SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT WORKERS UNION (Registration cancelled)

Inche Ahmad Jabri Bin Mohammad Akib asked the Minister for Labour and Law whether he is aware that the registration of the Singapore Government Workers Union which was registered in 1951 and had 1,659 members has been cancelled; and whether he will consider reversing the cancellation order made by the Registrar.

Mr K. M. Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes. The Certificate of Registration of the Singapore Government Workers Union was cancelled by the Registrar of Trade Unions on the 22nd April, 1960, after service of a notice to show cause.

The Union has 30 days within which to appeal, and has submitted its appeal on the 7th May, 1960.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Labour and Law did not give the reasons for cancelling the registration of the union concerned.

Mr Speaker: Order. I think I must treat the matter as sub judice. I do not think any further questions can be asked.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, is it the intention of the Government to make rules, or to legislate either directly or indirectly to compel an employee to become a member of any union?

Mr Speaker: That is a different question.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Sir, will the Minister be good enough to give us the reasons for cancelling the registration of that union?

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, the grounds have already been communicated to the union concerned.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Could this House be informed of those grounds?

Mr Speaker: Order. I think the method of approach would be to await the Minister's decision on this appeal. Then I expect that information will reach Opposition Members. They will then be at liberty to file motions or speak on the matter on the adjournment.

Inche Ahmad Jabri, question No. 6.