CONTROL OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ORDINANCE, 1950

The Assistant Minister for Commerce and Industry (Mr J. M. Jumabhoy): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the motion in the name of the Minister for Commerce and Industry, namely,

That, this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 1 of the Control of Imports and Exports Ordinance, 1950 (No. 43 of 1950) resolves that the aforesaid Ordinance shall continue in force for a further period of one year commencing on the 8th of December, 1955.

This Ordinance has been reviewed and its continuation approved on four previous occasions. Throughout this period, there has been a continuous relaxation of import and export controls in Singapore and those now remaining cover a comparatively narrow field.

A Committee, representative of the Chambers of Commerce and the Singapore Exchange Banks Association, was set up to consider what further relaxations were practicable. As a result of the work of this Committee, every control that could possibly be removed was eliminated. The position has now been reached where nearly all imports from non-dollar sources are on open general licence.

The purpose of licensing is to maintain a record of imports for balance of payments reasons. Rice is still subject to special licensing to ensure that importers comply with the arrangements for turning over the Government stockpile.

Sir, I beg to move.

The Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing (Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat): I beg to second the motion, Sir.

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, 1950 (No. 43 of 1950) resolves that the aforesaid Ordinance shall continue in force for a further period of one year commencing on the 8th of December, 1955.