Yes, I'd like to debate that. I'd like to debate the substantive motion before my colleagues decide to cut off debate again.
Is it a charade or is it not a charade? Do you actually believe that ministers are accountable for what they do? Do you actually believe that ministers are accountable for the money that they spend, that they intend to spend? It is a minimum that the minister appear to defend her budget. To give us a last minute excuse puts into question this committee's oversight functions.
Oversight is a fundamental democratic power of this committee and to be able to question the minister is part of that responsibility. So I hope that my Conservative colleagues don't intend to shirk our responsibilities by voting against this motion.