Madam Chairman, I rise on a point of order. The main estimates were tabled on Thursday, February 20. Supplementary estimates (B) were tabled on Monday, March 3.
In 1968, the House adopted the McGrath report on procedural reforms. The spirit of the reforms to the business of supply was to give all members an opportunity to examine the main estimates thoroughly so that they would be well informed when they voted.
We will be voting tonight on $33 billion for interim supply which we have had only eight sitting days to examine. Supplementary estimates (B) contain $806 million worth of expenditures which we have only had six days to examine.
I wonder why the government is rushing to pass these supply motions when the opposition could have at least until March 30, 1997 to further examine both sets of estimates.
On clause 2