from the overseas military Bases.

That is the aim of proposed legislation put before MPs last Friday.

The Customs Tariff Amendment (No.4) Act 1994 was tabled in the House of Assembly by Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul.

Dr. Saul said the bill had been introduced because of the military withdrawals.

HMS Malabar and the United States Naval Air Station were earmarked for closure next year. The Canadian Base has already closed.

The Bases contained equipment -- such as fire engines and radar gear -- which would be turned over to Government, Dr. Saul said.

Under current legislation, Government would be obliged to pay Customs duty.

This would mean Government effectively paying itself as Customs revenue goes into its coffers.

"I don't want our accounts skewed by us paying duty, and that is the purpose of the bill,'' said Dr. Saul.