Mr. Chairman, I agree with your idea that we not get into any specific agenda items today, but rather that we consider the agenda from an overall perspective. However, I would like to make one exception. I don't know if the following suggestion will receive the general endorsement of the committee.
Our plans are to invite the Minister, but it might be a good idea if, sometime between now and next week's meeting, that is before we finalize the agenda and assess the situation, we are notified somehow that the Minister will be available. I don't know if everyone else agrees with me or not, but personally, I think his appearance will be more in the nature of a question and answer session. That being the case, we could prepare questions in advance.Our intention is not to trip him up. We simply want some clear, straightforward answers from him. We could hold a preparatory meeting. One and a half, or even two hours, could be scheduled for the Minister's appearance. Based on past experience, we've found that one hour doesn't give us enough time to address all of the items on the agenda.