VACANT POSTS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE HELD BY OFFICERS IN ACTING CAPACITY

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi asked the Minister for Finance to state the number of vacant posts in the Government service as at 31st August, 1960, which were held by officers in an acting capacity, and to give a list of such posts.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am unable to supply the hon. Member the information he sought from the data available in my Ministry, but if he so wishes, I will call for returns from all Ministries of Government and compile the figures, which can either be sent directly to the hon. Member or placed before the House at the next sitting. The hon. Member will realise that the total effort involved is quite considerable. If his interest is confined to a particular department or Ministry, I shall be glad if he will inform me accordingly so that an unnecessary burden need not be placed on the administration. I may mention that all acting appointments exceeding the period of two months have to be considered and approved by the Public Service Commission in accordance with section 81 of the Constitution.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, although it will be a burden on the Minister for Finance to supply me with the figures, it is up to him, in his discretion, to table them at the next sitting of this Assembly or to send direct to me the details I require.

Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Member must realise that we are on question time. If he has a supplementary question to ask, he can ask it. If there is no supplementary question on question No. 8, then I will call question No. 9.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Yes, I have a supplementary question to ask. I require a positive reply from the Minister concerned as to whether the required details will be tabled at the next sitting of this Assembly or will be forwarded direct to me.

Mr Speaker: Order. The proper method, of course, is for the Minister to send a copy, when ready, to the Clerk and then the information will be circularised and published in the Official Report. Question No. 9. Inche Mohd. Ali.