Hansard, 1976-07-23

Under the provisions of clause 2(d) of Article 30 of the Constitution of Singapore. I have granted permission to the following Members to be or to remain absent from sittings of Parliament (or any Committee of Parliament to which they have been appointed) for the periods stated:- Dr Chiang Hai Ding (Ulu Pandan) - from 4th to 21st April, 1976, and from 7th to 16th August, 1976. Mr Ahmad Mattar (Leng Kee), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education - from 5th to 10th April, 1976, and from 10th to 24th May, 1976. Mr Phua Bah Lee (Tampines), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence - from 5th to 12th April, 1976. Mr P. Selvadurai (Kuo Chuan) - from 5th to 25th April, 1976. Dr Augustine H. H. Tan (Whampoa) - from 5th April to 5th May, 1976. Mr Ong Teng Cheong (Kim Keat), Minister of State for Communications from 7th to 16th April, 1976. Mr S. Rajaratnam (Kampong Glam), Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 7th to 14th April, 1976, from 9th to 23rd May, 1976, and from 22nd June to 1st July, 1976. Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu) - from 12th to 18th April. 1976. Mr Sia Kah Hui (Upper Serangoon), Minister of State for Labour and Government Whip - from 20th April to 7th May, 1976. Mr Ho Cheng Choon (Geylang East), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development - from 20th April to 18th May, 1976. Mr Sim Boon Woo (Changi) - from 20th April to 30 May, 1976, and from 10th June to 10th July, 1976. Mr Hon Sui Sen (Havelock), Minister for Finance - from 21st to 24th April, 1976, and from 9th to 23rd May, 1976. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin (Kampong Chai Chee), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture - on 26th and 27th April, 1976, from 10th May to 5th June, 1976, and from 12th to 28th July, 1976. Dr Toh Chin Chye (Rochore), Minister for Health - from 1st to 14th May, 1976. Mr Sia Khoon Seong (Moulmein) - from 2nd to 9th May, 1976, from 10th to 16th May, 1976, and from 16th to 24th July, 1976. Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson) - from 3rd to 23rd May, 1976. Mr Lee Khoon Choy (Hong Lim), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - from 9th to 22nd May, 1976, and from 22nd to 27th June, 1976. Dr Ong Leong Boon (Kim Seng) - from 10th to 19th May, 1976, and from 12th to 19th July, 1976. Mr Ong Pang Boon (Telok Ayer), Minister for Labour - from 16th to 21st May, 1976. Encik Othman bin Wok (Pasir Panjang), Minister for Social Affairs - from 17th to 30th May, 1976. Mr Fong Sip Chee (Stamford), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour - from 17th May to 3rd June, 1976. Mr Cheong Yuen Chee (Toa Payoh) - from 22nd May to 30th June, 1976. Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (Farrer Park), Minister for Science and Technology - from 25th May to 9th June, 1976. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon (Tiong Bahru) - from 26th May to 4th June, 1976. Mr Chua Sian Chin (Mac Pherson), Minister for Home Affairs and Education - from 26th May to 20th June, 1976. Mr Lim Kim San, D.U.T. (Cairnhill), Minister for National Development and Communications - from 28th May to 29th June, 1976. Mr Phey Yew Kok (Boon Teck) - from 31st May to 4th June, 1976. Mr Ivan Baptist (Potong Pasir) - from 2nd to 20th June, 1976. Haji Ya'acob bin Mohamed (Kampong Ubi), Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office - from 5th to 12th June, 1976, and from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Dr Goh Keng Swee (Kreta Ayer), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence - from 5th to 17th June, 1976. Mr Chor Yeok Eng, (Bukit Timah), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment - from 7th to 19th June, 1976. Prof. Wong Lin Ken, B.B.M. (Alexandra) - from 9th to 20th June, 1976. Mr Tang See Chim (Chua Chu Kang), Deputy Speaker - from 12th June to 17th July, 1976. Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong) - from 19th June to 2nd July. 1976, and from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Dr Tan Eng Liang, B.B.M. (River Valley), Minister of State for National Development - from 27th June to 3rd July, 1976. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin (Geylang West), Minister. from 1st July to 31st August, 1976. Encik A. Rahim Ishak (Siglap), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - from 1st July to 31st December, 1976. Mr Lim Guan Hoo (Bukit Merah), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Dr Ang Kok Peng, B.B.M. (Crawford) - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Mr Chin Harn Tong (Aljunied) - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Mr N. Govindasamy (Telok Blangah) - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah) - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Haji Mohd. Ariff bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan) - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol) - from 6th to 10th July, 1976. Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Kampong Kapor) - from 6th to 10th July. 1976. Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Tanjong Pagar. Prime Minister - on 23rd July, 1976. Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten) - from 23rd July to 5th August, 1976. Mr Ho Kah Leong (Jurong) - from 1st to 19th August, 1976. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the datqs stated:- 27th March, 1976 (i) Supply Bill; and (ii) Supplementary Supply Bill. 30th March, 1976 (i) Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill; (ii) Land Titles (Strata) (Amendment) Bill; (iii) Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill; (iv) Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill; (v) Probate and Administration (Amendment) Bill; (vi) Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) (Amendment) Bill; and (vii) Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation (Amendment) Bill. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

