SALES CURB ON FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the drastic curbing on the sale in Singapore of the Far Eastern Economic Review and three other international foreign publications has hurt Singapore's effort to promote it as a regional communications centre.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, the gazetting of the three foreign publications has no effect on the printing industry in Singapore. The domestic export of the printing industry in the first 10 months of 1987 is $206 million, ie, about 36% more than the corresponding period for 1986.

Sir, only the gullible will believe the propaganda of the editors of the gazetted publications, that such gazetting will damage us as a regional communications centre. Sir, even the management of the gazetted publications themselves do not believe it. That is why Time magazine, Asian Wall Street Journal, Asia Wall Street Journal, and FEER, continue to be printed in Singapore does not give the paper the right to circulate in Singapore. Publishers of publications do not come to Singapore because they want to do us a favour. They come to Singapore because of the higher profits that Singapore offer them by way of lower printing and transportation cost, more efficient telecommunications, comprehensive sea and air services and a good total business environment. As long as these major factors prevail, we will continue to be a major regional communications centre.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, I read in the papers that the international publication known as the Economist has moved its headquarters from Singapore. Is it not an indication that we will be in fact reducing our efforts to make Singapore a communications centre?

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, I am not aware of the Economist moving its headquarters from Singapore because its headquarters has never been in Singapore. It has moved its bureau which probably consists of one journalist plus one or two clerks. I do not know the details.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, the Minister has not commented on the significance of this move. Whatever it is, whether it is the regional bureau or headquarters, the fact is that it has moved away from Singapore.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, lots of journalists are knocking their doors wanting to come into Singapore. To come into Singapore they require our approval. Any journalist who wants to leave Singapore is free to do so.