ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE CHAIR

The Leader of the House (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Sir, the Budget and the Committee of Supply debates have finally come to an end. In all my years in Parliament since 1984, this must be the longest Committee of Supply debate that we have had so far. Sixty-one Members have moved 465 cuts in this Committee of Supply. As a result, we had to extend our sitting days and time by more than two hours each day and also sat for an extra day. Two Members accounted for 14% of the cuts, although they only made up 3% of those who have moved the amendments. I want to congratulate them for their efforts which they have put in to make this Parliament session a memorable one.

There are also other Members who have made this session a memorable one, and I leave it to you to remember them for whatever reasons that you want to remember them for. Anyway, let me assure Members that no prize would be given for anyone trying to break the record next year.

On behalf of this House, Sir, may I express our thanks to you and the Deputy Speaker for having been so patient with us in the last two weeks. For all of us sitting on two sides of this Chamber, we have the option of leaving this Chamber whenever we think of a reason to do so, but that is not the case for the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker when they are sitting in the Chair. Once again, Sir, thank you, and thank the Deputy Speaker, for your indulgence and your patience. [Applause.]

Sir, I beg to move,

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

Mr Speaker: Before I put the question, may I just thank the Leader for his words of comfort. My Deputy and I would like to thank hon. Members for their kind cooperation during the past two weeks. I assure you that we have listened to your speeches with great attention.

I know that several of you have had to suffer the pain of the guillotine coming down on you rather unceremoniously mid- way during your speeches. But let me, in turn, comfort you by saying that no matter what the pain, the suffering you endured was actually for the common good of all of us. Thank you very much.