MANUAL WORKERS (Employment statistics)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare whether he will state -

(a) the number of manual workers employed in Singapore on (i) 31st March, 1954, (ii) 30th September, 1954, and (iii) 31st March, 1955;

(b) the daily average of applicants for employment at the Government Employment Exchange (i) during 1953, (ii) during 1954, and (iii) during the first four months of 1955; and

(c) the daily average placings in employment by the Exchange in the same periods.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: (a) The number of labourers (as defined by the Labour Ordinance) employed in Singapore on -

(i) 31st March, 1954 was 122,964;

(ii) 30th September, 1954 was 120,088;

(iii) 31st March, 1955 is not yet available.

(b) The daily average of new applicants for registration for employment at the Government Employment Exchange -

(i) during 1953 was 67;

(ii) during 1954 was 70;

(iii) during 1955 (first four months) was 64.

(c) The daily average placings in employment by the Exchange -

(i) during 1953 was 24;

(ii) during 1954 was 15;

(iii) during 1955 (first four months) was 18.