Simultaneous Debate on Motions
Ministry of FinanceSpeakers
Summary
This motion concerns a request by the Leader of the House Ms Indranee Rajah to conduct a simultaneous debate on two ministerial statements regarding COVID-19 support measures. These statements, delivered by the Minister for Finance on 5 and 26 July, detail assistance for workers and businesses during Phase Two and Phase Three (Heightened Alert). The Leader of the House Ms Indranee Rajah argued that the common ground between the motions allows for a more holistic debate and a comprehensive ministerial reply. This procedural arrangement permits Members to speak on both items in a single speech, ensuring the business of the House is conducted efficiently under Standing Order 44. With the consent of the Deputy Speaker and the general assent of the Members present, the motion was agreed to and the joint debate resolved.
Transcript
12.33 pm
The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah): Deputy Speaker, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move a Motion to allow items 3 and 4 appearing in today’s Order Paper to be proceeded with simultaneously as though the debate were on a single Motion.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Ministerial Statements delivered by the Minister for Finance on 5 and 26 July both concern measures to support workers and businesses through Phase Two (Heightened Alert) and Phase Three (Heightened Alert). Consequently, the matters for consideration and debate under both Motions would cover common ground and related issues. This business Motion will allow Members to speak on both Motions in a single speech and to debate both Ministerial Statements in a more holistic manner. It will also allow the Minister for Finance to reply to the Members comprehensively in a single speech. At the end of the debate, both Motions will lapse, pursuant to Standing Order 44.
Mr Deputy 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 Deputy Speaker and the general assent of Members present,
Question put, and agreed to.
Resolved, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the Motions on “Support Measures for Phase Two (Heightened Alert) and Phase Three (Heightened Alert)” and “Support Measures for Phase Two (Heightened Alert)” be taken jointly and the debate on these Motions be proceeded with simultaneously as though the debate were on a single Motion. – [Ms Indranee Rajah].