Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that the hon. minister was in a conflict of interest situation at any time. As a citizen, the minister had rights
against the crown like anybody else. It so happens he had brought an action against the government, exercising a right we all have.
Any of us who risked sustaining damage or injury on federal property due to the negligence of a government employee would be entitled to sue the crown. Anybody, including me, any minister and the leader of the Opposition. But, to avoid controversy, the minister has decided to withdraw his appeal. If his counsel did not carry out these instructions-and if he is watching today, he can see that the minister of revenue agrees-he should have carried out his instructions to the letter.