SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP REGISTRATION (Application Forms)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by voluntary organisations in obtaining application forms for Singapore citizenship registration, and whether he will make a statement.

Mr S. T. Stewart: Sir, I am aware of the problems in conciliating the many claims of voluntary organisations who naturally are anxious that they should have application forms as early as possible in order to satisfy the demands of their members and the public. We have, however, to make sure that the voluntary organisations which have appointments with visiting teams do in fact produce the required number of applicants on the due dates.

However, I would like to point out that 441,835 application forms have already been issued up to 2nd December, 1957. A sufficient supply of forms will continue to be issued daily to individuals, both by the registration teams and by the Central Registry to voluntary organisations which have appointments for visiting teams.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Will the Hon. the Chief Secretary allow voluntary organisations to print their own forms in case they do not get enough from the Government?

Mr Stewart: No, Sir.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, does the Hon. the Chief Secretary suggest that it is necessary to book a date for the registration of applicants and that forms can only be supplied if such dates are booked?

Mr Stewart: Sir, the question is not very clear.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: I shall repeat that, Sir: does the Chief Secretary suggest that it is necessary for voluntary organisations to book a date for taking the oaths of applicants, and, if not, that application forms will not be supplied to such voluntary organisations?

Mr Stewart: Sir, I have already said that voluntary organisations will be given forms whenever they ask for them, but we have to see that the number of forms given will be sufficient, and in fact is sufficient, to cover the number of people whom they can produce for registration.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, can the Chief Secretary tell us whether voluntary organisations can help and assist the public in the filling of application forms only, and if so why are not these forms issued to voluntary organisations?

Mr Stewart: Sir, application forms are issued to voluntary organisations.