LEVY ON SINGAPORE VEHICLES ENTERING SINGAPORE

Dr Toh Chin Chye asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Health whether it is the intention of the Government to impose a levy on motorists or vehicles that enter Singapore at Woodlands.

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I assume that the Member for Rochore is referring to press reports on measures which might be introduced to discourage Singapore motorists from buying petrol in Johore Bahru. These reports remain pure speculation.

Judging from the rise in causeway traffic, there has undoubtedly been an increase in motorists visiting Johore Bahru just to buy petrol. Government is monitoring the situation in order to assess the size of the increase and whether it is a temporary or a permanent trend.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Sir, I am glad that-the Minister for Finance has laid put to rumours that have been published in the newspapers. If the Minister had earlier come out with a statement, I think great unease -

Mr Deputy Speaker: Dr Toh, could you frame your supplementary question?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: May I ask the Minister, as a corollary, whether he will impose an exit tax?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Sir, the present intention is not to impose anything because we are still studying the situation.