I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. Before we start the clock, can I ask a question of clarification?
I'm still relatively new, but in my experience and previous understanding, when the bells are ringing, you can't drop the gavel because you can't get unanimous consent to start the meeting. I understand that we have witnesses here, and I don't want to prevent any of that from happening. My concern is about the precedent of the chair deciding to start a meeting while the bells are ringing.
Through you, Mr. Chair, to the clerk, is that an abnormality? Could we get some clarification on previous practice?