Madam Speaker, when the hon. member from the Reform Party moved the previous question, I was on my feet, ready to speak on debate. However, I obviously did not manage to catch your attention, because I was not recognized. We then started the process of voting, which is the stage we are at.
I would respectfully suggest, Madam Speaker, that you reconsider your decision and allow this House to continue debating the main motion. I would like to quote, if I may, Beauchesne's citation 521, which states that the previous question is moved when the original question is under debate. Its purpose is to force a direct vote on the original motion, thereby preventing any amendments to the original question to be proposed. Clearly, what we are doing is not serving the intended purpose of the motion, as the normal procedure was not followed.
I would respectfully suggest that you bring us back to where we should normally be.