I do, Mr. Speaker. With respect, we would submit to you that my colleague has raised an argument without merit.
I would draw your attention to Standing Order 111.(1), which states:
Where the government intends to appoint an Officer of Parliament, the Clerk of the House...the name of the proposed appointee shall be deemed referred to the appropriate standing committee, which may consider the appointment during a period of not more than thirty days.
The rules are clear. The committee may study the proposed nomination, which it has. There is no requirement to report back to the House of Commons on the matter before a vote in the House is taken.
Page 1014, of the second edition, House of Commons Procedure and Practice, states:
As in the case of the procedure for appointments by Order in Council and certificates of nomination, a committee that receives an order of reference in relation to the proposed appointment of an Officer of Parliament has no obligation to consider the matter.
I would urge, Mr. Speaker, and suggest that we could proceed to the business as planned this afternoon.