PERMISSION TO MEMBERS TO BE ABSENT

Under the provisions of clause 2 (d) of Article 30 of the Constitution of Singapore, I have granted permission to the following Members to be or to remain absent from sittings of Parliament (or any Committee of Parliament to which they may be appointed) for the periods stated:-

Encik A. Rahim Ishak (Siglap), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - from 5th December, 1974 to 4th June, 1975.

Dr Ong Leong Boon (Kim Seng) - from 1st January to 31st December, 1975.

Mr L. P. Rodrigo (Serangoon Gardens) - from 9th to 25th February, 1975.

Mr E. W. Barker (Tanglin), Minister for Law and National Development and Leader of the House from13th February to 3rd March, 1975.

Mr Ang Nam Piau (Thomson) - from 15th February to 2nd March, 1975.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin (Geylang West), Minister for Communications - from 21st February to 2nd March, 1975.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (Upper Serangoon), Minister of State for Labour and Government Whip - from 25th February to 7th March, 1975.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta) - from 1st to 31st March, 1975.

YEOH GHIM SENG, Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

8.00 p.m.

The President (accompanied by two A.D.C.s) entered the Chamber, accompanied by Mr Speaker, who was preceded by the Serjeant at Arms (without the Mace), the First Assistant Clerk, the Principal Assistant Clerk and the Clerk.

On the Clerk announcing "The President", the President delivered his Opening Speech.