Madam Speaker: I have a ruling for the House.

I took under advisement on May 26, 1999, a point of order raised by the opposition House leader about the answer given by the honourable Minister of Justice (Mr. Toews) to the honourable member for St. Johns (Mr. Mackintosh). In raising his point of order, the opposition House leader asserted that the minister had breached Citations 417 and 481(e) of Beauchesne. Having reviewed Hansard, I am ruling that the minister did not comply with Citation 417. His answer should be as brief as possible, should deal with the matter raised and should not provoke debate.

In reading the answer of the minister, though, I do not believe that he imputed unworthy motives.