MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

7.02 p.m.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

I have previously mentioned that certain functions relating to the control of shipping within the Port will be transferred from the Marine Department to the Port of Singapore Authority upon its formation, and therefore consequential amendments are necessary to the Merchant Shipping Ordinance. These are contained in the Bill now before the House. Full details are contained in the Explanatory Statement of the Bill, and it will be seen that the majority of these amendments are of a consequential nature.

Incidentally, I may add that the Bill also seeks to repeal the section which constitutes the Seamen's Lodging Houses Licensing Authority, and my colleague, the Minister for Home Affairs, will be presenting the necessary consequential amendments to the Hotels Ordinance.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Mr Speaker: Is this Bill to be sent to a Select Committee?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Yes.

Mr Speaker: Please move.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, I beg to move,

That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven other Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven other Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection.