Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On Renewable Resources, the committee noted that the department is planning to spend $458,000, in the fiscal year 1994-95, for mobile equipment in all regions. The project substantiations provided to the committee show a long inventory of snowmobiles, ATVs, boats and outboard motors. Many of these requests appear to duplicate those made in the previous year. When questioned by the committee, the Minister advised that the department relies on replacement standards developed by Public Works and Services to replace mobile equipment for field operations personnel.

Committee Members feel that the department could cut back on expenditures for mobile equipment without hampering the efficiency of the department. One means of achieving savings is to lease locally-owned equipment as necessary. The committee also believes that the process used in disposing of capital equipment can be improved. Therefore, the committee makes the following recommendation.