Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on this matter which is before us, I do not think anyone would argue about the matter of the right and freedom of speech which every Member has. However, I would like to raise a particular concern as it applies to matters which have been raised. Perhaps I might mention Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, citation 511, "the freedom of speech accorded to Members of Parliament is a fundamental right without which they would be hampered in the performance of their duties. The Speaker should interfere with the freedom of speech only in exceptional cases where it is clear that to do otherwise could be harmful to specific individuals." I think the questions which are before you may in fact cause those particular situations to occur. However, that is not to suggest, Mr. Speaker, that any Member should not have an opportunity or the right and the freedom of speech to raise any particular issues that they so feel and wish to raise in this House.
I would also note, Mr. Speaker, that citation 493 of Beauchesne's also suggests that the Speaker has cautioned Members 493(4) with regard to protected persons. "The Speaker has cautioned Members to exercise great care in making statements about persons who are outside the House and unable to reply."