PORTS (AMENDMENT) BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

The Chairman of the Singapore Harbour Board, under subsection (1) of section 23 of the Ports Ordinance, is vested with certain powers of appointments, promotions, disciplinary control and the grant of leave without the previous approval of the Board in respect of officers whose monthly basic salary does not exceed $435.

Recently, in agreement with the Staff Association, the Harbour Board has revised the salary structure of its staff and this revision has affected the powers of the Chairman, as a number of officers, who were prior to this revision drawing salaries of below $435, are now drawing a basic monthly salary of above this figure - up to $465. It is desirable, therefore, that the status quo of the Chairman should be restored in this respect, and to achieve this, the Ports Ordinance requires an amendment by substituting the figure $465 for the figure $435 appearing in section 23 (1). Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.