EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion)

7.22 p.m.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, I beg to move,

That the proceedings on item 2 be continued after 8 p.m. and be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1 for half an hour.

Mr Speaker: Under Standing Order 83, one day is allotted for the continuation of the debate on the financial policy of the Government. In order to enable this motion to be moved, there must be an assent of hon. Members, because under Standing Order 99:

'A question the object or effect of which may be to suspend any Standing Order of the Assembly shall be proposed only either after notice given or after the expression of the general assent of the Assembly.'

This motion proposed to be moved would have the effect of suspending Standing Order No. 83. Therefore, it needs the assent of hon. Members. Is it the pleasure of hon. Members that the motion be moved?

Dr Lee Siew Choh: No.

Mr Speaker: Then it cannot be moved. Perhaps the Member for the Southern Islands will bear that in mind and give the Minister as much time as possible to reply.

The Prime Minister: On a point of order, Sir. In view of the fact that yesterday the Member for Queenstown said he did not understand -

Mr Speaker: Order. I do not think we should debate this. The sooner the Member for the Southern Islands completes his speech, the better it will he. The Prime Minister will have other opportunities - a ministerial statement perhaps.