Mr. Speaker, quite frankly I am surprise by the question of privilege that has been raised by the hon. member for Delta. Very
little surprises me after a few years in this House but I am really at a loss to understand why this is considered to be a loss of privilege.
I think there is a suggestion made that there was an attempt to deny information to members of Parliament. I am not sure whether that is what he is implying. In fact, if that is the implication I think it is totally absurd.
I want to state clearly, unequivocally and emphatically that there is no attempt by me, my staff or my department to deny answers or inquiries from any hon. member.
I have a great respect for this institution, for Parliament, and in particular for my colleagues in the House of Commons on all sides of the House. Anyone who knows me would attest to that. It is in that spirit that I have directed my department to respond quickly and rapidly to members of Parliament on all sides of the House.