GOVERNMENT TEMPORARY OFFICERS (Absorption into Permanent Establishment)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary if he will consider absorbing temporary officers of over 10 years' service in the Miscellaneous Services into the permanent establishment.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, I am not sure what is meant by "Miscellaneous Services". Arrangements were made in 1955 and 1956 to absorb a number of temporary clerks into the permanent service but the appointments were made by selection on the advice of the Public Service Commission and the Government could not accept any general obligation of the measure suggested.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, since the Chief Secretary is not aware of the meaning of "Miscellaneous Services", may I tell him that it is field and technical workers. Will he now, Sir, consider absorbing these workers into the permanent service?

Mr E. B. David: I regret, Sir, that the term "field and technical workers" is not sufficient for my purpose. There are such workers in a number of Government departments and some of them, if I put the proper interpretation on it, are indeed in the permanent service.