ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE CHAIR

The Leader of the House (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Thank you very much for your patience, Mr Speaker. In the last two weeks or so, you have sat through 10 days of sittings of Parliament - first, the debates on the Budget Statement, next, in the Committee of Supply, and then two days of sittings to consider the Bills. Many Members have spoken, some very eloquently and well prepared. And, of course, you, Mr Speaker, have been most patient and indulgent in listening to some of the speeches which were probably a bit too long.

Sir, I now beg to move,

That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed.

Mr Speaker: I guess it is my turn to say a few words. I want to thank the Leader for his kind words. Honourable Members, I assure you that, contrary to what you think, and believe it or not, it has been a pleasure for me to listen to you, just as much as, I am sure, it has been a pleasure for all of you to make your speeches.

I am very glad to note that most of you have heeded my advice and kept your speeches mercifully short and to the point. And thanks to your cooperation, it has been possible for almost everyone to have his or her chance to speak, including those who did not or forgot to move their amendments.

However, I could not help but notice in this long sitting of ours that there appeared to be more speech-reading than speech-making. Perhaps before we conclude, I would like to offer a few words of advice, and that is, when we all go back, maybe we could brush up on our skills. As I am sure, you will agree that when we next come back here, the House could do with more speech-making and this could contribute to more lively proceedings and it would be less boring for those who are watching us.