Hansard, 1959-11-11

PERMISSION TO MEMBERS TO BE ABSENT The following Members have, under the provisions of subsection (2) (g) of section 42 of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, obtained from the Speaker, permission to be or to remain absent from sittings of the Assembly: Dr Toh Chin Chye (Rochore), Deputy Prime Minister - for two weeks from 4th November, 1959. Madam Sahorah Binte Ahmat (Siglap) - for two weeks from 9th November, 1959.

MESSAGE FROM THE YANG DI-PERTUAN NEGARA - (Assents to Bills passed) I have received a message from His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara dated the 17th October, 1959, informing me that, in accordance with the provisions of section 55 (1) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, His Excellency had that day assented to the following Bills:-

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - (Cabinet Member vis-a-vis member of University of Malaya academic staff) asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Deputy Prime Minister is still a member of the University of Malaya academic staff, that he occupies University staff quarters at a subsidised rent, that he is still a contributor to the University of Malaya Academic Staff Provident Scheme at the rate of 5 per cent of the salary last drawn by him and that the University is still contributing for and on his behalf at the rate of 15 per cent on his said salary to the said Provident Scheme; and whether, in view of the position the Deputy Prime Minister holds in the Cabinet, he will make a statement and say what action he will take in the matter.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - (Cabinet Member vis-a-vis member of University of Malaya academic staff) Mr Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister has been granted unpaid leave by the University of Malaya for an indefinite period not exceeding five years. The University has agreed that he should be allowed to continue his work, in particular his research work as Reader in the University. He is not paid for this. He continues to occupy his old quarters and the rent is $115 a month with maintenance charges of $25 a month. Similar quarters are being let out to members of the public at the same rent. It is incorrect to imply that the Deputy Prime Minister is being subsidised in his rent. Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister, if he so wished, could have occupied official quarters whose rent would have been subsidised, but he has chosen to continue to stay in his old University quarters. The Deputy Prime Minister is not a contributor to the University Academic Staff Provident Fund, but the University has on its own account continued its contributions as part of the terms of the unpaid leave granted him. I am satisfied that the work of the Deputy Prime Minister in the University does not cause any conflict between his public duty and his private interest. I am also satisfied that such work can be carried out without prejudice to his duties as Deputy Prime Minister. I am advised by the State Advocate-General that the Deputy Prime Minister's position is perfectly constitutional and proper and I propose to take no action in the matter.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - (Cabinet Member vis-a-vis member of University of Malaya academic staff) Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the practice that Ministers should not derive any benefit from their previous employment, would the Minister issue a directive to the University of Malaya that they cease to contribute to the Fund?

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - (Cabinet Member vis-a-vis member of University of Malaya academic staff) May I refer the Member for Farrer Park to a simple exposition of the constitutional position which is contained in the book by Sir Ivor Jennings called "Cabinet Government"? He will find there a chapter on Cabinet and Ministerial responsibilities which sets out the position clearly and succinctly. The State Advocate-General has been apprised of the facts. The files have been referred to him. He has advised me that the position is proper. If the Member for Farrer Park considers it improper, he knows what his legal remedies are.

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) asked the Prime Minister, with reference to the call by the Minister for National Development for voluntary service on Sundays by civil servants and employees of Local Government Authorities, whether any one is compelled, directly or indirectly, to volunteer; whether the terms of service of those who do not volunteer will be adversely affected; and whether disciplinary action will be taken against such persons.

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) (In Malay): Mr Speaker, no one was compelled to volunteer either directly or indirectly. The terms of service of those who did not volunteer cannot and will not be adversely affected. The question of disciplinary action does not arise. Perhaps if the Member would ask any of the thousands who did volunteer he would discover how willingly they volunteered and how satisfying they found the day's outing at Changi beach. On behalf of the Government, I would like to express our warm appreciation of the excellent response to our call for voluntary labour on public projects. I should be glad if the Member for Kampong Kembangan could bring out here in the House any instance where direct or indirect pressure was brought to bear on civil servants to volunteer for Sunday work, so that the offender could be suitably dealt with. But if the Member knows of no such instance, I can only say that his question is vexatious anti scandalous.

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not my intention to be vexatious and scandalous but merely to explain the matter to the public.

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) (In Malay): Mr Speaker, I hope the Member for Kampong Kembangan will prove his allegations to the Members of the Assembly here. Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi rose -

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) A supplementary question?

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) (In Malay): We will co-operate with the Government, Mr Speaker. If we know of any instance, we will bring it to the notice of this Assembly.

CIVIL SERVANTS (Voluntary service on Sundays) It would appear that that was meant to be an indirect supplementary question!

SINGAPORE IMPROVEMENT TRUST - (Applications for erection of buildings) asked the Minister for National Development how many applications for written permission for the erection of buildings under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance (Chapter 259) have been submitted to the Singapore Improvement Trust from the 1st day of June, 1959, up to a latest convenient date; of these how many have been granted, refused or are still awaiting decision; and what the present policy of the Singapore Improvement Trust is with regard to such applications.

SINGAPORE IMPROVEMENT TRUST - (Applications for erection of buildings) Mr Speaker, a total of 680 applications under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance were received during the period 1st June to 9th November, 1959. Of these applications, 177 have been withdrawn, 232 have been approved and 151 disapproved. 120 applications were still under consideration at the end of that period. As the Member for Farrer Park is aware, all applications under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance have to conform to the general improvement plan in accordance with the provisions of the Master Plan. Within these general requirements, the Singapore Improvement Trust has adopted certain principles for controlling various types of development, for instance, terrace house development, flat development in the suburban areas, and the erection of petrol stations. Up to the present, there has been no change in the policy as these principles are still being applied. A review, however, is being made of the present policy with a view to introducing changes, if necessary, later.

VALUATION LIST FOR 1960 - (Statement by the Minister for National Development) 2.41 p.m.

VALUATION LIST FOR 1960 - (Statement by the Minister for National Development) Mr Speaker, I wish to make a ministerial statement on the valuation list for 1960. The Government has decided not to proceed with the proposed revision of annual values as published in the City Council Valuation List for 1960. It has been decided that for assessment purposes in 1960 the Valuation Lists of both the City Council and the Rural Board should be based on the 1959 annual values. Assessment is considered a tax on property-owners to benefit the poorer people in order to provide more amenities like roads, standpipes, bus shelters and other such amenities. However, it has now been decided by Government that for 1960 we shall use the 1959 assessment list and the rectification of anomalies in the assessment of properties will be deferred. The recent revision of properties in the City area was expected to bring about an additional revenue of $6 million. It has been estimated that 99 per cent of this additional revenue comes from these property-owners and commercial enterprises. The money thus collected will be used to provide amenities for the benefit of all other inhabitants of the island. However, it is not practicable to bring in this additional revenue of $6 million for 1960 because of certain misunderstandings which have arisen as a result of the rectification of anomalies in the assessments. Although the Government knows that most of these properties are very much under-assessed, it is not possible at this juncture to proceed with the original scheme due to some unscrupulous landlords of rent-controlled houses who, although not affected by the recent revision, thought it fit to exploit the situation and try to raise the rents of their tenants. Mr Speaker, the Government believes that until such time as sufficient information has been effectively disseminated amongst the tenants, action should be deferred. For equitable reasons and administrative convenience, it has also at the same time decided that in the City area as well as the Rural Board area, the Valuation List for 1960 should be based on the 1959 annual values.

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading 2.44 p.m.

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading Mr Speaker, I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to provide for the regulation of the use, display and performance of the State Arms, State Flag and the State National Anthem." Bill read the First time.

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading Second Reading, what day?

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading Immediately after the conclusion of the proceedings on item 1 of the Order Paper.

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading So be it.

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading Mr Speaker, Sir, I lay upon the Table a Certificate of Urgency signed by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara in respect of the Bill. Certificate of Urgency handed in.

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading The Certificate is in order. Are typed copies of the Bill available for the use of Members?

BILLS INTRODUCED - SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG - AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL - First Reading Yes. Typed copies of the Bill handed in to the Clerk and distributed to hon. Members. 2.47 p.m.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL "to amend the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Wednesday, 25th November, 1959, and to be printed.

MOTOR VEHICLES - (THIRD-PARTY RISKS AND COMPENSATION) - BILL "to provide against third-party risks arising out of the use of motor vehicles and for the payment of compensation in respect of death or bodily injury arising out of the use of motor vehicles and for matters incidental thereto", presented by the Minister for Labour and Law (Mr K. M. Byrne); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Wednesday, 25th November, 1959, and to be printed.

EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) 2.49 p.m.

EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the proceedings on the business set down for this day be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) I second the motion.

EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the proceedings on the business set down for this day be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

ADJOURNMENT TO A LATER DAY MOTION Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move, That at its rising today this Assembly do stand adjourned to Wednesday, 25th November, 1959.

ADJOURNMENT TO A LATER DAY MOTION I second the motion.

