EXPORT OF MONKEYS FROM BOTANIC GARDENS

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for National Development whether and to what extent arrangements are being made for the export of monkeys from the Botanic Gardens, and the reasons therefor.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Sir, there are no arrangements for the export of monkeys from the Botanic Gardens. All the monkeys exported from Singapore are not of Singapore origin and have come in from either the Federation of Malaya or Indonesia.

Mr David Marshall: Am I to understand from the Minister that, in fact, the monkeys in the Botanic Gardens are not being trapped and removed from the State?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Sir, that is an entirely different question. He asks whether -

Mr Speaker: It is a different question. Notice is required for that question. Mr David Marshall.

Mr David Marshall: Sir, what is the difference between exporting -

Mr Speaker: It is a different question. Notice is required.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: May I explain?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: The Member asked about arrangements made for the export of monkeys. He did not ask whether they were trapped.

Mr David Marshall: Could the Minister assist us in telling us whether, in fact, (1) there are monkeys from the Botanic Gardens being officially trapped: and (2) whether they are being sent out of the State?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Sir, there are monkeys being trapped in the Botanic Gardens because they are pests and they are not trapped for export purposes.

Mr David Marshall: Are they being sent out of the State? Would the Minister please tell us?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: No, Sir.