Madam Speaker, it seems to be what the federal government wants to do. They would like to have a side panel to look at cumulative effect. Whether it is a policy of the federal government, I don't know, but I know it is an issue and it is something they seem to want to do. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

It is my understanding that for a mine to develop, there are certain standards and requirements, but it is unusual to have even an earth panel put together just to develop a mine. There are already precedents for the establishment of mines. So, I would like to ask the Minister, since we are about to get both an earth panel and this cumulative review, could he give us some idea whether these are intended to proceed at the same time and finish at the same time, or will the cumulative review take much longer?

Thank you. Acting Premier, Mr. Pollard.

Madam Speaker, I just don't know. I think that is probably of great concern to everybody. I think it is a matter of discussion between the deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs. As I said earlier, in response to a question by Mr. Ballantyne, we'll communicate the concerns. If Mr. Lewis has a concern in this regard, I think it's valid. One could be finished and the other drag on, and still the process would not be finished. We'll communicate that concern as well, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

The Minister is aware, though, that the proponents of a development of a mine have put all their plans on hold now, so that this process can proceed a pace. What is our government doing in order that these projects, whatever they are, will not be unduly delayed by the interventions of the World Wildlife Federation to do far more than has ever been done in the history of mining in Canada for the development of the mine?

Thank you. Acting Premier, Mr. Pollard.

Madam Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the industry recognize that there has to be due process in this regard. What are we doing to suggest to the federal government that this is taking too long?

Back in the summer, we gave them a list of proposed members for the panel, asked that the process get off the ground, that it gets going very quickly, and that we had no wish to hold up industry in the Northwest Territories.

Secondly, as I said in response to Mr. Ballantyne's question, Madam Speaker, the Premier is going to raise, or has already raised this issue with the Prime Minister. That is the importance we attach to it. We would hope that when the Prime Minister comes back, he is able to jar his Ministers loose and tell them we must get on with this process immediately. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for High Arctic, Mr. Pudluk.