ADJOURNMENT TO A LATER DAY MOTION Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That at its rising today this Assembly do stand adjourned to Wednesday, 25th November, 1959.

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [1st Allotted Day].

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 2.50 p.m.

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 Will the Minister signify the recommendation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara?

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 I so signify.

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 The summary is at page 4 of Paper Cmd. (New Series) 23 of 1959. No notices of amendments have been received. I therefore propose to take both Heads of Expenditure together. Question, "That the sums stated for the Heads stated in the summary of totals* contained in Paper Cmd. (New Series) 23 of 1959 stand part of the Fifth Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1959", put and agreed to. * Following is the Summary: Head Title $ 15 Police 160,000 24 Pensions, Retired Allowances, Gratuities, etc. 1,636,020 ---------- 1,796,020 ---------- Question, "That the sum of $1,796,020 shall be supplied to the Government under the Heads of Expenditure for the public services shown in the Fifth Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1959 contained in Paper Cmd. (New Series) 23 of 1959", put and agreed to. Resolution to be reported. Thereupon Mr SPEAKER left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the Assembly.

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to a certain resolution. Resolution read.

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Assembly doth agree with the Committee on the said resolution."

FIFTH SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, 1959 Question put, and agreed to. Resolution accordingly agreed to.

SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL Order for Second Reading read. 2.53 p.m.

SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." As there is a Government motion coming up for debate later on on the State Flag and National Anthem, I will confine my remarks to matters relating to the Bill. The objects of the Bill are quite simple and straightforward. It provides for the Yang di-Pertuan Negara to make regulations for the control of the use of the State Arms, Flag and Anthem. These are the new symbols of an authority and loyalty and it is right that there should be rules to ensure that they are accorded the respect they deserve. These rules will cover matters like the places and times at which the Arms and Flag of the State may be publicly displayed or the Anthem played. Some of the rules will prescribe the correct way of flying the Flag and how the State Arms should be displayed, or prescribe that the State Flag should be flown in Government buildings such as Courts, Secretariats, and so on. There will also have to be rules about the display of the State Flag by ships in harbour; but more important, there will have to be rules to prevent afront to or abuse of our new symbols of loyalty. For example, some bright free enterpriser might take it into his head to adopt the State Flag or the State Arms as a trade mark. Then you might find the market flooded with under-clothing, toothpaste, hair lotion and goods of that sort using the State Flag or Arms as a trade mark. Mr Speaker, Sir, you will agree that such misdirected patriotism must be discouraged. There will also have to be rules to prohibit the indiscriminate playing of the National Anthem in public places. It will not do for every bar in town to open and close for the day to the strains of the National Anthem; nor would it add to the dignity of the State National Anthem if it were jazzed up into a rhumba or a samba or a conga. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bill, in other words, seeks to ensure that the new State symbols are not wilfully brought into contempt, ridicule, and hatred. These are symbols of national pride, and there should be rules to see that there is no affront to it. Sir, I beg to move.

SINGAPORE STATE ARMS AND FLAG AND NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Rajaratnam]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read the Third time and passed.

PAWNBROKERS (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.00 p.m.

