Mr. Speaker, as you know I have been one of the people driving the issue of making the wheat board accountable. When we were interviewing witnesses before the standing committee on Bill C-4 they tried to rule me in conflict of interest because I was part of a group of farmers holding the wheat board accountable before the courts in Manitoba.
There was no court action at that time. I removed myself and asked them to get a ruling whether I would be in conflict because my lawyers had said that I was not in conflict. I was never given a ruling on that and I did not mind that too much. I will accept mistakes and things said in the heat of debate.
Shortly after I picked up the Western Producer and I was astounded that the member for Simcoe—Grey at that time indicated outside the House that “if he tries to get involved in a debate when this bill is brought back before the full House this week, I will demand that the Speaker remove him from that debate”.
I was elected to uphold the laws of the country. I had to take the action of a civil route in the courts to try to get the wheat board accountable. When as a member of Parliament I am not allowed or threatened not to be allowed to participate in the debate of something that is important to every resident of my constituency, there is something wrong.
When the hon. member for Prince George—Peace River raises this question of privilege I think he is dead right. You should be looking into this matter, Mr. Speaker. I would appreciate that.