I would like to open this committee of the whole session by making a short statement.
Tonight's debate is being held under Standing Order 81(4)(a) which provides for each of two sets of estimates selected by the Leader of the Opposition to be considered in committee of the whole for up to four hours.
Tonight's debate is a general one on all of the votes under National Defence as provided in the motion adopted on Wednesday, November 1. Parties may use each 15 minute slot for speeches or for questions and answers by one or more of their members.
In the case of speeches, members of the party to which the period is allotted may speak one after the other. The Chair would appreciate it if the first member speaking in each slot would indicate how the time will be used, particularly if it is to be shared.
Please note that pursuant to Standing Order 81(4) hon. members may not speak for more than 10 minutes within the 15 minute period.
When time is to be used for questions and answers, the Chair will expect that the minister's response will reflect approximately the time taken by the question since this time will be counted in the time originally allotted to the party.
I would remind hon. members that according to the special order adopted on Wednesday, November 1, during this evening's debate no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be entertained. At the conclusion of tonight's debate the committee will rise, the estimates under National Defence will be deemed reported and the House will adjourn immediately until tomorrow.
We may now begin tonight's session with the Leader of the Opposition.