Newfoundland and Labrador Hansard — 16 May 1996 (43rd General Assembly, 1st Session, Vol. XLIII No. 10)
1996-05-16
Newfoundland and Labrador — Debates (Hansard)
May 16,
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS
Vol. XLIII No. 10
The House met at 2:00 p.m.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: All rise.
MR. SPEAKER (Snow): Order, please!
The hon. the Minister of Finance.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, I move that this House resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole on Ways and Means and that the Speaker do
now leave the Chair.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House resolve itself
into a Committee of the Whole on Ways and Means and that I do now leave the
Chair.
The hon. the Minister of Finance.
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, on February 22, the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador gave this government a mandate to implement its plan
for the future. That plan will meet our challenges and strengthen our
opportunities for growth and development.
We have consulted the people, and we have listened. With
their advice, we have made the choices to put that plan into action.
Our goal is clear - to ensure a better future for the people
of this Province. Our strategy, as set out in our election platform is to
deliver needed public services more efficiently; to maintain a sound fiscal
position for the Province; encourage the creation of jobs and economic growth;
renew our social policies to achieve greater fairness and opportunity; manage
our resources in a way that achieves the maximum benefits; and finally and most
importantly, to do so in partnership with the people.
During the first sixty days of this government, all
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians had the opportunity to participate in the
choices leading to this Budget. These choices were not always easy, but the
direction we received was clear and straightforward.
The people told us that the level of taxation on average
families and individuals is already too high; protect the quality and
for the poorest among us; be more efficient managers and cut the cost of
government; maintain a sound financial position.
Mr. Speaker, we have listened to the people and we are
acting. In this Budget the burden of taxation on average families does not
increase.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
services are protected; the cost of government is reduced and new priorities
established; a sound financial position is maintained.
Mr. Speaker, in the final analysis, the financial strength of
government and the well-being of the people depend on a strong economy.
During 1995, our economy grew for the third consecutive year,
despite the continued shutdown of our groundfishery. Our major resource
industries performed well, and there were positive developments in the mining
and oil and gas sectors.
Our newsprint mills at Grand Falls - Windsor, Corner Brook
and Stephenville have been operating near full capacity. During 1995, the value
of newsprint production increased by approximately 40 per cent. Our silviculture
programs will help meet future demand for pulpwood.
During 1995, the value of our fish exports reached an
all-time high due to our shellfishery. Aquaculture production was close to
double the level of the previous year. However, as all parties acknowledged
during the recent election campaign, 1996 and 1997 will be difficult years for
the economy. Real gross domestic product, employment and incomes in the Province
will decline from last year's level. Hibernia spending and employment will
lessen as construction ends and production begins.
In the short term, the social and economic adjustments due to
the continued closure of the groundfishery will result in population declines.
Mr. Speaker, we will meet the current challenges. This
Province will have a bright future. New industries, projects and business
opportunities will foster economic growth and employment.
The Voisey's Bay mineral discovery in Labrador has
revitalized our mineral exploration sector. A mine, smelter and refinery will be
built in this Province. Jobs will be created. Benefits will flow for all the
people of our Province, especially those who reside in Labrador. Revenues will
be generated for all levels of government. Other mining projects have commenced
within the last year, and exploration continues at unprecedented levels.
The Province's petroleum industry will also be a source of
growth. The first oil will flow from Hibernia next year. Development of Terra
Nova will be concluded and other east coast offshore fields will follow. Hunt
Oil will drill in the Port au Port basin during 1996. Amoco Canada is expected
to drill two wells on the Grand Banks during 1997. These developments will
create economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador and for the Government of
Canada.
We must respect our resources. We have learned the importance
of conservation. The fishing industry sustained this Province and the
livelihoods of the people who live in our hundreds of fishing communities for
most of the last 500 years. Restructured, well-managed harvesting and
processing, and proper aquaculture development, will maintain the integral role
of the fishery in our economy and culture.
This cultural richness is our greatest tourism asset. Our
unique and rugged character and country remain largely undiscovered. We must
develop it properly - promote it aggressively.
Mr. Speaker, while we made substantial progress in recent
years, a significant structural deficit remained. Government tabled a balanced
Budget in 1995-'96 - with the help of $90 million of one-time revenues.
Last December we took corrective action totalling $60 million
to meet reduced federal revenues and increased expenditures. As a result of
those actions, the balanced Budget projected for 1995-'96 has been achieved. For
the first time since Confederation our debt has not increased.
Yet, despite this accomplishment, an underlying deficit
remains. While our revenues decline, spending demands increase. We must,
therefore, use our limited financial resources prudently.
