CUSTOMS (AMENDMENT) BILL (As reported from Select Committee)

Order for Third Reading read.

2.54 p.m.

The Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee): Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time."

This Bill is for the most part consequential on the passage of the Tariff Advisory Commission Bill. But in Select Committee, I took the opportunity of proposing certain amendments which were accepted and these amendments dealt with the quantum of draw-back which local cigarette manufacturers may receive on the export of their cigarettes overseas. As the Customs Ordinance stands, the quantum of draw-back is limited to seven-eighths of the total duty paid on imported tobacco. The amendment allows the drawback to be paid to manufacturers up to the full amount.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed.