EXPANSION OF TRAFALGAR HOME IN 1959

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Health whether there was any expansion of the Trafalgar Home in 1959.

Dr Sheng Nam Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked to reply. There was no physical expansion of the Trafalgar Home. However, security fences around the settlement and the hospital were erected in July 1959. Control was established in the Home over the activities of undesirable elements.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I take it that "no physical expansion" means no expansion in the construction of the building. Was there any expansion in the staff and work?

Dr Sheng Nam Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, there was no expansion of staff, but due to better organisation and administrative facilities introduced by the P.A.P. Government, there was an expansion of work.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the hon. Member able to tell us whether the staff is being cut down now? No expansion - yes; but they have been cut down, have they?

Dr Sheng Nam Chin: I would need further notice of that question.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Is it not a fact that, because of the better organisation and better administration, many lepers were discharged and told to go home?

Dr Sheng Nam Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, no lepers were discharged, unless the professional opinion was that they were ready for discharge.