Mr. Reid:

On the point of order, Mr. Speaker, I tend to agree with the hon. member. I think it unfair for reasons outside the purposes of private members' hour, namely, the bill we were considering in normal House time-

December 17, 1974

Mr. Peters:

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. I object to the inference being drawn by the parliamentary secretary. Even if it is true, he cannot say it.

Mr. Reid:

Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member has made sufficient comment on my statement. I assure the hon. member for Lotbiniere (Mr. Fortin) that we are prepared to accommodate him. Unfortunately, we have made commitments to other members for the rest of this week. Presumably the House of Commons will adjourn as of the end of this week. However, if it does not, I will be prepared to give the hon. member priority come the following week, should the House of Commons be sitting. In addition, I am also prepared to give him priority, if it is not possible that week, in the first week when the House of Commons resumes. I regret the embarrassment that has been caused to the hon. member.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Penner):

I must inform the House that the proceedings are suspended temporarily. Mr. Speaker is on his way to make a ruling on the point of order.

Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre):

Will he hear representations with regard to the point of order?

There is no quorum.

Crown Corporations

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Penner):

Since the Speaker will be making the ruling, any representations ought to be made when he is in the chair.

Mr. Francis Fox (Argenteuil-Deux-Montagnes):

Mr. Speaker, am I to understand that the count is already made or is the Speaker going to make it as soon as he arrives?

Yes.

Mr. Fox:

It seems that members are leaving the House right now, which reduces the possibility for us of having a quorum.

Mr. Fortin:

That is not the point at all.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Penner):

I thank hon. members for the patience displayed in this instance. I am advised that it is my duty to inform hon. members that the House is adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow. I am further requested to advise hon. members that the 19 members, including myself, who were present when the count was taken should present themselves to the Table in order that their names may be recorded.

I do now leave the chair until 2 p.m. tomorrow.

At 5.35 p.m. the House adjourned for want of a quorum.

Wednesday, December 18, 1974