads as follows: That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding two representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment of more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

National Defence committee  The motion reads as follows: That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.