Governments everywhere are restraining their spending. The
health care, post-secondary education and social assistance.
Federal transfer programs must recognize the varying costs
and needs dictated by differing social, economic and geographic circumstances.
The Canada Health and Social Transfer allocation mechanism which was recently
announced in the 1996 federal budget does not provide this recognition. It
places increasingly greater reliance upon a simple per-capita allocation at a
time when this Province's population is declining, and its needs increasing.
Consumption taxes in the Province have long been the highest
in this country. In April, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the
federal government to harmonize the federal goods and services tax and the
provincial retail sales tax into a combined 15 per cent value-added tax. This
will be the largest single tax reduction in the history of this Province. It
will save taxpayers over $100 million annually.
This new tax, with a rate reduction of almost 5 per cent will
be implemented on April 1, 1997 - just ten months from now. This $100 million
shortfall will be offset over the first four years by $348 million in
harmonization will produce new revenues which will offset the costs to both
levels of government.
The benefits of this initiative are many and directly respond
to the people's wish for lower taxes, more jobs, and a stronger economy. The
after-tax price of most goods and services will fall. The average tax burden
will decrease at all income levels. We will be more competitive locally,
nationally and internationally. Our Province will become a more attractive place
to do business. This sales tax reform will simplify business compliance and
lower government's costs.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, our debt is high. As our
population declines, our per capita debt increases. The $550 million annual
interest payment is our third largest expenditure after health and education.
Each year that we incur a deficit we add to our interest and reduce the money
available for public services. The reality is that we are now spending more to
service the debt than to provide assistance to the more than 70,000 clients of
social services. This money does not reduce the debt. It merely pays the
interest on our collective credit card.
The time has come to take a new direction, a direction that
is both sustainable and responsible.
Another major issue is the unfunded liabilities of our
pension plans, which add a further $2.5 billion to our debt. The teacher's
pension plan will run out of money nine years from now in the year 2005.
Government and its employees must work toward a solution. We are resolved to do
so with the NLTA this year.
Mr. Speaker, if we had not made the choices in this Budget,
the deficit fro 1996-'97 would have been unacceptable. When the pre-Budget
consultation document was prepared in early March, a deficit of $230 million was
forecast. Revised economic projections based on lower employment numbers
indicated a greater decline in 1996 GDP. These factors pushed up our deficit
projection by $30 million.
Midyear Budget corrections in recent years have created
uncertainty in both the public and private sectors and diverted efforts from the
real job of planning and providing services.
To help address this problem, the Budget contains a
contingency reserve of $30 million. These funds will be borrowed only in the
event of an unforeseen decline in revenues or unforeseen emergency spending
requirements.
The prudent choice of budgeting for this contingency brought
our total projected deficit for 1996-'97 to $290 million.
Mr. Speaker, in our pre-Budget consultations we indicated
that incurring a large deficit was not a choice. The people agreed. The
projected deficit has to be reduced.
Our budgetary problem, however, did not begin this year. Our
debt has accumulated over many years. It will take several years before we
return to our previous levels of employment and income.
We have now taken steps toward a lasting solution. The
efficiencies achieved last fall have reduced the size of the deficit problem for
1996-'97. Educational reform is underway. The health care system is being
restructured. We have taken initiatives to lower future spending.
Mr. Speaker, while revenues are needed to pay for programs
and services, taxes influence people's spending patterns and business investment
decisions. Government's revenue needs must be balanced against ability to pay
and the effect of taxation upon the competitiveness of our business sector.
Achieving the right balance at a time when we are faced with a structural
deficit, limited borrowing capacity and the need for economic stimulation is a
delicate task.
The people of the Province told us during the consultations
that the average family already shoulders a heavy tax burden, and that
government must maintain a business environment which attracts new investment
and jobs. We are acting upon this advice.
We will not increase retail sales tax; we will not increase
the gasoline sales tax -
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: - nor will we increase any other consumption
taxes. There will be no increase in corporate income tax and no general increase
in personal income tax.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: There are only two new tax measures that will
raise additional revenue from those with the greatest ability to pay.
Commencing with the 1996 tax year, to bring Newfoundland and
Labrador in line with every other province, we will levy a high income surcharge
on individuals with taxable income in excess of $60,000.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: This surtax applies to approximately 8,000
people, the top 5 per cent of taxpayers in this Province.
