Adjournment Motion / Proposed under Standing Order 30 - Application not Accepted

Other opportunities for debate; budget

Debates pp. 24684-5

Background

Mr. Lewis (Simcoe North) sought leave to move the adjournment of the House, under the provisions of Standing Order 30, in order to discuss the facts surrounding "the prior disclosure by the Minister of  Finance (Mr. Lalonde) of detailed information about the contents of the budget" delivered the previous evening, as well as the "breach by the Minister of his oath of office". In Mr. Lewis's view, this breach places in question the propriety of the Minister continuing to act in his present capacity. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Does the application meet the requirements of Standing Order 30?

Decision

No. The application is not accepted.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Since the matter undoubtedly concerns the administrative responsibilities of the Government, it could be discussed in the course of the debate on the Budget, which is to commence today. Moreover, the possibility that the Minister may have breached his oath of office and is therefore no longer able to function in his present capacity is not an urgent matter justifying the adjournment of the House. Such a matter may only be debated "on substantive motion which admits of a distinct vote of the House".

Sources cited

May, 19th ed., p. 368.