asked the Minister for Health if he is able to state (a) how many Singapore doctors in both Government service and private practice have registered themselves in various foreign countries to enable them to practise there; (b) what are those countries; and (c) what are the reasons for those doctors getting themselves registered outside the country even though they are enjoying a better status here than in those foreign countries.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the only way of ascertaining the number of Singapore doctors registered in foreign countries is to obtain the registers of such countries and to check them against the local register. This is a formidable task; nevertheless, my Ministry is obtaining the information. However, this information will not indicate whether those who have registered themselves in a foreign country have already migrated or would be migrating to that country. An indication of how many Singapore doctors have sought registration overseas is the number of applications for Certificates of Good Standing which are required for registration in a foreign country. Similar certificates are required for doctors wishing to do postgraduate studies abroad. The total number of Certificates of Good Standing which have been issued from 1973 to date is 496, of which 211 are for those in Government Service, 31 for those in the University of Singapore and 254 for private practitioners. Singapore citizens constitute 80.4% of those issued with such Certificates of Good Standing. I have given the Clerk of the House a list of tables which set down the analysis of the number of doctors who have obtained these Certificates of Standing, and they will be made available to Members of the House. However, I would like to comment that in 1973 the total number of doctors to whom Certificates of Good Standing were issued was 45; in 1974 it more than doubled to 114; in 1975 it was 151 and in the first five months of 1976 it was 186. For additional information (See Appendices A and B, cols 1001-2) with regard to dentists,in 1 973 the number of Certificates of Good Standing issued to dental surgeons was zero; 11 in 1974; 11 in 1975 and 14 for the first five months of 1976. Singapore citizens constituted 78% of persons to whom these certificates were issued. Appendix - REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING FOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS/FROM DENTAL SURGEONS (Cols 1001-1002) I would like to assure the Member for Delta that my Ministry is processing registers which we have obtained from overseas, and we are now in the process of counting heads. I think it is useful information that the Ministry should acquire, just in case.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether he is aware that there has been an increasing number of beggars in the crowded streets and eating places recently and if he will take steps to accommodate those unfortunate people in welfare homes.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs regularly checks public places for the presence of beggars. Patrols are carried out twice a day by Social Welfare officers. This has been done since 1965. For the 10-year period from 1965 to 1974, an average of about 300 beggars per year were contacted by the Social Welfare Department. However, in 1975 the number of beggars contacted dropped to 202. In the first quarter of 1976 there were only 43. These figures indicate that far from there being an increase in the number of beggars in public places, there has been a drop in number. Beggars who are found to be destitutes are admitted into the Department's Homes for the Destitutes if they need shelter and care. The aim of admitting beggars into such homes is not just to accommodate them. The real objective is to provide them with some training for those who can be trained and thus enable them to take up employment and return to independent living in the society. Unfortunately, the number who can be helped in this way is hopelessly small. I should also point out that a number of beggars or apparently destitute persons do have families who, for one reason or another, do not wish to assume the responsibility for their care. The biggest problem that the Social Welfare Department faces is in motivating their families to take care of them. The policy has been that, wherever it is possible, such destitute persons will be discharged to the care of their families.

asked the Minister for Law and the Environment, as cigarette smoking is considered dangerous to health and anti-social, if he will consider introducing legislation to prohibit the smoking of cigarette by youths below a certain age.

Mr Speaker, Sir, to discourage smoking and minimise nuisance to non-smokers in public places, the Government has banned smoking in cinemas, theatres, lifts and buses. The advertisement and promotion of the sale of tobacco and cigarettes over television. newspapers, magazines and in public places has also been banned. Television Singapore frequently warns the old and the young not to smoke away their lives and their money. While I appreciate the Member's concern for our youth, it is not considered appropriate to introduce legislation to prohibit smoking by the young under a certain age. Apart from the practical difficulties of enforcement, legislation by itself would not be sufficient to discourage the habit. Public health education on the health hazards of smoking and proper parental guidance would be more effective in the long run.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education (a) how many Singaporeans in the various professions have emigrated to other countries in the past four years; (b) what are the countries those professionals have gone to; and (c) whether some professionals, who had emigrated, have ever sought to return to Singapore.

