SINGAPORE TRACTION COMPANY, LIMITED (Impending strike-transport arrangements) (Request for statement)

Mr A. P. Rajah asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the impending strike by the employees of the Singapore Traction Company, Limited, on 14th October, 1959, whether he will make a statement on the arrangements he has made or proposes to make for the transport of the travelling public, particularly schoolchildren.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, the dispute between the Singapore Traction Company, Limited, and the S.T.C. Employees' Union has been handled by the Minister for Labour and Law and both the Union and the Company have agreed to submit the dispute to arbitration.

Mr Rajah: Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the fact that it would be of interest to the public to know what arrangements, if any, had been made, would the Minister make a statement?

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, I cannot understand why the Member for Farrer Park thinks that there will be a strike. From what I have replied to him just now and what the Minister for Labour and Law has remarked earlier, the position is quite clear.

Mr Rajah: Mr Speaker, Sir, would-

Mr Speaker: Question No. 3.