Mr. Chairman, within the restrictions of the fiscal policies, this money would not have been used for any defence purpose. There is not one program that is not covered because of this expenditure.
Under the same provisions, toward the end of the year some $300 million was provided for the defence department and was indeed spent.
The question he raised concerning ammunition and uniforms was not correct at all. We have certainly indicated to the Canadian forces that whatever they need they should be able to get. There was a timing issue to the change to the new uniform, in terms of the version that could be used in Afghanistan, just not being ready. It was not a question of resources or of money. It was a question of manufacturing time and being able to get it done.
The uniforms they have in Afghanistan are really quite suitable. In fact if we look at the Americans who wear desert camouflage uniforms, they put equipment and vests over top of them that are of the dark green variety.
Those members are really making a mountain out of a molehill over this. The uniforms that our troops have are modern, up to date and really quite satisfactory.