REMARKS ON THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN (Motion)

Mr Deputy Speaker: This motion* is subject to signification of support by at least one Member present in this Chamber. Does the motion have the support of any hon. Member?

*The Motion, standing in the name of Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam, reads as follows:

That this House regrets that the Minister for Home Affairs should have attempted to mislead the House when speaking at question time on the 18th March 1985 and again on the 29th March 1985 when moving the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill.

There being no support -

Mr Jeyaretnam: May I make a statement on that, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir?

Mr Deputy Speaker: No. I am asking for support. It is not possible for you to make a statement at this stage.

There being no support for the motion, the motion cannot be proceeded with.

Mr Jeyaretnam rose -

Mr Deputy Speaker: On what point are you rising, Mr Jeyaretnam?

Mr Jeyaretnam: To ask for leave to withdraw the motion now so that I can bring it up at a later stage. I can still bring it up, but I want to explain why I wish to withdraw the motion this morning.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Jeyaretnam, there is nothing to stop you from submitting a motion for another sitting.

Mr Jeyaretnam: All right.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I suspend the Sitting now and will resume the Chair again at 2.30 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended at 12.50 pm until 2.30 pm Sitting resumed at 2.30 pm