ECCLESIASTICAL GRANTS AND GRANTS TO PRIESTS OF ISLAM,BUDDHISM AND OTHER RELIGIONS

Mr R. Jumabhoy asked the Financial Secretary-

(a) Why provision has been made in subhead 2, Head 26 of the 1957 Estimates for Ecclesiastical Grants and to whom are such grants payable;

(b) Why provision has not been made for payments to priests of Islam, Buddhism and other religions.

Mr T. M. Hart: (a) Provision is made under Head 26: Contributions and Charitable Allowances: subhead 2: Ecclesiastical Grants, in the Estimates for 1957 for the purpose of a grant to the authorities of St. Andrew's Cathedral. This grant is of long standing. From the earliest days of the Settlement, a Colonial Chaplain was held on the establishment of Government and provision for his stipend and other expenses was made under a Head in the Colonial Estimates. In addition, a contribution was made to the Bishopric Endowment Fund. Latterly, the duties of the Colonial Chaplain were discharged by the Archdeacon of Singapore. In 1930, it was decided to abolish the post of Colonial Chaplain and to pay an annual grant of $12,700 to the Cathedral authorities. This grant has remained the same since that date. $3,400 is devoted to the Bishopric Endowment Fund and the remainder towards the stipend of the Archdeacon.

(b) It is not the practice to make grants to the priests of other religions. Government has, however, made a contribution towards the capital cost of the Muslim College at Klang and supports five scholars at the College. In addition, per capita grants are made from Head 26: Contributions and Charitable Allowances, subhead 29: Voluntary Institutions for Children, to a number of institutions run by religious organisations.

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