Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill is the result of a series of mishaps which could have been prevented, and the Bill made unnecessary, if some sections of the public had been co-operative and had acted with good sense and restraint. Permit me, Sir, briefly to recount the circumstances that finally led the Government, with the support of public opinion, to introduce this Bill, which, I do not doubt, this House will fully endorse. The firing of crackers is an ancient Chinese custom, rooted in beliefs no longer credible among the better educated, but, nevertheless, remaining an enjoyable way of celebrating Chinese festive occasions, like the Chinese New Year. Other communities have also taken up the firing of crackers but not the beliefs. However, the firing of crackers has always presented the problem of fire hazards, which have increased, as the explosive ingredients are improved by modern scientific knowledge. In addition, hazards of physical injuries also have become a problem. It will be recalled that, in February 1970, during the Chinese New Year festival, there was indiscriminate letting off of fire-crackers. As a result, there were six deaths, 68 injured, and S361,000 worth of damage to property. There was public concern, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Affairs announced in this Parliament, on the 9th of March of the same year, that all firing of crackers would be prohibited in future, unless permits were first obtained from the Police. During festive occasions, like Chinese New Year's eve and Chap Goh Meh, the firing of crackers would be permitted for adults in certain defined areas, and within specified hours. Section 6 of the Minor Offences Act was amended to enforce this policy. In substance, this amendment imposes a general prohibition on the discharge of fire-crackers and fireworks. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, or his authorised representative, is empowered to lift this general prohibition, either by way of a Gazette notification, or by the issue of licences to individuals or public bodies, provided the discharge of fire-crackers or fireworks takes place in the areas, and within the time limits, stipulated by the Police. The Minor Offences (Amendment) Act, 1970, came into operation on 19th June, 1970. Since then the general prohibition had been lifted for five days during the Chinese New Year festival of 1971, and for another five days for the same festival in 1972. However, sections of the public did not co-operate or observe the conditions under which fire- crackers and fireworks might be discharged. The result was further tragedies. In 1971, nine persons were injured during the Chinese New Year festival. In 1972, during the Chinese New Year, members of the public became more bold in their disregard of the conditions under which firecrackers could be discharged. The result was more tragedies. There were 376 incidents reported about crackers being indiscriminately fired outside the stipulated paces and times. But for vigorous police action, which resulted in 37 arrests, the indiscriminate discharge of crackers would have been far more extensive. Despite police actions, the firing of crackers resulted in 26 persons being injured. In addition, two unarmed policemen were brutally attacked, and seriously injured when they tried to prevent a group of persons from letting off fire-crackers unlawfully. But for speedy surgical attention, their injuries would have been fatal. It is said customs die hard, but, it is a fact, they can cause deaths and make cripples. In view of the numerous breaches of the law and, even more important, the injuries and deaths resulting from the indiscriminate firing of crackers, the Government came to the conclusion that the only practicable solution left was a total ban on the possession or firing of crackers. Public sentiments, voiced through the newspapers, also called for such action. The present Bill was, therefore, introduced into Parliament on 21st March, 1972. Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill seeks to prohibit possession and discharge or letting-off of dangerous fireworks. As defined in this. Bill, dangerous fireworks includes fire-crackers, rocket fireworks, sand crackers, and such other fireworks which the Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, declare to be dangerous fireworks for the purpose of the Bill. The prohibition of possession of dangerous fireworks will not, however, apply to dangerous fireworks brought into Singapore in transit to other countries. Dangerous fireworks brought into Singapore for this purpose will have to be stored and dealt with as the Minister may direct. Any person who fails to comply with, or does any act contrary to the provisions of the Bill will be guilty of an offence, and may be punished with a fine not exceeding $5,000, or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or with both such fine and imprisonment. A police officer may arrest without warrant any person offending in his, view against any of the provisions of the Bill. Where dangerous fireworks are seized by a police officer, the fireworks may he disposed of as the Minister may direct. The Minister is empowered to make regulations to provide for the better carrying out of the provisions of the Bill. The Minister is also empowered to exempt any person or class of persons from all or any of the provisions of the Bill, whether absolutely or subject to such conditions as the Minister may see fit to impose. Section 6 of the Minor Offences Act will be repealed. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.