SINGAPORE BUS WORKERS' UNION (Strike-Breaking)

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim asked the Minister for Communications and Works what action he has taken on the complaint by the Singapore Bus Workers' Union regarding a certain Bus Company employing excess workers for the purpose of strike-breaking.

Mr Francis Thomas: I have informed the Singapore Bus Workers' Union that bus workers are licensed by the Registrar of Vehicles - a City Council employee.

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim: Will the Minister consider asking the City Council to stop providing badges for the new recruitment because, to my knowledge, the recruitment of new hands is entirely for strike-breaking?

Mr Speaker: It is entirely a new question.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: May I ask a supplementary question, Sir?

Mr Speaker: Yes, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Will the Minister for Transport inform us what he considers is a just solution to this dispute?

Mr Francis Thomas: That is asking for an opinion.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Has he made up his mind on what he proposes to do about this dispute?

Mr Francis Thomas: If the hon. leader of the People's Action Party cannot inform himself of my title, he will continue to make mistakes as to my functions. I am not the Minister for Transport. He might have learnt that if he had studied his Estimates. If he had studied anything, he might have learnt that I am not the Minister for Transport, that I have no powers to deal with transport-strikes, disputes, issue of licences. They are all matters which are handled by other authorities.