LICENSED AND UNLICENSED DEALERS IN FIRE CRACKERS

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary if he will state, in regard to the storage and sale of fire crackers:-

(a) the number of licensed wholesale and retail dealers in the City and rural areas;

(b) what steps have been or will be taken against unlicensed dealers; and

(c) whether any Court action has been instituted against:-

(i) unlicensed dealers for storage; and

(ii) licensed retail dealers for storage in excess of the quantity permitted in their licences;

and the number, if any, of such dealers prosecuted in each case.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, in the City area, there are 13 wholesale and 222 retail licensed dealers. In the rural areas, there is one wholesale licensed dealer. Retail dealers in the rural areas have only been required to be licensed since 6th March this year and no licence has yet been issued.

In reply to the second part of the question, summonses have been issued.

In reply to the third part, the answer is yes in both cases. At the time of the recent New Year celebrations, 25 summonses were issued for unlicensed storage, and two for storage in excess of permitted quantity.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Can the Chief Secretary tell us will Government consider banning all fire crackers in Singapore?

Mr E. B. David: Unless there is very substantial evidence, Sir, that the majority of the community affected desires such a step, the Government has no such intention.