TEMPORARY CLERKS - RECONSIDERATION OF DISMISSAL

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary if the Government will reconsider the case of the dismissed temporary clerks along with those whose services have been extended for one month, after a review and report on the case of temporary clerks by the Public Service Commission.

Mr Stewart: Mr Speaker, Sir, the up-to-date position is that the Public Service Commission has completed the review and they see no reason to vary their original decision. This means that those temporary clerks not selected will not be absorbed permanently into the General Clerical Service or the General Clerical Assistant Service. The Government has, however, found alternative employment in junior jobs for a number of these temporary clerks and will continue in its efforts to find suitable jobs for as many of the others as possible. It must, however, be appreciated that Government's capacity to do this is of necessity very limited.