EDUCATION BILL (Introduction deferred)

The Minister for Education (Mr Chew Swee Kee): Mr Speaker, Sir, it had been hoped that it would be possible to have the new Education Bill ready for me to introduce at today's sitting. Unfortunately, the officers of the Legal and Education Departments have been working on it at high pressure and there are still one or two points to which my colleagues and I think it is necessary to give further consideration. I am sure that hon. Members will agree that, in view of the great importance of this Bill, it would be unwise for me to introduce it until we have given it further study.

I promise hon. Members that the Bill will be ready for the next sitting of the Assembly. I therefore give notice under Standing Order 57 that I withdraw the Bill.

Mr Speaker: It is difficult to understand how a Bill which has not been introduced can be withdrawn. The answer is, of course, that the Minister is not introducing the Bill.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Sir, I am not introducing the Bill at this sitting.