Mr. Chairman, I must admit that you have caught me a little off guard. Having held consultations, we were convinced that this amendment was in order. I am sure you are aware that, by rendering this decision, you are interfering with my rights because, as a parliamentarian, it is my prerogative to work to amend a bill which is definitely perfectible.
This is an excessively conservative interpretation of the Standing Orders. I cannot blame you entirely for that, but I can certainly tell you that I am disappointed. Under the circumstances, there are two options: either you suspend the Committee meeting and we appeal your ruling to the Speaker of the House of Commons, or I appeal your ruling. For this particular amendment, I will be appealing your ruling here in the Committee, but I cannot give you any guarantees as to what will happen in future.