Secondly, effective June 1, 1996, the rate of the financial
corporation's capital tax which applies to banks and trust companies will be
increased from 3 per cent to 4 per cent.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, beyond these measures applied to
banks and high income earners, no other tax measures are implemented in this
Budget.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Revenues from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
will increase by $19 million to $53.4 million. Hydro will not be seeking a rate
increase as a result of this additional payment.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Under the Terms of Unions, the federal
government is committed to an $8 million annual payment to the Province in
perpetuity. In light of our unique economic and financial circumstances, the
federal government has advanced amounts payable under Term 29 over the next
three years, when the funds are most needed. The regular annual payments of $8
million will resume in twenty years.
We will receive $50 million of this advance this year.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: The federal government has agreed to provide
us with another $8 million over the next -
AN HON. MEMBER: Eighty, eighty.
MR. DICKS: I stand corrected, Mr. Speaker - has agreed to
provide us with another $80 million over the three-year period for a total of
$130 million.
The provision of these funds has allowed us to avoid cuts in
the health care sector and the layoff of an additional 500 or more front-line
workers.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: As a result of this advance payment and other
measures taken by the government, the health care budget will not be reduced
this year.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, even after these adjustments,
this year our revenues will decline by $104 million from the 1995-'96 revised
estimate. This is a reduction of 3.1 per cent.
Mr. Speaker, if we did not reduce costs now, our deficit and
debt would become unmanageable. We must have the opportunity to restructure
government in a planned and measured way that protects priorities.
This year we will spend $3,408 million, $81 million less than
last year. That is a reduction of 2.3 per cent.
We have achieved greater operational efficiencies and ensured
that front-line spending on social and economic priorities is protected.
Many public sector organizations rely on grants from
government to fund their operations. This sector must share our restraint. Some
will be substantially reduced. Government will eliminate more than twenty
agencies, boards and commissions to streamline operations and save costs.
Several will be consolidated into one. There are close to 300 such agencies, all
of which will be reviewed and made to justify their productive roles in the
months ahead.
Government provides considerable financial support and
assistance to municipalities. Effective January 1, 1997, municipal operating
grants will be reduced 10 per cent. Fire protection grants to St. John's and
Corner Brook will be reduced 20 per cent. The charge for municipal property
assessment services provided by the Province will increase.
Government provides a substantial operating subsidy to the
Newfoundland Farm Products Corporation. A new board of directors will be
appointed to commercialize this corporation, and pursue privatization.
Government will also continue to pursue privatization of the
Marystown Shipyard. The board of directors is currently finalizing a plan for
consideration by Cabinet which will see major restructuring of the operations to
create efficiencies which will lead to a break-even operation.
Government will continue to identify those functions which
can better be performed by or in partnership with the private sector.
Mr. Speaker, departmental spending this year will be reduced
significantly from last year: salary costs, supplies, travel and phone expenses
will decrease 6 per cent; purchased services have been reduced 9 per cent;
professional services will be 10 per cent lower; and property, furnishings and
equipment expenditures have been reduced 29 per cent.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: The reduction in the number of Members of the
House of Assembly will reduce our costs of operating the legislature by about
$400,000 this year. As well, Members' allowances and benefits have been reduced
by 11 per cent.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: There will be no more vehicles dedicated for
the use of the Premier, other politicians, government executives, or visiting
dignitaries.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Cars currently used for this purpose will be
sold.
All those travelling at public expense, including the
Premier, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Members of the House of
Assembly and executive of government and all officials paid out of the public
purse will travel in economy class.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: There will be no more business class travel.
Our public service workers make a valuable contribution to
our Province through their efforts in providing needed services. Their wages and
benefits comprise two-thirds of the cost of government.
All governments in Canada have found it necessary to reduce
their wage bills in recent years. Most have frozen wages. Several have cut
salaries by up to 7.5 per cent. Others have required employees to take unpaid
leave. However, temporarily reducing salaries and benefits does not achieve a
lasting reduction in the cost of government. If the deficit is to be reduced we
must have a smaller public service.
Accordingly, there will be no public service wage or benefit
rollbacks in this Budget. However, we will reduce the size of the public
service. Wherever possible, we have reduced administration rather than
front-line services.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Restructuring in the health and education
sectors will assist in decreasing the size of the public service. The Economic
Recovery Commission has been dismantled.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador is being
integrated into government and its lending role reduced and reviewed.
Mr. Speaker, we are resolved to assist our employees affected
by these decisions. A program has been put in place to help individuals who will
be losing jobs, including counselling services and first right of recall for job
openings. Approximately 500 people are directly affected by the measures in this
Budget. Another 500 are affected by restructuring initiatives already underway.
