LEGALISATION OF TRAWLING (Legislation)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether and when the Government will introduce legislation to legalise trawling.

Mr Ho Cheng Choon (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, it is the intention of the Government to draw up a new Fisheries Ordinance in order to encourage deep-sea and off-shore fishing, including trawling. The new legislation will be presented to the Assembly as soon as it is ready, and will contain provisions to permit trawling to be carried out without causing detrimental effects to our in-shore fishermen. In the meantime, those persons who wish to engage in deep-sea and off-shore fishing, including trawling, can consult officers of the Primary Production Department for advice and assistance.