MINISTER for Finance and Treasury, Rick Houenipwela decides to withdraw the Customs Valuation Amendment Bill 2011.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Job Duddley Tausinga revealed this during the reading of his messages and announcement in Parliament yesterday.
The Bill seeks to reinstate the power of the Minster and repeal section 13(3) of Customs and Exercise Act in relation to determining value of exported goods for purpose of assessing duty.
Solomon Star understands the Minister Houenipwela decided to withdraw the Bill to allow more consultation with stakeholders before bringing it to Parliament.
The bill had met a lot of opposition from Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), Chambers of Commerce and other stakeholders because they never trusted the then Finance Minister now Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo when he introduced the Bill in Parliament.
Mr Tausinga told Parliament there was some confusion when a Bill can be withdrawn.
He said the Bill was submitted to Parliament and certified on September 28 2011.
"Subsequently the Bills and Legislative Committee held its first hearing on October 3 2011," he said.
"This was in accordance on powers vested upon the Committee by virtue of Standing Order which gives powers to review all bill before their introduction into Parliament," Tausinga said.
However, he said this bill has been not formally arranged for the first time.
"The Bills and Legislative Committee held its second hearing on October 2011, during this hearing a letter of then Minister for Finance and Treasury (Gordon Darcy Lilo) stating he intended to withdraw the Bill on October 11, 2011 was tabled before the Committee," he said.
"This itself was not sufficient to constitute the withdrawal of any Bill.
"And in is this particular instance the only way for the Government to withdraw the Customs and Valuation Bill whilst it is being reviewed by the committee is by way of a motion moved and passed seeking that withdrawal," the MP for North New Georgia said.
Mr Tausinga said as Parliament not sitting on October 11 2011, it was not possible for such a resolution.
"Notice of an intention to withdraw, however has been given but this can only take effect once the committee has reported to Parliament.
"Reporting formally brings an end to review of a Bill," he said.
"In respect to the Customs Valuation Bill, the Bills and Legislative Committee has reported back to Parliament on December 7 2011, therefore I am satisfied that the Committee has discharged its function in accordance with the standing orders.
"And such withdrawal immediately takes effect and the bill is formally withdrawn from the business of the house," Mr Tausinga said.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
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