ANNUAL ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES FOR 1960

Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [1st Allotted Day].

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

2.35 p.m.

The Chairman: Will the Minister signify the recommendation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara before the Committee proceeds with the consideration of the Main Estimates and the Development Estimates?

The Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee): I so signify.

The Chairman: Turning to the main estimates. For the convenience of hon. Members, I intend taking the total for each head as it appears in the last column of the abstract of estimated expenditure on page 31 of Paper Cmd. (New Series) 32 of 1959.

The attention of hon. Members is drawn to Heads 1 and 5. In regard to Head 1, Yang di-Pertuan Negara, the total in the last column - Amount to be voted 1960 - should be amended to read `$273,660'. This is because of an addition of the sum of $42,860 which appears as item (1) of subhead 1 at page 35. The note on that page numbered (ii) reads:

"Sum charged on the Consolidated Fund. Monthly Salary not yet fixed."

In fact, the sum has not as yet been charged on the Consolidated Fund and therefore it is required to be voted upon for 1960.

In regard to Head 5, Public Service Commission, the total in the last column at page 31 should be amended to read `$131,350.' This is because of an addition of the sum of $10 which appears at page 49 as item (4) of subhead 1.

The note against that item numbered (i) also reads:

"Sums charged on the Consolidated Fund."

In fact, the sum of $10 in item (4) has not as yet been so charged and therefore that sum is required to be voted upon for 1960.

These alterations mean that the final total in the last column of page 31 should now read '$246,646,260'.

Dealing now with the heads of expenditure in respect of which amendments stand on the Order Paper.