Estimates of Expenditure of Singapore for the Financial Year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Summary
This statement concerns the commencement of the Committee of Supply for the 2026/2027 Main and Development Estimates of Expenditure. The Chairman reported that 425 amendments were submitted and detailed the adjustments made to guillotine times to accommodate the extensive debate schedule. He issued a firm reminder to all members to respect speech limits, noting that microphones would be muted to maintain the schedule and allow for front bench replies. Strict timekeeping was emphasized for the duration of the sittings to ensure all heads of expenditure are addressed within the allotted time. The session officially began with the consideration of Head U, which covers the Prime Minister’s Office.
Transcript
Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [1st Allotted Day].
[Mr Speaker in the Chair]
2.58 pm
The Chairman: Main and Development Estimates of Expenditure of Singapore for the financial year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, contained in Paper Cmd 4 of 2026. For convenience, I shall take the totals for each Head of Expenditure in the Main and Development Estimates as they appear in the last columns of the schedules of estimated expenditure under the Main and Development Estimates Outlays for FY 2026 on pages 6 and 7 respectively of the Command Paper.
A total of 425 amendments to the Estimates of Expenditure have been submitted this year. The guillotine times to the discussion of the Heads of Expenditure under Standing Order 92(7)(a) have taken into consideration the earlier commencement time of a Sitting, the reduction of Question Time and the extension of sitting times of the Committee of Supply for each allotted day.
I must remind hon Members that the total time for discussion of each Head of Expenditure includes the replies from the front bench. With the assistance of the digital timer in the Chamber, I trust that hon Members will be able to keep to the speech times indicated against their amendments. I would urge hon Members both from the front as well as the backbenchers to adhere to their time limits, as I – not just me, my deputies as well – will be stringent in our time-keepings. And I certainly hope I do not have to do this — which will mute your microphone.
I shall deal first with the Heads of Expenditure in respect of which amendments stand on the Order Paper Supplement.
Head U – Prime Minister’s Office.