LEGISLATION ON USE OF

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether Government would consider introducing legislation to license the use of the word "Singapore" by firms and associations.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, this question concerns the Societies Ordinance, the Companies Ordinance and the Business Names Ordinance.

Under the Societies Ordinance, we have not refused approval of the name or any Association because the use of the word "Singapore".

The State Advocate-General, to whom this question was referred, because his Ministry is also concerned, is unable to advise me because the question is too vague to admit of a reply. He would like to know whether the questioner intended that the use of the word "Singapore" by firms and associations be allowed or restricted.

Mr David Marshall: I am indebted to the Minister, Mr Speaker, Sir, I am all too conscious that expatriates have impertinently arrogated to themselves the use of the word "Singapore".

Mr Speaker: Order. I think the hon. Member for Anson must get use to the idea of asking just supplementary questions and not inviting a debate.

Mr David Marshall: They are arrogating to themselves the exclusive right to the use of the word "Singapore". I have in mind the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, the Singapore Club. Now we restrict the use of our flag as an emblem to be -

Mr Speaker: Order. The Member for Anson is now entering into a debate. What is the supplementary question?

Mr David Marshall: Mr Speaker, Sir, should we not introduce legislation to license the use of the word "Singapore" so that we could control its proper use?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Member for Anson could put up his view on this matter, with specific examples, I shall submit it to the State Advocate-General for his views to see whether we could insist on these societies, if they are registered societies, to change their names.