EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion)

The Chief Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, there is, of course, the possibility that Members of the House may wish to have more time to debate certain vital matters which are before the House today, and I do not wish it to be understood that I am trying to push business through or to limit the time which every hon. Member is entitled to for the purpose of debating both this motion now before the House and other motions that will be coming before it. In the circumstances, Sir, I should like to adopt the procedure whereby if at the time the moment of interruption is reached the business of the House is not completed, then the House should continue in session until business is completed. Accordingly, Sir, I should like to move a motion under the provisions of Standing Order No. 7 (11), but before I can do so, Sir, I find that under the provisions of Standing Order No. 23 I must obtain both your consent and the general assent of the hon. Members of this Assembly. I now seek your consent, Sir, for the purpose of moving a motion under the provisions of Standing Order No. 7 (11),

That the proceedings of this day's business, standing on the Order Paper, be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

Mr Speaker: Standing Order No. 23, hon. Members, reads:

"Notice shall not be dispensed with in the case of a motion ...except with the consent of the Speaker and the general assent of Members present."

The Standing Order referred to by the Chief Minister, providing for suspension of Standing Orders, requires notice. I have no objection. I give my consent that notice be dispensed with. Have I the assent of the Members that that should be so?

Hon. Members indicated assent.

The Chief Minister: I am obliged to you and the House, Sir. In the circumstances, Sir, I do move, under the provisions of Standing Order No. 7 (11),

That the proceedings of this day's business, standing on the Order Paper, be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

The Minister for Labour and Welfare (Mr Lim Yew Hock): I second the motion.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That the proceedings of this day's business, standing on the Order Paper, be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.