CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES IN ARMED SERVICES (Steps to set up tripartite committee to deal with employment problem)

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Chief Minister what steps are being taken to set up the tripartite committee to deal with the employment problem affecting the civilian employees in the Armed Services; and whether the Government has adopted or will adopt measures to assist workers who have already been retrenched or will be retrenched in the immediate future.

Inche Abdul Hamid (for the Chief Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, before he left for Europe last month the Chief Minister made it known that he would, while in London, take up with the United Kingdom Government the question of the early setting up of the Tripartite Consultative Committee which was agreed upon when he was there in March and April 1957. As these are matters being personally handled by the Chief Minister, a full reply to the first part of the question must await his return.

With regard to the second part of the question, the Government Employment Exchange has done and will do everything possible to assist the retrenched workers. Lists of their occupations have been sent to 29 employers who have been asked if they can offer any vacancies which would be suitable. The Exchange is awaiting the results. The same assistance will be given to other employees of the Armed Services if they should be retrenched in the immediate future.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Government name a date when this tripartite committee will be set up? The Government, I think, should be informed on that.

On the second question of aid to those workers who have been retrenched or will be retrenched, can the Government adopt a more concrete form than the general form of registration of all people who are unemployed?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, to the first part of the supplementary question, I am afraid I have nothing further to add.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Shame.

Inche Abdul Hamid: To the second part of the question, I should say this: that Government departments have been supplied with the lists of occupations and asked to see whether they have any suitable vacancies.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Can the Government inform this House, Sir, whether there are vacancies open for the people who have been retrenched?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, we are in no position to make any definite statement regarding that.