CUSTOMS (DUTIES) ORDER, 1956

The Financial Secretary (Mr T. M. Hart): Sir, I have His Excellency the Governor's authority to move,

That this Assembly, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of section 11 of the Customs Ordinance (Ordinance No. 11 of 1955), resolves that the rates of duty leviable in respect of the importation into or manufacture in the Colony of intoxicating liquors, tobacco and petroleum shall be those as specified in the Customs (Duties) Order, 1956 published as Notification No. 5 19 in the Gazette Supplement No. 5 of 26th January, 1956 and contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 3 of 1956.

Hon. Members will recollect that the Customs (Duties) Order, 1955, and Customs (Duties) (Amendment) Order, 1955, incorporating the rates of duty on intoxicating liquors, tobacco and petroleum, as they then existed, were made under section 11 of the Customs Ordinance and laid before the Legislative Assembly pending the coming into force of the Ordinance. The rates of duty on intoxicating liquors and petroleum were subsequently increased with effect from the 9th of November, 1955. These increases were effected under the existing legislation, as the new Ordinance has not been brought into force. Resolutions to confirm the new rates of duty - one under the Liquors Revenue Ordinance and the other under the Petroleum Revenue Ordinance - were moved at the sitting of the Assembly on the 22nd of November, 1955. In view of this subsequent development, confirmation of the two orders to which I have referred was not sought from the Assembly. These orders have consequently ceased to have effect and have been cancelled by Gazette notification.

A fresh Customs (Duties) Order, 1956, prescribing the existing rates of duty in respect of the importation and manufacture of intoxicating liquors, tobacco and petroleum has now been made and laid before the Assembly as Sessional Paper No. S.L. 3 of 1956. Confirmation of this Order is now sought by resolution of the Assembly, as required under subsection (2) of section 11 of the Customs Ordinance.

His Excellency has appointed the first of April, 1956, as the date on which the Customs Ordinance shall come into force, and it is proposed to finalise all the necessary subsidiary legislation before that date. Sir, I beg to move.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Sir, I second it.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of section 11 of the Customs Ordinance (Ordinance No. 11 of 1955), resolves that the rates of duty leviable in respect of the importation into or manufacture in the Colony of intoxicating liquors, tobacco and petroleum shall be those as specified in the Customs (Duties) Order, 1956 published as Notification No. S 19 in the Gazette Supplement No. 5 of 26th January, 1956 and contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 3 of 1956.