Mr. Speaker, there is nobody who would like to see us take the tax off books more than I would. Perhaps there is one other person.
The hon. member will understand that a common base is very important in the application of a tax such as this because it enables us to have substantially lower administrative costs.
The hon. member also knows that there are exemptions on taxes such as this available to certain organizations. He also knows that the tax is not in fact the full 7 per cent, depending upon the institution that is buying the book. Certain institutions have reduced rates.
I understand the tenor of the member's question. I wish I could answer it more positively and perhaps if the country gets into better financial shape I will be able to.