CIVIL LIST

3.15 p.m.

The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That this Parliament, pursuant to section 7 of the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 52), resolves that the Schedule to the said Act be varied by deleting the figures "$52,000", "$594,010", "$135,270" and "$91,000" appearing in the second column thereof and substituting therefor the figures $56,320", "$667,020" "$145,060" and "$14,050" respectively.

Sir, the provision approved under Classes I and II of the Civil List is insufficient to meet increasing expenses, such as the 9 per cent wage supplement and the higher rate of Central Provident Fund contributions. The increase under Class III is mainly for improvements to the Istana grounds. A smaller provision is required under Class IV. The provision is for the purchase of lawn mowers and other equipment for the maintenance of the grounds as well as two colour TV sets for the use of guests. It is, therefore, necessary to augment the provision for the Privy Purse from $52,000 to $56,320; the provision for Salaries of Personal Staff' from $594,010 to $667,020; and the provision for Expenses of Household from $135,270 to $145,060. The provision for Special Services is to be reduced from $91,000 to $14,050.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Parliament, pursuant to section 7 of the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 52), resolves that the Schedule to the said Act be varied by deleting the figures "$52,000", "$594,010", "$135,270" and "$91,000" appearing in the second column thereof and substituting therefor the' figures "$56,320", "$667,020", "$145,060" and "$14,050" respectively.