Mr Speaker, Sir, persons who emigrate generally do not declare their true intention to the Immigration Department. The Department comes to know that a person is emigrating or has emigrated to a foreign country when: (i) he informs the Department, or (ii) he has withdrawn all his money from the CPF, or (iii) he applies from a foreign country for renewal of Singapore travel documents after having stayed in that country for several years. The Immigration Department therefore does not have statistics of persons who have emigrated but do not fall under any of the categories I have enumerated. However, on the basis of whatever record the Immigration Department has, it shows that 55 professionals emigrated during 1 97275. Of the 55 professionals, there were 21 management personnel. 1 6 technicians, six teachers, five engineers, four mathematicians, two nurses and one accountant. An obvious omission in these statistics is the number of doctors who have emigrated. This shows that the doctors who have emigrated did not inform the Immigration Department, did not have a CPF account, or did not need to renew their Singapore travel papers. The Department will have more comprehensive figures when Exit Control is introduced. This will be done when the new Checkpoint at Woodlands is completed. The bulk of the 55 professionals emigrated to Australia. The breakdown by country is as follows:-

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether he is aware that "Tikam Tikam" has reappeared in Singapore recently and if he will take action against the operators.

Sir, "Tikam Tikam" is a relatively minor offence of gaming in public. Nevertheless, operators of "Tikam Tikam" are dealt with under Section 7(4) of the Common Gaming Houses Act (Chapter 96). A person found guilty of such an offence is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $6,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both. The Police Department is aware that "Tikam Tikam" still exists in Singapore after its intensified action against the operators had brought down the number of such conviction to an all-time low of two cases in 1972. The illegal activity has picked up again. The Police has been taking action against the operators to prevent it from mushrooming to the same scale as prior to 1967 when complaints were received from almost all school authorities. In 1975, 28 persons were prosecuted for "Tikam Tikam" offence, of which 27 were convicted with fines imposed totalling $4,287. During the first four months of this year, seven persons out of eight prosecuted were convicted. Six of them were fined for a total amount of $3,900 and the other person was sentenced to 1 8 months' imprisonment, without a fine, for committing the offence a second time. The penalty provided under Section 7(4) of the Common Gaming Houses Act (Chapter 96) is adequate deterrence for would-be "Tikam Tikam" operators. Police action against "Tikam Tikam" operators will continue.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will consider permitting children born out of wedlock to bear the fathers' name when they are registered at birth, with the written consent of both the parents.

Sir, under section 10(1) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, it is provided that the surname to be entered in the birth certificate to be issued to a child born in Singapore shall ordinarily be the surname of the father of the child if the child is legitimate. If the child is illegitimate. then either the surname of the mother or both the surnames of the mother and the father, who consented to the use of his surname, will be entered in that child's birth certificate. Section 15(1) of the Third Schedule of Part Ill of the Singapore Constitution provides that the citizenship status of an illegitimate child shall follow that of the mother. If illegitimate children are registered at birth bearing the surname of the purported father there can be abuse in cases where the mothers are not Singapore citizens. In such cases. citizenship can be acquired for the illegitimate children by arranging for Singapore citizens to claim fatherhood for these children. In cases where the mother of the illegitimate child is already a Singapore citizen, there is no risk of abuse and we can allow such illegitimate children to be registered under the father's surname by consent of both the mother and father. Action will be taken to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act accordingly.

Sir, does the Hon. Minister realise that when the father's name is not included in the birth certificate of the child there is a possibility of contracting consanguineous marriages due to lack of information? How does the Minister plan to solve this very grave problem as at the present moment exists?

Mr Speaker, Sir, there is such a possibility, but it is a remote possibility.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, in order to raise the level of physical fitness of our students, if he will consider introducing compulsory mass Morning and Evening Physical Exercise in all Morning and Afternoon Primary and Secondary Schools.

Mr Speaker, Sir, daily mass callisthenics have been a requirement for all primary schools since 1974. Music has been prepared for these exercises and set movements have been developed. Not all schools, however, have been able to comply with the requirement because of limited space and play area. Secondary schools are not required to have mass callisthenics because of a more specialised physical education programme.

