NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS REGISTERED UP TO (Estimated number to be employed for 1960)

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Labour and Law (a) how many unemployed persons have registered up to 31st December, 1959; and (b) what is the estimated number of registered unemployed persons apart from the number estimated to benefit under the $7,000,000 Unemployment Relief Works Scheme, who would gain employment in one or other of the development projects for 1960.

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of unemployed persons who have registered for employment up to 31st December, 1959, is 48,076. It is not possible to ascertain the number who will still be unemployed when the Unemployment Relief Works Scheme is in full operation. I think the Member for Mountbatten wants me to change my occupation from the Minister for Labour and Law to that of a crystal gazer.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, why I asked was because of what was given in the papers, that -

Mr Speaker: Order. If the hon. Member wishes to pursue the subject, she must do so, firstly, by way of a supplementary question and, secondly, if she wants to develop a debate on it, she will have to wait until she gets leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment, or until she herself files a notice of a motion. At the moment, she will be in order only if she asks a supplementary question.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have no supplementary question to ask.

2.59 p.m.