ANEKA RAGAM RA'AYAT (Total expenditure up to 29th February, 1960)

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi asked the Minister for Culture what is the total expenditure incurred on Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat up to 29th February 1960.

Mr S. Rajaratnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, the total expenditure, consisting of fees for artistes, refreshments and transport for artistes and State equipment, for the period in question was $4,823.95. The figure does not include special expenditure during National Loyalty Week. A sum of $3,988.15 was spent for the Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat concerts during National Loyalty Week.

But the Member, I am sure, is expecting more details and therefore I will give him some details in this respect. The concerts were begun in August last year, and up to the end of 18th February 18 regular concerts and four special shows for Loyalty Week were held. The average cost of a show is about $400. For the value we get from these shows in terms of stimulation of cultural activities and understanding of our various cultures, they are very cheap at $400 a show. This cost has been made possible only because a large number of artistes, musicians and dancers and others have given their services to these shows without any expectation of reward, except for out-of-pocket expenses.

The Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat shows were held weekly at the start, but beginning this year they are being organised every fortnight. They are held not only in the City areas but also all over Singapore, including the rural areas and the Islands. They have become very popular and some of them have been attended by very large numbers running into tens of thousands; but on an average we get about 2,000 to 3,000 people attending these shows in the rural areas.

Inche Mohd. Ali: Mr Speaker, Sir although I am satisfied with the reply of the Hon, the Minister for Culture, I must point out that these shows did not visit the Kampong Kembangan constituency.

Mr Speaker: Order. I think the hon. Member must remember that this is Question Time, and all that is permitted is a supplementary question.