Madam Speaker, even before the electoral campaign and during the campaign, we were warning the nation that the macroeconomic figures were being manipulated by the MSM Government and its allies. The implementation of the 14th month bonus will have deep impact on the economy and on public finances because of the disastrous situation we have inherited from the previous Government. But never, in our wildest nightmare, did we know the extent that the figures would be falsified. In fact, Madam Speaker, the economic boom that the previous Government boasted has been nothing but an electoral gimmick, very, very far from the harsh reality that we have discovered after assuming office. We will, therefore, have to be extremely prudent to minimise the adverse impact of the 14th month on the economy. As regards the implementation of the 14th month bonus, I will make an announcement once a policy decision is taken by Cabinet on Friday. I will elaborate more on these issues in a statement to the House on the state of the economy this afternoon, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Yes, next question.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Does the hon. Prime Minister know that the Minister of Labour has stated recently in an interview that consultations had begun and that he was working closely with the Office of the Attorney General for the preparation of a Bill? Will he confirm whether this is, in fact, the case?

I can confirm that, in fact, he has been working with the Attorney General. We will have to come with a bill; not as it was previously announced. It will have to be through a bill.

Yes!

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May we know, from the consultations and the preparations that are being made with the Office of the Attorney General for the payment of the 14th month bonus, whether it is being envisaged to cap the payment to a certain income level or if it will be for all employees?

In fact, Madam Speaker, I will make a statement later on on the state of the economy, and I am sure the hon. Member will have a good look at it. This is why I said that we will have to be extremely prudent to minimise the adverse effect of the 14th month on the economy. But after the statement on the economy, I am sure you will come up with new questions.

We have been advised that there are some questions that will be replied by other hon. Ministers. PQ I B/2 will be replied by the hon. Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection. PQ I B/4 will be replied by Dr. the hon. Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. Hon. Fourth Member of Port Louis North and Montagne Longue, Mr A. Duval, your next question! MOGAS & DIESEL – PROPOSED PRICE REDUCTION