FAMILY REMITTANCES TO COMMUNIST CHINA (Amount)

Mr Goh Tong Liang asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry what is the total amount of family remittances sent to Communist China from Singapore from 1st April, 1957, to 31st March, 1958.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, the total amount of money recorded by the Exchange Control Department as having been remitted from Singapore to China during the period 1st April, 1957, to 31st March, 1958, in respect of family remittances was $16,822,867. Current figures in respect of family remittances are released to the Director of Information Services monthly and appear regularly in the press.

Mr Goh Tong Liang: Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Minister agree with me that for every dollar sent to the relatives of these people in Communist China legally, probably three dollars went through the backdoor?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: That is a matter of opinion. The hon. Member asked me whether I agree or not.

Mr Goh Tong Liang: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has given the figure as over $16 million. Does not the Minister consider that the outflow of $16 million a year will be a serious drain on the economy of this country?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Again, it is a matter of opinion but if the hon. Member has any information as to illegal transactions involving remittances to China which have not come to the knowledge of the Exchange Control Department, I will be glad to have the information from the Member.

Mr Goh Tong Liang: Will the Minister please tell the House whether all this can be due to our stringent and rigid immigration laws?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, this question is not in the control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.