Hon. David Pratt (for the Minister of the Environment)

moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.

Hon. David Pratt (Minister of National Defence, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should have a little bit more faith in the Canadian shipbuilding industry and a little bit more faith in Canadian workers.

Hon. David Pratt (Minister of National Defence, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated in the past, the ships will be built in Canada should a competitive environment exist. That is completely consistent with the federal government's shipbuilding policy. The response that I have heard generally from the Canadian shipbuilding industry with respect to this issue has been very favourable.

I was very disappointed when the Bloc did not support a defence committee report two years ago that called for the acquisition of these three new supply ships. I was very disappointed indeed.

Hon. David Pratt (for the Minister of the Environment)

moved that the bill be concurred in and read the second time.

(Motion agreed to)

Hon. David Pratt (Minister of National Defence, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, the government was very proud to make the announcement with respect to the joint supply ships. As I have indicated in the House in the past, they will be built in Canada should a competitive environment exist.

I am a little surprised by the question from the hon. member in the sense that the Bloc had an opportunity to vote for a recommendation from the defence committee report a number of years ago and failed to support the concept of procuring supply ships at that time.