Mr. Speaker, I am convinced that when the hon. member reads last Friday's Hansard , he will realize that I never said that the Department of Transport delayed its decision because it was waiting for MIL Davie's business plan.
Having said that, however, I must point out that two very important things are involved here: we must provide an adequate and safe service between Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands, and we must solve the problems that MIL Davie will face at the end of the current contract for the frigates. We are very aware of what is at stake in both cases, and I want to assure the hon. member that the business plan submitted is being scrutinized by the appropriate departments and that we, in the Department of Transport, have always been prepared to participate in a solution which would meet both needs, as long as it is fiscally sound.