PRIMARY PRODUCTION (Government Policy)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Goh Chee Wee asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education what is the current policy of the Government on primary production and whether there are specific plans to achieve self-sufficiency in pork, poultry, eggs and other primary produce.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education (Dr Goh Keng Swee): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not the Government's policy to achieve self-sufficiency in pork, poultry, eggs and other primary produce. I have explained in reply to a previous Question how an attempt to achieve self-sufficiency in pork has led to great harm in the form of environmental pollution and high cost to consumers. All producers of poultry, eggs and other primary produce must compete with imports if they want to survive.

It is better that we earn incomes in producing goods and services in which we have a competitive advantage over others and buy from other countries what we need with the money we earn.