Routine Proceedings / Tabling of Documents

Tabling of documents; microfilm

Journals pp. 489-90

Debates p. 4064

Background

When the sitting opened, Mr. Skoberg (Moose Jaw) rose on a point of order regarding the return by Mr. Macdonald (President of the Privy Council) to two orders for the production of papers. These returns were on microfilm, which Mr. Skoberg said was unacceptable since he had no means by which to read them. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can the return to an order for the production of papers be given on microfilm?

Decision

No. The return is not in proper form and does not comply with the order of the House.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The return presented is obviously not in the conventional or traditional form. If a return is to be of any value to a Member it should be presented in a form that will convey to the Member the information he or she is seeking and which the House has ordered he or she should receive. This requirement is not met by material which cannot be interpreted without a mechanical device. Even if such equipment were available it is still very doubtful that a return on microfilm would be acceptable without a special order of the House or without a change in the rules.

References

Journals, February 23, 1970, p. 484.

Debates, February 25, 1970, p. 4063.