MISREPRESENTATION ACT, 1967, AND CIVIL EVIDENCE ACT, 1968, OF UNITED KINGDOM (Introduction of similar legislation in Singapore)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr P. Selvadurai ---

Mr P. Selvadurai: To ask the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider introducing legislation similar to the Misrepresentation Act, 1967, and the Civil Evidence Act, 1968, of the United Kingdom.

Mr Speaker: Mr Selvadurai.

Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Question No. 12.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Bukit Panjang will no doubt be aware that the Misrepresentation Act, 1967, in the United Kingdom was based on the English Law Reform Committee's Report, and introduced reforms to the law of contracts as well as to the law of torts. The scope of this Act, which has effected some improvements in the law, is far-reaching, not only altering the substantive law but conferring very wide discretionary powers on the courts. The Member will also be aware that the amendments to the law have been the subject of considerable comment and criticism in the United Kingdom. In the circumstances, it is desirable that a careful study of the Act and its effects as shown by the experience of the courts in England should be made before similar legislation is introduced in Singapore.

Sir, certain of the provisions of the Civil Evidence Act, 1968, of the United Kingdom are already a part of our law of evidence. The Act, which was passed in the United Kingdom late last year as a result of the recommendations of the Law Reform Committee, alters the laws of evidence in relation to civil proceedings and in particular brings about certain changes in respect of privilege against self incrimination. The Member for Bukit Panjang can rest assured that the Attorney-General's Chambers is carefully considering the changes that have been brought about by this recent Act and the suitability of adopting similar amendments to the law of evidence in Singapore.