Document Information

Date: 1980-10-31
By: Canada (Parliament)
Citation: Canada, House of Commons Debates, 32nd Parl, 1st Sess, 1980 at 4300.
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COMMONS DEBATES — October 31, 1980

[Page 4300]

THE CONSTITUTION

PATRIATION—REPORTED COMMUNICATIONS WITH UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT

Hon. Flora MacDonald (Kingston and the Islands): Madam Speaker, my question is addressed to the Prime Minister. I would like to ask him to confirm reports emanating from both London and from officials in Ottawa today that the government House leader has been in touch with ltis counterpart in the United Kingdom, Mr. Norman St. John-Stevas, concerning a scaling down of the Canadian government’s proposals so that patriation could take place as quickly as possible. but that other constitutional amendments should be made in Canada. Would the Prime Minister comment on those reports?

Mr. D. M. Collenette (Parliarmentary Secretary to President of the Privy Council): Madam Speaker, I should inform the House that it is not the usual custom to divulge private conversations which take place between individuals, but I can confirm that a call was received earlier this week from the Lord Privy Seal by the President of the Privy Council which arose as a result of somewhat alarmist reports in the British press in connection with the progress of the constitutional resolution in the House of Commons. The Lord Privy Seal wanted some clarification from the President of the Privy Council.

Miss MacDonald: It is interesting to note that in connection with a matter as important and as crucial as this to the country the Prime Minister would not take the opportunity to respond to my question.

Some hon. Members: Hear, hear!