Mr. Wilson (Etobicoke Centre):

My hon. friend says that he disagrees. My hon. friend and I disagree on a lot of things and I am very proud to say that.

Mr. Guy Saint-Julien (Abitibi):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Forestry.

In a letter dated today, the Regroupement des societes d'amenagement forestier du Quebec, a group of forestry companies, expressed concern about the federal budget measures with respect to the development of private forests in Quebec through the eastern Quebec development plan and the Canada-Quebec agreement on forest development.

My question is this: can the minister tell us today that in negotiations on these forestry agreements in Quebec with the Government of Quebec, these same private Quebec companies were advised by the Quebec department of forests not to accept federal money for their projects? Will he continue his efforts to maintain these programs for Quebec forests?

Hon. Frank Oberle (Minister of Forestry):

Mr. Speaker, the forest resource development agreements which in the main funded the private woodlot entrepreneurs in the province of Quebec and other provinces are scheduled to be phased out over a period of three to four years.

I hope that provides us with sufficient time to sit down with the provinces to define a more legitimate role for the federal government, in which we can have a longer term commitment and one that would assist the private

May 6, 1993

Oral Questions

woodlot owners in their efforts to meet the objectives of our modem society.

Hon. William Rompkey (Labrador):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Prime Minister.

The minister of defence has refused to make the Somalia board of inquiry public or to have it examine her own role. Whether or not this will be a whitewash remains to be seen, but it is certainly expensive. I want to ask the Acting Prime Minister why the minister approved $43,000 for furniture for the inquiry, including a lobby filled with leather couches, at 100 Metcalfe Street? How can she justify these lavish expenditures at this time in the country's history? Is this right and is it justified?

Hon. Harvie Andre (Minister of State and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons):

Mr. Speaker, obviously we would not have that kind of detailed information. I would be very, very surprised if the Minister of National Defence is even aware of the fact. Presumably if you do set up a commission it requires staff, presumably chairs to sit at and desks to work on. I assume that is what is involved.

However, I will look into it and if there is anything more than that I will get back to the hon. member.

Mr. John Manley (Ottawa South):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport.

In the budget the government announced its intention to pursue the privatization of flight inspection services with a pilot project to be undertaken in western Canada.

Coincidentally the government had received a proposal from the firm Intera of Calgary for the contract prior to the release of the budget.

Why is the Minister of Transport allowing this privatization to proceed given that he is in possession of a private consultant's report by T.H.A. Monenco which recommends against the scheme for reasons of both safety and cost-efficiency?

Hon. Jean Corbeil (Minister of Transport):

Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member will not be surprised that when a project is considered, various opinions are expressed and until we have really looked into the applicability of the project, it is difficult to draw conclusions.

We think it is prudent management of public funds to have a pilot project involving partial privatization so that we can check over time and see whether it is in Canada's best interests or not before making a decision affecting the whole service.

Mr. Bob Corbett (Fundy-Royal):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport.

In the budget there were provisions outlined for the possible privatization of Transport Canada's helicopter fleet. Given the fact that this helicopter fleet performs certain functions which are vital for safe marine operations in our coastal waters such as the monitoring of ice conditions, calibration of navigation aids and some search and rescue responsibilities, will the minister assure the House that he will put in place the proper safeguards to preserve safety in our coastal waters and protect human lives in the event that these services are privatized?

Hon. Jean Corbeil (Minister of Transport):

Mr. Speaker, I can fully appreciate the member's concern for the safety of mariners. I can assure you that as we move along to examine the feasibility of privatizing the search and rescue operations that as usual in Transport Canada safety will be of the utmost importance. We will put in place the safeguards to ensure that we protect that safety.

Hon. John Bosley (Don Valley West):

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As the House heard earlier from the member for Burnaby, the Standing Committee on External Affairs did have a meeting this morning. It has asked me to attempt to bring to the House at this point its 10th

May 6, 1993

Business of the House

report. Normally tablings are in the morning and it is entirely understood. I am therefore seeking the consent of the House to revert at the moment to tabling to file our report. It is entirely conceivable, if that were to succeed, that I would be seeking further consents.

Mr. Speaker:

The House has heard the request for consent from the hon. member for Don Valley West. Is it agreed?

Agreed.

No.

Mr. Speaker:

There is not agreement.