ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE CHAIR

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE CHAIR:

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, we have come to the end of the debates to discuss the Budget for FY 2005/2006. Although this is the first year that we are starting on a new format in the Committee of Supply debate, I must say that Members have caught on to this new system rather well; perhaps too well, as I suspect some hon. Members are already trying to get round the system by making additional speeches in their clarifications which, I note, are actually longer than their amendment speeches!

I have received favourable feedback on the new system, both from the front and backbenchers. The number of cuts is now more manageable, there is much more engagement and debate, and the discussion is more focused.

But to be sure, there is room for improvement. While most Members are able to keep to their speaking times, there are also others who need to hone their skills at drafting and pacing their speeches to avoid being guillotined or having to speak at breakneck speed as they approach the end of their stipulated speaking times!

Still, my overall assessment is that we have had a substantial and good debate and I credit hon. Members for making it so. It leaves me now to thank my Deputy Speakers, the Leader of the House, the Whip and their deputies for their assistance and guidance during the debate. I would also like to thank my staff for all their efforts and for bearing with my idiosyncrasies. Most of all, I would like to thank all hon. Members for your participation in this debate. Thank you. [ Applause. ]

The Deputy Leader of the House (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of hon. Members, I would like to thank you and your Deputies for chairing this

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year's Budget debate and Committee of Supply. It has been a long session but not as long as last year. The reason is because, as you have indicated earlier, we have introduced a new way of debate in Parliament for the Committee of Supply and significant changes in the way the debate has been conducted.

I think some Members had misgivings earlier when this new system was mooted. But I can safely say, after speaking to many Members, that the verdict is that the new system is a success.

I agree with you that the new rules have instilled more discipline in Members, not only in the crafting of their speeches, but also in the answers. The same rules apply to everybody, to the backbench as well as to the frontbench, to the ruling Party Members, Opposition MPs, NCMP and NMPs. As a result, there has been more time made available for clarifications, for Members to engage the Ministers on specific issues and, as a result, making for a better debate all round.

There is, of course, room for improvement. We will and we must finetune the system. But we are in the right direction. Last year, we faced the prospect of hyper-inflation in the number of cuts. We had a record number of cuts. This year, however, the number has been sharply reduced. As a result, we have been able to complete the proceedings in 7 1/2 days, instead of 8 1/2 days last year, without, I must say, sacrificing any of the substance.

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As many Members spoke this year as they did last year, less cuts were withdrawn or not moved this year, compared to last year. No Member should feel that they have no time to raise issues. Indeed, the time set aside for clarifications was not fully used. I would urge Members to bear this in mind next year, when they estimate the time they need for speeches.

Finally, I wish to remind Members that, apart from the Committee of Supply, there are many other opportunities for Members to make themselves heard. They can raise Questions for Oral and Written Answer; they can move substantive motions or adjournment motions; they can debate on Bills, and this is only in Parliament. Members can also make their views known outside this Chamber. In other words, if they have something to say, there is no lack of opportunities for them to say it.

On this note, Sir, may I thank you, and through you, your Deputies and your staff, for your patience and forbearance, as well as for keeping us in line during these last two weeks.