Mr. Speaker, the measures I am announcing today will deal
with revenue declines in the fiscal year 1996-'97. The fact is, our revenues
will decline again in 1997-'98 and this will require further adjustments to our
spending. To achieve maximum benefits from our limited dollars, I am announcing
today the establishment of a process to examine all expenditures and programs of
the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This program review will be carried
out by a select committee of Cabinet to which all Ministers, their departments,
commissions and agencies will report.
Our programs and services will be tested against these
criteria: Does the program continue to serve a valuable public purpose? How can
this program be provided most efficiently and effectively? Is this program still
affordable?
Mr. Speaker, this program review will help us further
rationalize our spending, and ensure a sound basis for making the right choices
in the further restructuring of government. At the end of this process, I will
report the results of the program review as part of next year's pre-Budget
consultations. We will again seek public input before implementing the changes
suggested.
Government will provide over $165 million this year for
capital projects, through a number of provincial and federal-provincial
programs: $64 million for highway construction and reconstructions; $40 million
under the Infrastructure Program; $25 million in new commitments from the
Province for municipal infrastructure; $12.2 million for health and education
facilities; $8.2 million under the Economic Renewal Agreement; $7.1 million for
public buildings; $3.9 million for the provision of water and sewer services in
Coastal Labrador; $5.4 million for miscellaneous projects.
Mr. Speaker, our major social programs, health care,
education and social services, account for about 60 per cent of our current
spending.
During the pre-Budget consultations, the people of the
Province clearly indicated that health services were their first priority. They
are also the most costly.
During recent years, government has undertaken major reforms
of our health care system to provide community-based services and cost-efficient
management.
In meeting our fiscal challenges this year, we have reduced
spending on virtually all government services. Health care has not been reduced.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: In fact, government will increase health
expenditures and will provide additional funding for cardiac care and community
health services.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: The health care sector has sought a multi-year
funding commitment to better plan changes and improvements to our health care
system. We are guaranteeing the 1996-'97 level of operating funding for this
year, next year, and the year following.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: This commitment to health care for the people
of this Province is close to $3 billion over this three-year period. We are
empowering our health care managers to deliver services in the most cost
efficient manner.
A quality education system that leads to a well trained and a
competitive workforce is essential to our economic well-being. Our ability to
meet our educational needs is challenged by lower federal support and declining
enrolments. Educational reform, therefore, must and will proceed.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, we have chosen to rationalize
educational facilities to ensure that adequate funding remains to be provided
for students rather than administration. We understand and sympathize with the
concerns that have been expressed about the closure of some programs and
institutions. However, in order to continue to offer viable programs, the
structure of post-secondary education must be rationalized.
The grant to Memorial University will be reduced $8 million
to $107.5 million this year. Next year the grant will be reduced to $104.5
million, and to $101.5 million in the year following.
Government has a responsibility to protect basic social
services. The partnership with the federal government in meeting this
responsibility is dissolving. Social assistance caseloads in this Province will
continue to rise during 1996 because of lower employment, the expiration of TAGS
benefits for many individuals, and reforms to unemployment insurance. This will
increase our assistance costs by about $6 million.
The Department of Social Services is taking initiatives to
streamline operations and improve client services, including delegating
increased decision-making authority to front-line workers. In recognition of the
fact that those who have the least amongst us cannot contribute more to the cost
of deficit reduction, the budget of the Department of Social Services will not
be decreased, and will, similar to the Department of Health, receive a modest
increase this year.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, although we must reduce spending,
government will continue to pursue policies that promote economic opportunity.
All of us, whether in the public or private sector, must commit to and promote
economic success.
Government has undertaken initiatives to substantially
improve the business climate in this Province. We have reduced regulations. The
Province now has one of the most competitive corporate tax systems in the
country. Sales tax harmonization and EDGE incentives will create new business
ventures and employment.
Together we can build a vibrant economy through resource
development, tourism and technology, manufacturing and services.
The Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal will
provide almost $23 million this year to encourage growth in key sectors of the
economy. Funding is provided for aquaculture projects, advanced technology and
tourism initiatives.
The Province in partnership with the federal government, the
banks and the other Atlantic Provinces will fund on a matching basis a $30
million Atlantic Investment Fund. This Fund will make investments in businesses
located in Atlantic Canada. Our contribution in this fiscal year will be
approximately $1 million.
The 1997 celebration of John Cabot's voyage provides a
tourism investment opportunity of international significance. The 500th
anniversary events surrounding this celebration will showcase our exceptional
culture and artistic talent. Government's support and the effort of countless
volunteers will make this celebration a success not only for the people of this
Province, but also those in Western Europe and North America who share our
heritage.
