ARMS FOR IRAQ (Transferred at Singapore)

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether arms sold or supplied by other countries to Iraq had been transferred at Singapore.

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, for the past five years, we have no records of arms sold or supplied by other countries to Iraq being transferred at Singapore.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh (Non-Constituency Member): Has the Minister read of an article in the Observer in late April about shipments being transhipped in Singapore?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not know what Observer article the Member is referring to, but we have no records of transfers taking place.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Sir, the date of the Observer article was 28th April and it states:

'Arms from China and North Korea are being shipped through Singapore where they are being reloaded.' Is that true or not true?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. Standing Order No. 20(i) says:

'a question shall not be asked as to whether statements in the Press or of private individuals or bodies of persons are accurate;'.

Mr Speaker: I rule that the question is out of order, Dr Lee.