The Leader of the House (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Sir, I just want to move a motion to enable the Prime Minister to speak for more than an hour so that he will not be cut off midway through his speech.

     Mr Speaker, Sir, may I seek the consent and the general assent of Members present to move that the proceedings on the item under discussion be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 48(8) to remove the time limit in respect of the Prime Minister's speech.

     Mr Speaker: I give my consent.  Does the Leader of the House have the general assent of hon. Members present to so move?

     Hon. Members indicated assent.

     With the consent of Mr Speaker, and the general assent of Members present,

     Question put, and agreed to.

     Resolved,

     That the proceedings on the item under discussion be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 48(8) in respect of the Prime Minister's speech - [Mr Wong Kan Seng].