Colleagues, I hope the hon. member for Kootenay East will weigh very carefully the words he is using. I believe from the words he has used the hon. member is questioning a decision taken by the Speaker of the House of Commons.
When the hon. member uses such words it calls into question not only the decision of the Speaker but also all of the House itself, as embodied in me are the rights and privileges of all members of this House.
That the hon. member is frustrated because his question was ruled out of order is to me understandable. The House has empowered me to make rulings such as these. The rulings I make are never taken frivolously and never taken to give advantage to one side or the other. My sole duty here is to see that the rights and privileges of all parliamentarians are adhered to and respected. That is what I try to do in this chair.
When the hon. member stood for his first question, I judged in that particular case he was referring to party matters. I permitted the hon. member to rephrase his question, which he did. In my judgment the question of the hon. member was in order and therefore I permitted it.
When the hon. member used words in the second question which I thought were leading down the same path as the first, I intervened.
I appeal to the hon. member who is standing on this point of privilege to please take into consideration the great weight that his words have in here. If the judgment of the Speaker is to be called into question, surely it is not because he is not being-excuse me if I do not use the right word here-responsible. But if the hon. member would like to speak with me in my chambers, I would be very happy to speak with him.
My judgment on that particular question stands. I would appeal to all hon. members to cease and desist now on this point of privilege because you are attacking your Speaker. In my view, I do not know that we can long operate like this.
I would appeal to the hon. member that if he wishes to speak to me I would more than gladly entertain him in my chambers.
If the hon. member is rising on the same point of privilege, again I would caution and appeal to the hon. member for Kindersley-Lloydminster to choose his words very carefully.