I've heard that Members are very concerned about the cost and are not at this particular time, interested in adding a ninth Member. I feel that it's good to keep the option open. I, too, am concerned about the cost. The likelihood is that when we readdress this issue, my major concern will be that of cost. I feel that we should attempt over the next six months to involve the ordinary Members in the decision-making process as much as possible, thereby, perhaps, relieving some of the time pressures on the Ministers. For example, if a Minister is required to be in a part of the Territories that perhaps an ordinary Member can assist on that, where the Minister may have to be at another location. I heard from other

Members that from time to time it is difficult for the Ministers to get around the Territories, that it takes an average of three years to visit each of the communities. I believe that the ordinary Members can perhaps play a role in that. Additionally, in the decision-making process when it comes to the workload. There are a lot of capable people sitting around this Chamber and I think that it would be advisable to call on our help.

I note that the incremental cost of adding a Minister is $284,000 and that is a substantial amount of money. Over a four-year period, we're talking in excess of $1 million. I do also note that the incremental cost is based on extra staff members, an EA, secretary and travel costs. The other costs remain the same. Then I note an item of renovations necessary to provide a ninth Cabinet office. I think if we do add a ninth Member, we should be extremely careful about adding any kind of construction costs, et cetera.

Perhaps what we have to look at, as the honourable Member for Iqaluit mentioned, is a Minister responsible for division. I don't know whether that's an advisable thing; it may be and it may not be. If that should happen then I believe it should have a sunset clause on the life of the ministry. Thank you.