Order! Hon members, during the debate on members' statements, hon Deputy Minister Surty raised a point of order on a statement made by hon Mr Maynier. I didn't say the statement at the time was out of order, but I was going to give a definite Ruling. I wish to do so now. [Interjections.] Order, hon members!
The hon member, Mr Maynier, earlier said that the hon Minister of Defence and Military Veterans told this Parliament a "big political fib" when she said that there was no link between the report in question and the Defence Amendment Bill. That is tantamount to saying that the Minister lied to Parliament, a serious charge and one that is definitely unparliamentary, and in this case without any substantive motion. I want to ask the hon Mr Maynier to withdraw that statement.
Speaker, with respect, I refuse to withdraw the statement. [Interjections.]
Well, I then ask you to leave the Chamber! [Interjections.] [Applause.]
The member thereupon withdrew.