GUARD AND ESCORT UNIT OF SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE (Personnel on permanent establishment)

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi asked the Minister for Finance whether the personnel of the Guard and Escort Unit of the Singapore Police Force are on the permanent establishment.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr Low Por Tuck) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, the answer is `Yes'.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): If the answer is `Yes', therefore, are they on equal status with the others?

Mr Low Por Tuck: Mr Speaker, I do not understand the question put forward by the Member for Kampong Kembangan.

Mr Speaker: Perhaps the Member for Kampong Kembangan would like to repeat his supplementary question.

Inche Mohd. Ali: Mr Speaker, can I repeat the question in English?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Inche Mohd. Ali: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to my question was Yes'. Since the answer was Yes', I would like to know whether the same treatment is given to the Guard and Escort Unit as to other members of the Police Force.

Mr Low Por Tuck: Further notice of that question is required.

Mr Speaker: The Parliamentary Secretary requires notice of that question. I have no doubt that the Member will give the requisite notice in due course.