I thank the hon. member for his intervention. It is true that the responses should, as close as possible, equate in time to the time taken to pose the question in the first place.
We are also cognizant in this particular format that if the question compels an answer that would require some explanation then, clearly, the minister should be permitted some time to explain the parameters of the question. In many cases, it depends upon the nature of the question as well.
However, as much as possible, I do monitor the amount of time of each, both in the number of seconds taken by the questioner and the response, and we will do our best to ensure we stay within those bounds. I will signal the minister, in particular, or the person responding for the government, to give some indication as to when we are crossing that threshold.
The hon. member for Parkdale—High Park.