DEBATE ON MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. Before I proceed to move adjournment of the House, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move that the debate on my statement be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order 1(8)(b), so that we will not be constrained by the half-hour time limit.

Mr Speaker: I give my consent. Is it the pleasure of Members that the motion be moved?

Hon. Members indicated assent.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think this is a very important topic and Members are caught unaware by such an important statement made by the Minister. I think we should reserve the motion for another day where there could be a full-fledged debate and Members can come prepared.

Mr Speaker: I am asking the consent of Members whether the exemption motion can be moved by the Minister. Is there any disagreement? There appears to be none.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That the debate on the motion for adjournment to be moved for the purpose of debating the Ministerial Statement made by the Minister for Education be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order 1(8)(b) at this day's sitting.