2.47 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir. Members will recall that the Residential Property Bill was committed to a Select Committee sometime last year. The Committee has completed its hearings and submitted its Report to this House in May of this year. The Report has been circulated as Paper Parl. 2 of 1976. The Committee's Report as well as subsequent representations on the Bill have been reviewed by Government. The Bill incorporating the recommendations made by the Select Committee, together with a few other amendments considered desirable in the light of the review, will be taken through its Third Reading at the next sitting of Parliament, which will probably be in a month's time.

Mr Speaker, Sir, a White Paper on the Report of the Electoral Boundaries Delineation Committee has been presented to Parliament as Command 10 of 1976. The Government has decided to accept the recommendations of the Committee. The recommendations, inter a/ia, of the Committee will bring the electorates of all constituencies within the range of 13,000 to 20,000 electors. Also in re-delineating the boundaries of 54 of the existing 65 constituencies, the following six constituencies, whose electorates are very unlikely to increase substantially, have been eliminated:- 1 Bras Basah 2 Crawford 3 Hong Lim 4 Kampong Kapor 5 Sepoy Lines 6 Stamford Mr Speaker, Sir, as the total electorate for the next General Elections is expected to increase by 180.000 electors, the Committee recommended the creation of ten new constituencies, namely:- 1 Ang Mo Kio 2 Bedok 3 Boon Lay 4 Braddell Heights 5 Brickworks 6 Buona Vista 7 Khe Bong 8 Kolam Ayer 9 Marine Parade 10 Radin Mas The acceptance of the Committee's recommendation will therefore increase the number of electoral divisions from 65 to 69. This increase will come into effect only at the next general elections, which means the status quo in this House remains. Consequent to the increase of the electoral divisions to 69, it is necessary again to introduce the Parliamentary Membership Bill, 1976, to provide for the increase in the number of Members to 69. I will be tabling the Bill in a few moments, Sir.

2.53 p.m.

"to vary the number of elected Members or Parliament", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Law and the Environment (Mr E. W. Barker); read the First time, to be read a Second time on (he next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, 1971 (No. 3 of 1971)", presented by the Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to provide for the registration of architects and to regulate the qualifications and practice of architects; and to repeal the Architects Act (Chapter 213 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang); read the First time, to be read a Second time on (he next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the Legal Profession Act (Chapter 217 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr E.W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to give effect to the Public Officers' Pension (Singapore) Agreement, 1976, between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

Order for Third Reading read. 2.56 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. "That the Bill be now read a Third time." The Select Committee's Report on this Bill was presented to Parliament on 24th June, 1976, as Paper Parl. 4 of 1976 and the Bill as set out in the Report and now tabled before this House embodies the recommendations of the Committee. The vital clause in the Bill and the one which attracted the greatest interest is clause 5 which seeks to do away with the legal requirement to caution a person under arrest and to restrict the right of silence of the accused. From its provisions flow a number of other important provisions which enable inferences to be drawn from the accused's failure to mention relevant facts when charged and from his failure to give evidence when or should his defence be called upon. The Law Society of Singapore, noting that the abovementioned provisions introduced a completely new concept in the administration of justice, added that in principle it supported this concept but recommended certain safeguards. Some of the recommendations of the Law Society were accepted and the original Bill has been amended accordingly. For instance, the proviso to subsection (5) of section 121 of the Criminal Procedure Code appearing in clause 5 of the Bill has been amended to remove the discretion given to the court to refuse to admit a statement obtained by inducement, threat or promise. The Select Committee also deleted from clause 6 of the Bill the provision enabling adverse inferences to be drawn from the accused's failure to state relevant facts when questioned by a police officer before he is charged with an offence or officially informed that he may be prosecuted for it. Acting on the recommendation of the Law Society the Select Committee amended the original Bill to make inadmissible hearsay statements made after the commencement of investigations to prevent people fabricating evidence. Another amendment made extended the safeguards contained in subsection (2) of the proposed new section 371 D to trials in the Subordinate Courts so that, without the leave of the court, hearsay statements may not be given in evidence at trials before the High Court as well as before the Subordinate Courts unless a notice containing the required information has been served on the other parties to the proceedings within the prescribed time. Mr Speaker, Sir, due weight was given to every representation received and if any recommendation was not accepted, the Select Committee had good reasons for rejecting it. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed.

Order for Third Reading read. 3.01 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time." Sir, the Evidence (Amendment) Bill was committed to a Select Committee on the 19th August last year. The Committee received four written representations and heard oral evidence from representatives of the Workers' Party and those of the Law Society of Singapore. The Report of the Committee was published and presented to this House on 24th June, 1976 as Paper ParI. 5 of 1976. The Bill as set out in the Report and now tabled before this House contains amendments made to the original Bill by the Committee. The recommendation of the Law Society, that the safeguards provided by subsection (2) of the existing section 132 of the Evidence Act should also be made applicable to the new subsection which the Bill proposed to add to the said section 132, has been accepted. A new subsection (6) for section 132 has accordingly been inserted in clause 7 of the Bill. This new subsection will ensure that no answer which an accused or his spouse is compelled to give shall -

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed.

