Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The standing committee on finance reviewed Bill 13 during its meeting of today, April 1. The committee was pleased that the Minister of Finance and his staff were available at that time, and I might note on very short notice, to answer the questions of the committee. It is difficult to get a Minister who makes himself so accommodating to the committee, and we appreciate it. Do I hear any nays?

--- Laughter

The committee was not opposed in principle to this amendment that would permit FMB to write off debts up to $1000. However, the committee was concerned that the total amount could be substantial if large numbers of debts are to be written off on an annual basis. Although these write-offs would appear in the public accounts, this would be after the fact. We were pleased that the Minister of Finance gave the commitment to supply the committee and the House with an annual listing of the debts written off under this section of the act. As a result, the committee agreed at its meeting to recommend this bill to the House for consideration. Thank you.