GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL ALLOWANCES (Details of scheme to relieve hardship)

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Finance whether, in regard to Government employees who do not qualify for the scientific and professional allowances, he has presented for the consideration of their Unions the scheme whereby such employees who experience hardship as a result of the pay cuts can obtain assistance to tide them for the period of their financial difficulties; whether he will disclose details of such scheme; and whether he will make a statement in the matter.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, the position is that the Government has completed the scheme by which it will assist members of the civil service who have suffered certain forms of financial distress. But, unfortunately, it has not been possible to bring the Staff Side to negotiate on Government's proposals.

We made repeated attempts to bring up this matter before the Staff Side but not only were they unwilling to negotiate, they would not even listen to our proposals. Therefore, Mr Speaker, round about Christmas time, we thought it opportune to send a billetdoux to the Staff Side in the hope that during this period of goodwill, they might relent. But I regret to say that till now I have got no reply from them.