SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION (Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 64 of 1956)

3.43 p.m.

The Financial Secretary (Mr T. M. Hart): Sir, I have His Excellency the Governor's authority to move,

That this Assembly resolves that the sum of $149,480 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure and for the services specified in the Schedule contained in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 64 of 1956.

Sir, this is a small Schedule seeking provision for three important items in 1957. Hon. Members will note, I feel sure with satisfaction, that Dr Benham has been persuaded to return to Singapore to serve as Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister. Dr Benham requires no introduction to hon. Members. It is only a little more than 18 months since he left Singapore after serving for eight years as Economic Adviser to the Commissioner-General. He is an economist of international reputation and he has an unrivalled knowledge of economic and financial circumstances not only of Singapore but also of all the other territories in South-East Asia. We have been fortunate in that he has been able to obtain leave of absence from his present employers for a period of a year. His knowledge and experience will be of the greatest value during this period of constitutional change and economic development in Singapore.

Provision is also sought for the salary of the Assistant Minister in the Chief Secretary's Ministry and also the salary of his confidential stenographer.

A supplement of $75,680 is also required for the purchase of furniture and equipment for four new blocks at the Woodbridge Hospital. Sir, I beg to move.

Mr Goode: Sir, I second it.