Supporting the motion, 10; opposing the motion, four; abstaining, two. The motion is carried. This

motion is referred to committee of the whole.

---Carried

Motions. Motion 41-12(1), Establishment of a Tax Reform Commission. Mr. Gargan. He is not here. This motion is stood down.

Item 15, first reading of bills.

Item 16, second reading of bills.

Speaker's Ruling

Before I call the next item on the agenda, I have had a look at the Hansard from yesterday and I would like to respond to Ms. Mike's comments. Ms. Mike was referring to a comment by the Speaker which followed an exchange of questions and responses between Mr. Pudlat and Mr. Patterson. What I attempted to do is, at the end of that exchange I felt that Mr. Pudlat had not been given the answer that he was looking for. What I was suggesting, because I thought Mr. Pudlat was frustrated by the answer, that it might be appropriate for Mr. Pudlat to approach the Minister and explain the details of the particular question he was asking. He could have then been either satisfied or could have returned later in question period and asked the question.

I was attempting to be helpful. I apologize to Mr. Pudlat if my words caused him any problems. I thank Ms. Mike for bringing it to the attention of the Chair. I would ask Members to recognize that I too am learning this job and in an attempt to be helpful I probably did not make myself as clearly understood as I should have. So Mr. Pudlat, I am sorry if I caused you any problems. I was attempting to be helpful. And anything I can do in the future to help Members, and any problems with procedures, I am more than happy to do so.

Next item on the agenda is Item 17, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters: Ministers' Statement 2-12(1), Living Within Our Means; Ministers' Statement 5-12(1), Community Transfer Initiative; Tabled Document 3-12(1), "Strength at Two Levels"; Motion 40-12(1), Establishment of a Special Committee on Health and Social Services, with Mr. Pudluk in the chair.