COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO PORT OF SINGAPORE (Implementation of recommendations)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry whether the Government have accepted the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Port of Singapore (Sessional Paper No. S 10 of 1957); and whether he will make a statement on the Government's intentions regarding their implementation.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, the comments of Government Departments and public bodies which are affected have now been received, and at a meeting I held recently with all interested parties - I myself took the chair there - certain points if difficulty arising out of their comments on the Report have been resolved. The labour recommendations of the Report, however, raise problems of considerable complexity, and their implications are being examined in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and Welfare. I regret, therefore, that it is not yet possible for me to make a statement on Government's intentions regarding the implementation of this Report.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Minister state whether the Government accepts the recommendations of the Commission in principle?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, the recommendations in the Report are still with the Ministry. They have not been put to the Council of Ministers.