TRANSPORT FACILITIES (Cost)

Mr M. P. D. Nair asked the Financial Secretary if he will state the amount of money spent out of the public funds to provide transport facilities to school children and others due to the strikes in the Singapore Traction Company for the following periods: -

(a) from the day the strike began to the 12th October, 1955; and

(b) from 13th October to 6th November, 1955.

Mr T. M. Hart: The cost of providing these facilities has been as follows: -

(a) from the 27th of September to the 12th of October, 1955, inclusive - $23,890;

(b) from the 13th of October to the 6th of November inclusive - $30,667.

In respect of these Government vehicles which were used in the scheme, the figures I have given include the cost of petrol and overtime allowance for their drivers, but take no account of drivers' wages, maintenance or depreciation.

Mr Nair: Will the hon. the Financial Secretary explain why this expenditure was not brought to this House for approval under a resolution approved by the Assembly on the 25th of May, to the effect that any new service costing more than $10,000 should be approved by the Assembly?

Mr Hart: The provision of these services, Sir, was a matter in the public interest, and we were justified in approving payment of these services from advances below the line. We will come to the Assembly at the first convenient opportunity to take a vote for that amount.