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 "$1,568,000", $100,800", "$2,137,900", "$952,500" and $241,200" in the second column and substituting the figures "$1,757,700", "$104,300", "$2,177,200", "$1,000,130" and "$56,400" respectively.

Sir, I propose that a provision of $1,865,600 be supported for Class I expenditure. This is $193,200 more than the FY99 provision. The higher provision is to cater for the restoration of the wage cut on the Privy Purse and a higher cost of hosting official functions.

The provision for Class II expenditure (Salaries of Personal Staff) is expected to increase from $2,137,900 to $2,177,200, mainly to meet the restoration of the cut in the salaries of the supporting staff from January 2000.

A provision of $1,000,130 is required for Class III expenditure (Expenses of Household). This represents an increase of $47,630 over the FY99 provision. The increased provision is mainly to meet the higher maintenance cost of the Istana grounds and utilities charges.

For Class IV expenditure (Special Services), a budget of $56,400 is provided for the renewal of the Certificate of Entitlement of the First Lady's official car. The provision is $184,800 lower than the FY99 provision.

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

Sir, I beg to move.

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 "$1,568,000", $100,800", "$2,137,900", "$952,500" and $241,200" in the second column and substituting the figures "$1,757,700", "$104,300", "$2,177,200", "$1,000,130" and "$56,400" respectively.

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

Sitting suspended accordingly

at 3.54 pm until 4.00 pm.

Sitting resumed at 4.00 pm