A process is described for the manufacture of crystalline molecular sieve layers with good para-xylene over meta-xylene selectivity's good para-xylene permeances and selectivities. The process requires impregnation of the support prior to hydrothermal synthesis using the seeded method and may be undertaken with pre-impregnation masking. The crystalline molecular sieve layer has a selectivity (.alpha..sub.x) for para-xylene over meta-xylene of 2 or greater and a permeance (Q.sub.x) for para-xylene of 3.27.times.10.sup.-8 mole(px)/m.sup.2.s.Pa(px) or greater measured at a temperature of .gtoreq.250.degree. C. and an aromatic hydrocarbon partial pressure of .gtoreq.10.times.10.sup.3 Pa.