Mr SPEAKER —Order! The honourable member for Cunningham is suspended from the service of the House for 24 hours.

The honourable member for Cunningham thereupon withdrew from the chamber.

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Wakefield will resume his seat. The honourable member for Hotham on a point of order.

Mr Crean —Mr Speaker, the point of order I ask of you is why my question was ruled out of order when it clearly asked the minister whether his portfolio responsibility was for the Customs Tariff Act—

Mr SPEAKER —We are not going to debate the issue.

Mr Crean —And whether he played a leading role in the government's decision to restore it. I ask why the question was out of order?

Mr SPEAKER —The issue has been resolved. I have made my ruling. Resume your seat.

Mr Crean —So I do not get an answer for that?

Mr SPEAKER —Resume your seat.

Mr Griffin —Why will you not answer the question?

Mr SPEAKER —Order! The honourable member for Bruce!