ANEKA RAGAM RA'AYAT (Total expenditure incurred)

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Culture what was the total expenditure incurred up to a convenient date (including donations, etc, if any) in connection with the Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture (Mr Lee Khoon Choy) (for the Minister for Culture): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked to reply. The total expenditure incurred on Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat shows from the 2nd August, 1959 to 30th June, 1960, was $18,078.29. Altogether 33 Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat concerts were held during this period. This expenditure consists of fees for artistes, refreshments, and transport for artistes, stage equipment, City Council charges and other incidentals. No donations of any kind were made to any individual or organisation in connection with the Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat.

The Minister for Culture has asked me to repeat what he had said once in this Assembly. These cultural activities were possible only because a large number of artistes, musicians, dancers, cavatists, organisers and others gave their services, with expectation of little or no reward, to this great cause aimed at achieving cultural unity among our people.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, when the hon. Member said "refreshments", I take it that he means refreshments for the artistes.

Mr Lee Khoon Choy: That is correct.