In fact, next week a delegation including twenty-one
businesses from this Province will go to Bristol to participate in the
International Festival of the Sea. A total of six countries will be
participating. We must take advantage of opportunities such as this to enhance
our tourism industry. These celebrations will bring millions of new tourism
dollars to the Province.
The people and the vast resources of Labrador make a
significant contribution to this Province and to the country. This government
believes that it is time to increase our investment in Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Improving the Trans-Labrador Highway is one of
the great capital needs in this Province. During 1996-1997, despite our
financial constraints, government is committing $8 million for improvements to
the Trans-Labrador Highway.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
assist in further improvements.
Mr. Speaker, the $8 million this year is a doubling of any
previous annual commitment to the highway.
We have preserved as well to the greatest extent possible
those programs that provide special consideration for those who live in
Labrador.
Mr. Speaker, the choices we have made have reduced our
projected budgetary deficit from $290 million to $44.8 million.
Mr. Speaker, the Province cannot avoid prevailing national
and provincial economic conditions. Our 1996 Budget is set in a time of
significant social and economic change. We must respond positively to these
influences to secure lasting change to government.
The first Budget of this Administration adjusts the
Province's course to take into account today's financial realities. Mr. Speaker,
the people of the Province are our first priority. Despite severe constraints we
have preserved basic public services for our people.
While we must deal with today's difficulties, we will not
lose sight of tomorrow's opportunities. We must seize them and will seize them,
secure their benefits, not only for ourselves, but also, and perhaps more
importantly, for our children.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is insufficient simply to make
choices. They must also be sound and justifiable. We are confident that with the
assistance of the people we have made the right ones.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, I move that the debate be
adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, at 2:00 p.m.
On motion, debate adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, at 2:00
p.m.
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the House that I
have received a message from His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor.
MR. SPEAKER: All rise.
The message is addressed to the hon. the Minister of Finance
and Treasury Board:
"I, the Administrator of the Province of Newfoundland,
transmit estimates of sums required for the public service of the Province for
the year ending March 31, 1997, in the aggregate of $2,842,497,800, and in
accordance with the provision of the Constitution Act, 1867, I recommend these
estimates to the House of Assembly."
Signed by:__________________________________
Chief Justice, James R. Gushue, Administrator
We will take a few minutes now for all the documents to be
delivered to the hon. members of the House.
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance.
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, I move that the message together
with the Estimates be referred to a Committee of Supply.
MR. SPEAKER: It is seconded that the message from the
administrator together with the Estimates be referred to a Committee of Supply
and that I do now leave the Chair.
On motion, that the House resolve itself into Committee of
Supply, Mr. Speaker left the Chair.
CHAIR: Order, please!
The hon. the Government House Leader.
MR. TULK: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee rise,
report progress and ask leave to sit again.
On motion, that the Committee rise, report progress and ask
leave to sit again, Mr. Speaker returned to the Chair.
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Bellevue.
MR. BARRETT: Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Supply have
considered the matters to them referred, wish to report some progress and ask
leave to sit again.
On motion, report received and adopted, Committee ordered to
sit again on tomorrow.
Notices of Motion
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance.
MR. DICKS: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on
tomorrow move that that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole
to consider certain resolutions with respect to the Income Tax Act.
Mr. Speaker, I give further notice that I will on tomorrow
move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider
certain resolutions with respect to the Financial Corporations Capital Tax Act.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.
MR. TULK: Mr. Speaker, I move that the following heads of
expenditure be referred to the Government Services Committee: the Department of
Finance; Works, Services and Transportation; Government Services and Lands;
Municipal and Provincial Affairs; Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation;
Public Service Commission.
I move that the following heads of expenditure be referred to
the Social Services Committee: Social Services; Education; Health; Environment
and Labour; Justice.
I move that the following heads of expenditure be referred to
the Resource Committee: Fisheries and Aquaculture; Forest Resources and
Agrifoods; Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Industry, Trade and Technology;
Mines and Energy; Development and Rural Renewal.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the remaining Orders of the Day do
stand deferred and that this House on its rising do adjourn until tomorrow,
Tuesday, May 21, 1996, at 2:00 p.m., and that this House do now adjourn.
MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the various
heads of expenditures be referred to the three Estimate Committees.
All those in favour.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye!
MR. SPEAKER: Against?
Carried.
On motion, the House at its rising adjourned until tomorrow,
Tuesday, at 2:00 p.m.