Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, the Minister tells us that we have less money for these services, which we all know, and tells us that an interdepartmental committee has been established of all affected departments, which is going to help government set priorities. I understand this interdepartmental committee exists and I understand that it is overseeing the study being done by Avery Cooper to decide how best to reallocate and reorganize the money devoted to legal interpreting within various activities of the government.

I would like to ask the Minister again -- and I know this question has been asked -- since the government is spending a precious $45,000 on the Avery Cooper study, wouldn't the logical thing be, if we want to get value out of this study and we want to get everyone involved in setting priorities, to hold off any decisions on arbitrary and selective cuts in the various programs until after the study is complete so the government can get the considered advice and set priorities, considering the range of activities that are now being done. Isn't that the logical way to do it; to hold off decisions until you get considered, independent advice from the consultant and the interdepartmental committee? Isn't that how it should be done? Thank you.