LABOUR (NOTES OF EVIDENCE - FEES) REGULATIONS, 1956

Mr Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name,

That this Assembly, pursuant to section 174 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955 (No. 40 of 1955), resolves that the Labour (Notes of Evidence-Fees) Regulations, 1956, published as Notification No. S 21 in the Gazette Supplement No. 5 of 26th January, 1956, and as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 4 of 1956 be approved.

Sir, the Regulations referred to in this motion lay down the fees that shall be leviable in the Office of the Commissioner for Labour for making copies of notes of evidence recorded under the provisions of paragraph (d) of section 153 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955. Fees have always been charged for these under the old Labour Ordinance. Although it is the Government's policy to provide for the services of the Labour Court without charge, it is considered that, in accordance with normal judicial procedure, fees should be paid by either party who requires copies of notes of evidence to continue the case in the High Court should the party concerned disagree with the decision of the Commissioner for Labour. It is to be remembered that it takes a considerable amount of time to prepare such copies from the notes in the Commissioner's case-book.

Mr Mak Pak Shee: I second the motion.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly, pursuant to section 174 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955 (No. 40 of 1955), resolves that the Labour (Notes of Evidence-Fees) Regulations, 1956, published as Notification No. S 21 in the Gazette Supplement No. 5 of 26th January, 1956, and as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 4 of 1956 be approved.