PAWNBROKERS (AMENDMENT) BILL Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Explanatory Statement to the Bill mentions briefly all the amendments which are being proposed. The main intention of the Bill is to give members of the public, especially the poorer classes who patronise the pawnshops, the benefit of cheaper pawnshop facilities. The opportunity is also taken to alter the constitution of the Pawnbrokers Licensing Board. Clause 2 of the Bill amends the membership of the Board. At present, of the six members who comprise the Board, the Chairman and one other person are appointed by the Minister. One member is the Commissioner of Police or his representative, and three persons are appointed by the Justices of the Peace from among their own number. The new Government considers, however, that in view of the constitutional changes, it would be more appropriate that all appointments other than those of the Commissioner of Police or his representative should be made by the Minister. Clause 3 extends the redemption period of the pledge from three months to six months. This will benefit pawners, especially the poorer ones, who would have a better chance of not losing their pledges to the pawnbrokers. Clause 4 now makes it necessary for pawnbrokers to take out insurance cover, not only against fire as at present, but also for loss by theft, robbery, etc. The police have drawn attention to a case early this year where a pawnshop was robbed of $50,000 worth of pledges. Pawners would suffer if the pledges were not insured against such loss. Clause 5 reduces the interest rate from the present maximum rate of 2 per cent per mensem or 24 per cent per annum to 1 per cent per mensem or 12 per cent per annum on the amount of the loan. This reduction will bring the interest rate into line with the new Moneylenders Ordinance in that 12 per cent per annum has been fixed for secured loans. This reduction would afford financial relief especially to the poorer classes of pawners, who pawn their belongings, often belongings they cannot afford to do without, in order to get money quickly for one urgent reason or another. Despite the fact that they have pledged their belongings, they still have to pay 24 per cent interest for the money they get as against 12 per cent under the Moneylenders Ordinance for seizure of loans. In their business, pawnshop owners do not depend entirely on the interest payable by pawners. Pawnbrokers also get the benefit from the sale of unredeemable pledges. Representations have been made by the Pawnbrokers Association that the proposed reduction of the present interest rate by half would seriously affect the pawnshop business to the extent of virtually having to run them at a loss, leading possibly to the closing down of the business. They pointed out that the interest rate had just been reduced from 3 or 4 per cent to 2 per cent in September 1958. It should be pointed out, however, that the purpose of abolishing the previous tender system and instituting the present licensing system was to encourage more pawnbrokers into the field. However, this seemed to have failed, and the pawnbroker business is very much of a monopoly in the hands of four or five families. In view of this and the representations made, I shall, at the end of the Second Reading, move that the Bill be committed to a Select Committee. Clause 6 makes the necessary amendments to those sections and Schedules of the Ordinance where it is proposed that all unredeemed articles exceeding $50 instead of $100 as at present should be disposed of by public auction. At present, any pledge pawned for $100 or under, if not redeemed within the time allowed by the Ordinance, shall, at the end of the redemption period, become the pawnbroker's absolute property. Any article pawned for an amount exceeding $50 must be something of value, and disposal by public auction would at least give the pawner a last opportunity to get it back by bidding for it, though whether he does it or not is another matter. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.

PAWNBROKERS (AMENDMENT) BILL Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven other Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. - [Mr Ong Pang Boon].

TRANSFER OF POWERS BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.08 p.m.

TRANSFER OF POWERS BILL Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Section 121 (2) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, provides in effect that any reference in any written law to the Governor in Council shall in relation to any period after the 3rd June, 1959, be construed as a reference to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. The references to the powers of the Governor in Council in the Ordinance of Singapore have been examined and it is considered that some of these powers can be more appropriately exercised by a Minister. The Bill therefore seeks to transfer such powers to a Minister. I do not propose to deal in detail with these transfers which are set out in the First Schedule to the Bill. They deal in the main with the power to make rules or regulations, the hearing and determination of appeals, the appointment of statutory boards and the making of executive orders for the administration of the Ordinance. The exercise of such powers does not, in general, raise questions of policy, and it is therefore unnecessary to refer such matters to the Cabinet so that the Cabinet can advise the Yang di-Pertuan Negara on the exercise of the powers. The Bill also makes consequential amendments to the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance and to other Ordinances, as set out in clause 2 of the Bill and in the Second Schedule to the Bill. Finally, the Bill seeks to repeal the Council of Ministers Powers Delegation Ordinance, as it is felt that it would be inappropriate to delegate the powers of the Cabinet to any public officer. I might add, Sir, that the provisions of the Bill have been discussed with the United Kingdom Commission, who have agreed to its provisions. Sir, I beg to move.

TRANSFER OF POWERS BILL Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Byrne]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read the Third time and passed.

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.13 p.m.

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL Sir, I beg to move. "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Section 121 (2) (a) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, provides in effect that any reference to the Governor in any written law of Singapore shall in relation to any period after the 3rd June, 1959, be construed as a reference to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. The references to the Governor in the Ordinances of Singapore have been examined and in some cases it is considered that the powers given to the Governor can be more appropriately exercised by a Minister. This Bill, therefore, seeks to transfer such powers to a Minister. I do not propose to deal with the transfers in detail. They deal for the most part with appointments of public officers to statutory posts, the making of rules and regulations, the hearing of appeals and the making of orders for the administration of Ordinances. The exercise of these powers does not raise questions of policy and it is felt that a reference to the Cabinet, in such cases to enable the Cabinet to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Negara is unnecessary. The Bill also seeks to make a number of miscellaneous amendments rendered necessary by the transfer of powers to Ministers. For example, whenever the Governor was required to act by proclamation, it is proposed that when the power is to be exercised by a Minister, it should be done by notification. Since the introduction of the Bill, its provisions have been discussed with the United Kingdom Commission, and I will at the Committee Stage of this Bill move two amendments which have been suggested to the Bill. Sir, I beg to move.

