SINGAPORE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY (ACTIVE UNIT) (Free Housing Facilities)

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government intends to provide free housing facilities to members of the Singapore Special Constabulary (Active Unit).

Mr Higham: No, Sir. At present it is not possible to provide quarters for members of the Special Constabulary. They receive a housing allowance in lieu of quarters.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Does the Chief Secretary realise that one of the important things about morale in the Police Force is housing?

Mr Higham: I realise that, Sir. I also realise that some 600 members of the regular force are at present without housing.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: What does the Chief Secretary propose to do about it?

Mr Higham: That is a matter which is part of the housing problem of the Public Works Department and raises very wide issues. I can assure the hon. Member that this is a matter very much in the Government's mind.