UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION (Statement)

Mr Seah Peng Chuan asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare if he will make a statement on the present day situation on unemployment in Singapore; and what was the number of unemployed persons in Singapore as at 31st December, 1956.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: In answer to a question in this House in February 1956, I explained that accurate numbers of unemployed persons in Singapore are not available. A study of the various factors which affect employment in Singapore does not suggest that there has been any appreciable change in the unemployment situation during the last 12 months. On the 31st of December, 1956, there were 7,842 persons actively seeking employment assistance through the Government Employment Exchange.

Mr Seah Peng Chuan: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that only a small number of unemployed persons are registered with the Government Labour Exchange, that there are about 100,000 unemployed persons in Singapore, and that there were hundreds of unemployed people registered with Government Labour Exchange for five years ago and are still out of employment?

Mr Speaker: Order. I must, of course, point out to hon. Members that supplementary questions are supplementary questions. They should not be read.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: Sir, I find difficulty in understanding the supplementary question. If I understand it correctly, it is whether I am aware that there are more than 100,000 persons who are unemployed. Sir, with the resources at our service, may I tell him that there are not 100,000 persons unemployed?

An hon. Member: Much more.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: Much less.