I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.
My honourable colleague has been in this place a lot longer than I have. I refer to page 1068 of O'Brien and Bosc. In respect of dealing with witnesses, it reads:
Particular attention has been paid to the questioning of public servants. The obligation of a witness to answer all questions put by the committee must be balanced against the role that public servants play in providing confidential advice to their Ministers. The role of the public servant has traditionally been viewed in relation to the implementation and administration of government policy, rather than the determination of what that policy should be. Consequently, public servants have been excused from commenting on the policy decisions made by the government.
I believe this is what my honourable colleague is trying to do, and I believe his question is out of order. I ask you to rule that it is.