CIVIL LIST (Motion)

The Minister for Finance (Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau): Sir, I beg to move,

That this Parliament, pursuant to section 7 of the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 44), resolves that the Schedule to that Act be varied by deleting the figures "$1,779,000", "$2,404,700", "$841,300" and "$17,000" in the second column and substituting the figures "$1,568,000", "$2,137,900", "$952,500" and "$241,200" respectively.

Sir, it is proposed that a provision of $1,672,,400 be supported for Class I expenditure. This is $211,000 less than the FY98 provision because the President has decided to apply the wage cut on the Privy Purse.

The provision for Class II expenditure (Salaries for Personal Staff) is expected to decrease from $2,404,700 to $2,137,900 mainly due to the wage cut implemented for the Civil Service in January 1999.

A provision for $952,500 is required for Class III expenditure (Expenses of Household). This represents an increase of $111,200 or 13.2% over the FY98 provision as higher maintenance expenditure on Istana grounds and utilities charges are expected.

For Class IV expenditure (Special Services), a budget of $241,200 is allocated which includes a provision of $235,000 for the replacement of the President's official car.

It is therefore necessary to vary the provisions in the Schedule in the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 44) as indicated in the Motion before the House.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Parliament, pursuant to section 7 of the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 44), resolves that the Schedule to that Act be varied by deleting the figures "$1,779,000", "$2,404,700", "$841,300" and "$17,000" in the second column and substituting the figures "$1,568,000", "$2,137,900", "$952,500" and "$241,200" respectively.

Mr Speaker: Order, I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair again at 4.00 pm.

Sitting suspended accordingly

at 3.16 pm until 4.00 pm.

Sitting resumed at 4.00 pm