NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS (Expenditure)

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence what is the total amount spent by the Government in relation to the national day celebrations on the nights of 8th (celebrations at Marina Square), 9th (at the National Stadium) and 19th ("Swing Singapore" at Orchard Road) August, 1989.

The Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Defence (Policy) (Mr Yeo Ning Hong)(for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence): Sir, earlier this year Parliament approved the provision of $1.5 million for the National Day Celebrations 1989. The National Day Parade is budgeted to cost the Government $1.3 million and Swing Singapore, another $200,000. The accounts for the expenditure are in the process of being finalized.

As for "Countdown to National Day", this was held on 8th August 1989 and it was organized by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation. No Government funds are involved.

Sir, here I would like to thank the thousands of Singaporeans and corporate citizens who have given very generously of their time, their talent and their support to these National Day Celebrations. Their contributions have made these celebrations a success. Their efforts have enabled Singaporeans to come together to express their pride in Singapore and to help in the process of nation building.