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Byrne]. Bill considered in Committee.

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL 3.17 p.m. Clauses 1 to 4 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. First Schedule -

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 9, to leave out "80 (2),". This appears to be a matter of discipline and the powers should be exercised by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara on the advice of the Public Service Commission. Amendment agreed to.

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL There is a note in page 3, line 26, to leave out "(14)" and insert "(4)". That was a printer's error. "14" does not appear on the presentation copy. First Schedule, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Second Schedule-

TRANSFER OF POWERS (NO. 2) BILL Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 7, lines 34 to 37, to leave out- 'Section 3 (2) Delete the words "with the prior approval of the Secretary of State" appearing in the first and second lines thereof.'. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is necessary to retain the references to the Secretary of State as this matter relates to foreign affairs and defence. Amendment agreed to. Second Schedule, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments; read the Third time and passed.

CONTROL OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ORDINANCE 3.22 p.m.

CONTROL OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ORDINANCE Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, That this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 1 of the Control of Imports and Exports Ordinance (Chapter 214), resolves that the aforesaid Ordinance shall continue in force for a further period of one year commencing on the 8th day of December, 1959. This Ordinance was first promulgated in 1950 and had a life of only one year. Since then it has been extended from year to year. I now move that it be extended for a further period of one year. The Ordinance empowers the Minister to make orders to regulate or prohibit the import and export of goods. We impose as few restrictions as we can, and in the case of imports, almost all goods from almost all countries can be imported under open general licence. That is to say, no special individual licence need be obtained to import any particular article. Export controls are also very few. But in principle, we must have the powers to impose these controls, so as to be able to ensure destinational control over supplies of strategic importance. If we abandon these powers, the supply countries may refuse to deliver to us quite a number of goods of these types, since we cannot guarantee that we can still control their re-export from this State. Sir, I beg to move.

CONTROL OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ORDINANCE I second it.

CONTROL OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ORDINANCE Question put, and agreed to. Resolved. That this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 1 of the Control of Imports and Exports Ordinance (Chapter 214), resolves that the aforesaid Ordinance shall continue in force for a further period of one year commencing on the 8th of December, 1959.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) RULES, 1959 3.26 p.m.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) RULES, 1959 Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in the name of the Deputy Prime Minister, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 135 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 18 of 1959, be approved. The rules which are the subject of this motion are designed to increase to a small extent the revenue of the Marine and Marine Surveys Departments. The Merchant Shipping Ordinance contains many provisions designed to ensure that ships should be fully equipped and their crew fully qualified to perform their functions, so as to ensure efficiency and safety at sea. The Ordinance imposes standards on both men and ships. It also imposes a duty on the Government to enforce these standards. This latter duty is discharged by the Marine and Marine Surveys Departments. These departments carry out the necessary inspections and examination of ships and certify that standards are being maintained. Inspection and examination entails expenditure of considerable sums of money by the State. It is a practice in most maritime states to recover at least a proportion of such expenditure by levying fees for services rendered. This practice is given legislative sanction in the Ordinance, the provisions of which I need not refer in detail. If hon. Members would glance at the Sessional Paper, which is the subject of this motion, they will see the many and varied services which the Government is statutorily obliged to render. The scale and level of fees is revised from time to time in order to preserve the ratio between the cost of the services and the charges which are levied for them. The last revision took place in 1954. Since then, the cost of the services has increased and the rules are intended to raise the scale of fees charged and thereby to increase the revenue derived from them. Sir, I beg to move.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) RULES, 1959 I second it.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) RULES, 1959 Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 135 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 18 of 1959, be approved.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PASSENGER CERTIFICATE PARTIAL SURVEY FEES) RULES, 1959 3.29 p.m.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PASSENGER CERTIFICATE PARTIAL SURVEY FEES) RULES, 1959 Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in the name of the Deputy Prime Minister, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Certificate Partial Survey Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 136 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 19 of 1959, be approved. My remarks on the previous motion dealing with the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Rules, 1959, also apply to the rules which are the subject of this motion, with the minor exception that only the revenue of the Marine Surveys Department and not that of the Marine Department is dealt with in these rules. Sir, I beg to move.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PASSENGER CERTIFICATE PARTIAL SURVEY FEES) RULES, 1959 I second it.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PASSENGER CERTIFICATE PARTIAL SURVEY FEES) RULES, 1959 Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Certificate Partial Survey Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 136 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October. 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 19 of 1959, be approved.

STATE ARMS AND FLAG AND STATE NATIONAL ANTHEM 3.30 p.m.