INDONESIAN RHIO WATERS CLOSED TO SINGAPORE COASTAL VESSELS (Effect on Singapore Seamen and Singapore's economy)

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Thio Chan Bee asked the Deputy Prime Minister to state whether, and why Indonesian Rhio waters are now closed to Singapore coastal vessels, to what extent this has affected the employment of Singapore seamen and Singapore's economy, and what the Government proposes to do to assist the people adversely affected.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: As far as the Singapore Government is aware, Indonesian waters are not closed to Singapore coastal vessels. We have not received any indication that there is any such ban on non-Indonesian vessels.

Mr Thio Chan Bee: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Deputy Prime Minister aware that the new conditions imposed are such that they practically make it difficult for Singapore seamen to be employed on Singapore vessels going to Indonesian waters?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: What is the Member for Tanglin talking about? I have just said that we do not know for a fact that non-Indonesian vessels are being prohibited from entering Rhio waters. I do not understand what conditions the Member for Tanglin is referring to.

Mr Speaker: It seems to be a different question anyway.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Is the Deputy Prime Minister aware that such a report appeared in the local Press?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: The trouble with the Members of the Opposition is this; that they follow the footsteps of the Member for Tanglin and believe that every printed word is the gospel truth. I would, however, recommend him to read the less sensational parts of the newspapers.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, I have not yet got an answer to my question.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: What the local Press publishes is not my business. I have given an answer.

Mr Speaker: No Ministerial responsibility. Tun Lim.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: It is because of the report in the local Press that there has been disquiet in the minds of the people concerned. Surely, if there has been no such knowledge on the part of the Government that there is such a restriction, then it would be advisable for the Government to set at rest the minds of those people who are misled by the Press?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: The answer is very simple. Supposing the local Press reports that a space ship from Mars has landed at Bukit Timah Heights in Singapore. I suppose Members of the Opposition will also ask questions in the Assembly.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: The landing in Singapore of a space ship from Mars does not affect the rice-bowls of the people of Singapore, but the banning of ships in Indonesian waters does.- [Interruption].

Mr Speaker: Order. I think we are entering into a debate. Inche Mohamed Ali.