NEW INDUSTRIES

Mr Lim Koon Teck asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry how many new industries were started and how many persons have been given employment in these new industries in the period April to December, 1954.

Mr Lim Koon Teck asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry how many new industries were started and how many persons have been given employment in these new industries in the period April to December, 1955.

Mr Marshall: Sir, may I answer this question and the one following, No. 12, at the same time?

Mr Speaker indicated assent.

Mr Marshall: I would inform the hon. Member that exact figures are not available. We do wish to give this House as much information as we can. We have made strenuous efforts to trace these figures but there is no compulsion for them to be given to Government. So far all we can trace is that between April and December 1954 there were 12 new factories established, employing 400 men. For the same period, Sir, in 1955 there were seven new factories employing 370 persons. But I will repeat: those are minimum figures. They are not exact.

Mr Lim Koon Teck: Is the Minister aware that the falling-off of these industries is a serious matter and will he state what steps he will take to remedy this defect?

Mr Marshall: I find it more than a little surprising, Sir, to be told that the falling-off of employment from 400 people in 1954 to 370 new people in 1955 is a serious matter. But I do say, Sir, that it is a serious matter that we seek to give opportunity for more employment for our people. I will accept it if put on that basis. The hon. Member is fully aware of the steps that this Government is taking at the present moment in seeking the establishment of an Industrial Development Corporation on a Pan-Malayan basis as one of the steps to increase employment.

Mr Lim Koon Teck: Sir, is it not serious that there were more people finding new employment in 1954 than in 1955?

Mr Speaker: We cannot have a debate at Question Time.