VETERINARY DEPARTMENT OF CITY COUNCIL (Taking over by Government)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether, and when, the Government will take over the Veterinary Department of the City Council.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: In the White Paper on the Report of the Committee on Local Government No. Cmd. 30 of 1956, Government indicated its acceptance in principle that certain services should be the responsibility of Government. These services include not only all veterinary services but also, for example, personal health services and the registration of births, marriages and deaths.

The transfer of the veterinary services cannot be considered in isolation but must be taken together with the transfer of other services. This involves the solution of problems such as those concerning the terms and conditions of transfers of the staff involved and compensation for property and other assets. These matters are being discussed with the City Council. When agreement has been reached, the transfers will be effected.