Madam Speaker, on the issues raised by the hon. member, Lancaster Aviation was the company in question which won competitive contracts in 1997 and again in the year 2000 for the disposal of surplus aerospace assets, not simply parts. I recommend the member look at the contract to verify that fact.
The 1997 contract contemplated special project sales such as planes. When such a need arises the contract called for an amendment to be made to legally bind the parties with regard to this special project.
The sale of the surplus aircraft was conducted to the letter of the law and certainly with the interest of Canadian taxpayers in mind. The member is quite right that 40 Twin Huey helicopters were sold to the U.S. department for approximately $20 million U.S. and 8 Challenger aircraft were sold to DDH Aviation of Texas as a result of a competitive tender for approximately $30 million U.S.
Lancaster was paid a fair commission for its services as per the terms of the contract. It is true that Lancaster was using a facility in Florida for warehousing purposes only. The assets were warehoused in Florida because that is where the market is. The assets are not and were not in danger. They are the property of the Department of National Defence and are only in the custody of the contractor. Lancaster is also responsible for the safekeeping of the assets and is fully liable for any losses.
I would close by saying that if the member has any knowledge of any illegalities or allegations of wrongdoing, the appropriate course of business is to refer such matters either to the minister or to the RCMP if that is the nature of the item.