Peter Milliken

[Point Of Order, September 20th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the hon. member for Roberval raised a point of order regarding a question asked by the hon. member for Vaudreuil.

Today, I would like to read you a few comments Beauchesne made on this subject. The question concerned a report on the cost of separation prepared for the Government of Quebec.

As I said, the hon. member for Vaudreuil directed his question at the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and this question concerned a report prepared for the Government of Quebec on the cost to the province of separating from our confederation. In my opinion, the question is in order as it concerns the obligations and duties of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. I am quoting from Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms , Sixth Edition. Paragraph 410(16) reads:

Ministers may be questioned only in relation to current portfolios.

This question was asked of the minister concerning a matter that clearly falls within his jurisdiction.

He is responsible for the national unity office, and this report prepared for the Government of Quebec directly concerns his work in this office. Therefore, I think that the question is in order and that the point of order raised by the hon. member for Roberval is not relevant.

[Auditor General Act, September 19th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, I think you might find unanimous consent to call it 6.30 p.m.

[House Committees, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I move that the names of the following members be added to the list of associate members of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: Mr. Proud, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Solomon and Mrs. Ur.

While I am on my feet I thank the hon. member who was speaking and all hon. members for their co-operation in seeing these routine matters dispensed with this afternoon.

[House Committees, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I propose, seconded by the Chief Government Whip, that the 85th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs presented to the House today be concurred in.

[House Committees, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 85th report of the House Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on the list of members of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, as well as the list of committee associate members.

If the House gives its consent I intend to move concurrence in this almost immediately.

[Manganese Based Fuel Additives Act, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I hesitate to interrupt the hon. member but I think there is now unanimous consent that I put these motions which are somewhat urgent because I understand there are committees waiting for and depending on these.

[Manganese Based Fuel Additives Act, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I think that you will obtain the unanimous consent of the House to revert to the presentation of committee reports.

[Business Of The House, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, were you to seek it, I think you would find unanimous consent that private members' hour this evening be cancelled but that all items on the order of precedence retain their position on the order of precedence so that we can proceed with item number one tomorrow.

[Questions On The Order Paper, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand.

[Government Response To Petitions, September 19th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 76 petitions.