Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed listening to the comments of the critic for the Reform Party and then the Solicitor General. The two are sort of connected because the critic for the Reform Party did quote from 70 agencies and organizations which are opposed to the tax reduction. I received similar representations and so on. He did not address, which I think the Solicitor General addressed, the concerns of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
On February 8 the Prime Minister did table in the House the letter from N. D. Inkster of February 3 wherein he states: "We are at a point where existing RCMP law enforcement resources are virtually incapable of turning the tide in this rapidly expanding problem, given our responsibilities across Canada".
Seizures have increased. This is what everyone is calling for. Why do we not increase our seizures? He says: "While seizures have increased dramatically the extent of the problem has been rising at a much faster rate with the involvement of organized crime groups and as otherwise law abiding citizens engage in the criminal activity through the open purchase of contraband. I am convinced that a comprehensive strategy is required to address the smuggling problem which goes beyond an enhanced enforcement initiative".
Now that we have been into this process where we are seeing the results of decreased prices and increased law enforcement, in the opinion of the Solicitor General and in talking to the RCMP and other police forces could this problem have been resolved without reducing the price of cigarettes?