EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Request for permission to move)

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have the assent of the Assembly under Standing Order 72 to move under Standing Order 7 (11),

That the proceedings on the business set down for this day be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

Mr Speaker: Have I the assent of hon. Members?

Mr Marshall: On a point of information, Sir. Would it not be preferable, Mr Speaker, Sir, if this were taken after this particular motion has been debated so that we will know how much time is left for the remaining items?

Mr Speaker: It is left entirely to the Minister.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: I thought it was appropriate to do it now, Sir. It is stated under Standing Order 7 (11) that it is to be moved "at the commencement of public business".

Mr R. Jumabhoy: On a point of information, Sir. Would it not be wiser to move this after, say, 3.30 p.m.?

Mr Speaker: I have indicated that it is up to the Minister to make his request. He has made his request. Does he withdraw his request?

Mr Chew Swee Kee: I withdraw it, Sir.