COTTONS FROM CHINA (Import ban)

Mr Seah Peng Chuan asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry whether he will consider lifting the ban on the import of cottons into Singapore from China.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: It will be recalled that when the Federation requested our co-operation in this matter it was for a period of three months pending the finalisation of the Federation's anti-dumping law to protect its industries. It was on this basis that the Singapore Government agreed to the Federation's request. The Singapore Government will therefore review this suspension at the end of the year in the light of the circumstances then existing and the progress of the Federation's anti-dumping legislation. Meanwhile, import licences which have been issued up to the date of the ban are confirmed without hindrance on proof of commitment before the ban.