Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order today arising out of question period. I do so with some reluctance. This practice has continued now for some time and I want to draw to the House's attention and also to Your Honour the rules in respect of question period which do apply and which I think are relevant when the opposition considers questions it wishes to ask in the House.
This afternoon, Sir, you ruled a question or two out of order and I want to draw to your attention the provisions in citation 409 in Beauchesne:
In 1975, the Speaker expressed in general principles in order to clarify the regulations and restrict the negative qualifications which traditionally have guided the Question Period.
On that occasion the Speaker said:
A brief question seeking information about an important matter of some urgency which falls within the administrative responsibility of the government or of the specific minister to whom it is addressed, is in order.
It goes on under number (12):
Questions should not anticipate a debate scheduled for the day but should be reserved for the debate.
That view was reinforced by a ruling by the Speaker in 1986 and which is quoted in citation 410 of the sixth edition of Beauchesne:
In 1986 the Speaker put forth further views in light of more recent conditions and precedents. It was observed that-
I need not repeat the entire citation but I turn to paragraph (14) thereof:
Questions should not anticipate an order of the day although this does not apply to the budget process.
I know hon. members opposite would like me to dispense with reading these important practices of the House. They have been rigorously enforced for many years. I know Your Honour in seeking to enforce them today was acting in the very best traditions of the House.
I can only urge Your Honour to continue to do so with vigour and ensure practices outlined in 1975 and 1986 are adhered to by the opposition.