Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. I would like to address the motion that was passed by the House on December 7, which in the result would apply a series of votes, some 120 votes, with regard to supplementary estimates. I submit that would in effect breach the privileges of independent members of parliament.
The House leaders of the various political parties came together and decided that with regard to their respective political parties the votes could be applied. This motion presumes to anticipate how independent members of parliament would vote on each and every motion before the House.
For that reason I submit that it breaches the privileges, because how could the House know in advance how I would vote on the 120 motions before the House?
If I might conclude, technically it would be my submission that unanimous consent would be required in order to avoid a roll call vote on each of the votes, and if it is the will of the House in effect to apply votes then again unanimous consent would be required.
However, having said that, and in the spirit of Christmas, I am prepared to give my unanimous consent so that all votes can be applied.