Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member pointed out, the crash of the Air-India plane in 1985 was a terrible tragedy but it was also a terrible crime. Hundreds of Canadians lost their lives.
That is why the RCMP has been actively investigating the matter with a view to getting the evidence on which charges can be laid and those responsible for the bombing can be successfully prosecuted.
The government has not forgotten the victims or their families. For the first time a solicitor general, namely myself, met with the families. I directed senior RCMP officers to keep them regularly informed of the progress of the investigation. As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, a $1 million reward has been offered. This has generated hundreds of leads which are being actively pursued.
It is not considered appropriate to have a commission of inquiry while there is an active investigation. However, the commissioner has confirmed to me that if there is an impasse in the investigation I will be informed. I want to assure my hon. friend that if there is such an impasse I will immediately discuss this matter further with the Prime Minister.