Order for Third Reading read. 3.03 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. "That the Bill be now read a Third time." This Bill was committed to a Select Committee on the 19th August last year. The Committee received two written representations and heard oral evidence from the representative of the Law Society of Singapore. The Committee's Report was published and presented to Parliament on 24th June, 1976, as Paper ParI. 6 of 1976. Sir, one of the written representations pointed out certain inconsistencies in clause 2 of the Bill and the Select Committee has made amendments to the clause. The proviso to subsection (1) of section 14 of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act proposed by clause 2 Of the original Bill has been deleted, as Government does riot desire to extend the powers conferred by subsection (1) of this section to police officers below the rank of sergeant. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed.

3.05 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of approximately 242.82 hectares (600 acres) of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pulau Sudong, as shown coloured in pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/76" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Sir, it is proposed to reclaim about 242.82 hectares (600 acres) of the foreshore and seabed at Pulau Sudong. I have a copy of the relevant plan and another copy is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of Members. The island will initially be utilised by the Sentosa Development Corporation to provide recreational facilities which will include swimming lagoons. The island will eventually be required for industrial purposes and then transferred to the Jurong Town Corporation on terms and conditions to be agreed with the Commissioner of Lands. The reclamation will be undertaken by the Port of Singapore Authority as agent of the Government. It is expected to take about three years to complete, and to cost about S$64 million. Fill for the reclamation will be obtained by dredging the navigational channels of the Main Strait Shoal and Sawa Pemalang Shoal. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved. That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of approximately 242.82 hectares (600 acres) of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pulau Sudong, as shown coloured in pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/76" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. 3.07 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion reads as follows: That this Parliament pursuant to section 3 of the Departmental Titles (Alteration) Act (Chapter 53), resolves that the Schedule to the said Act be amended by the addition under the headings of 'Old Title or Name of Office' and 'New Title or Name of Office' respectively of the following: Old Title or Name of Office New Title or Name of Office Chief Chemist and Chief Director, Scientific Inspector of Dangerous Service Materials Deputy Chief Chemist and Chief Deputy Director, Scientific Inspector of Dangerous Service Materials Senior Chemist and Senior ( Principal Scientific Inspector of Dangerous ( Officer Materials ( Senior Scientific Officer Chemist and Inspector of ) Dangerous Materials ) Document Examiner ) Scientific Officer Microbiologist ) Chemical Engineer ) Radiation Protection Officer ) Serologist ) Sir, prior to 1972, the Department of Chemistry was primarily concerned with the provision of routine chemical services to Government departments and was staffed entirely with Chemists. In recent years, the scope of its activities has been considerably expanded into other fields such as food technology, radiation protection and chemical engineering. The staff of the Department now includes Microbiologists, Chemical Engineers and Physicists. In order to cater for the wider range of its activities, the Department was re-named the Department of Scientific Services and a scheme of service entitled Scientific Services Scheme was introduced on 1st April, 1976. Consequent upon these changes, it is necessary to alter the titles in the Department in accordance with the provisions in Section 3 of the Departmental Titles (Alteration) Ordinance (Chapter 55 of the Revised Edition). The agreement of this House is therefore sought to amend the schedule to the said Ordinance and to substitute the new titles or names of office for the old titles or names of office as indicated in the motion. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament pursuant to section 3 of the Departmental Titles (Alteration) Act (Chapter 53), resolves that the Schedule to the said Act be amended by the addition under the headings of 'Old Title or Name of Office' and 'New Title or Name of Office' respectively of the following: Old Title or Name of Office New Title or Name of Office Chief Chemist and Chief Director, Scientific Inspector of Dangerous Service Materials Deputy Chief Chemist and Chief Deputy Director, Scientific Inspector of Dangerous Service Materials Senior Chemist and Senior ( Principal Scientific Inspector of Dangerous ( Officer Materials ( Senior Scientific Officer Chemist and Inspector of ) Dangerous Materials ) Document Examiner ) Scientific Officer Microbiologist ) Chemical Engineer ) Radiation Protection Officer ) Serologist )

Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr E. W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Twelve minutes past Three o'clock p.m, to a date to be fixed. Appendix - REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING FOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS/FROM DENTAL SURGEONS (Cols 1001-1002)