Mr. Speaker, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on what the previous administration has done. However I am glad the hon. member has raised the issue. Perhaps his colleague and friend in the back row might be able to provide him with the necessary information.
Surely the hon. member is not suggesting to Canadians that ministers of the crown who have to travel across the country extensively to carry out their responsibilities are not to meet with Canadians, are not to meet with various groups, regardless of what their socioeconomic standings are. Those are the purposes of ministerial regional offices.
I hope the hon. member will take note that all he has to do to find out the costs associated with ministerial regional offices is to draft a letter to me or to the President of the Treasury Board. All the information will be provided and he will see clearly and unequivocally the costs we have saved.