Mr. G. W. Baldwin (Peace River):

Mr. Speaker, may I discuss this briefly as a point of order in the hope that it might save some time of the House. I am not actually moving the motion at this time. It is a motion in my name as co-chairman of the Standing Joint Committee on Regulations and Other Statutory Instruments to concur in a unanimous report. It was agreed to by members from all sides of the House. I believe it

February 20, 1979

was actually moved by a member of another party from the other place and seconded by the hon. member for Vancouver-Kingsway (Mrs. Holt). It purports to seek authority for the committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the means by which parliament can better oversee the government regulatory process, and one or two related things.

I would like nothing better than to debate that in light of the vast improvements which have been made in jurisdictions in Australia and the United States, but I know the time of the House is limited before this session ends.

I would be prepared to put the motion now if there was an indication that the House would accept it. I understand it either has been moved or will be moved and passed in the other place. If someone in authority on the other side could give me the assurance that if I put the motion it will be passed without debate, I would be prepared to waive the right to debate it. I am asking for concurrence as the delegate of the committee. It is not a motion on behalf of this party. Because of the limited time between now and the expiration of this session and the amount of work this committee will have to do to try to bring in a reasonable report which may be left as a legacy to the next parliament and the next government, we would like to get the matter under way as soon as possible. I would be prepared to waive any right to debate the matter if I can get the undertaking that if I move the motion now it will be accepted.

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Mr. Yvon Pinard (Parliamentary Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Privy Council):

Mr. Speaker, the suggestion of the hon. member deserves consideration. I would have to take a closer look at that report before taking position. I take note of his suggestion. I understand that he is prepared to stand his motion today and before the end of the week we should be in position to say whether his suggestion is acceptable or not.

Mr. Baldwin:

Mr. Speaker, if I hear from the government before tomorrow that it is prepared to give that undertaking that is fine; otherwise I am giving notice now that I will present my motion tomorrow and we will have a debate.

Mr. Yvon Pinard (Parliamentary Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Privy Council):

Mr. Speaker, question No. 672 will be answered today.

What is the total amount of decreases in annual payments paid into the Constituency of St. Boniface brought about by the government's restraint

Order Paper Questions

programme and which departments and what amounts are involved in each case?

Mr. Thomas H. Lefebvre (Parliamentary Secretary to President of the Treasury Board):

The information requested is not readily available. To provide an accurate reply would entail a lengthy and costly examination of the accounts of every program of each department which cost in manpower and time would be exorbitant or prohibitive.

Mr. Yvon Pinard (Parliamentary Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Privy Council):

Mr. Speaker, if question No. 626 could be made an order for return, this return would be tabled immediately.

Mr. Speaker:

Shall question 626 be deemed to be made an order for return?

Mr. Paproski:

Agreed.

For each year 1970-77, what was the total amount of exports for (a) raw resources (b) semi-processed goods (c) manufactured goods to (i) the United States (ii) the United Kingdom (iii) West Germany (iv) France (v) the Peoples Republic of China (vi) the U.S.S.R. (vii) Sweden (viii) Japan?

Return tabled.

Mr. Yvon Pinard (Parliamentary Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Privy Council):

Mr. Speaker, would you be so kind as to call starred question No. 610?

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