POLICE PROTECTION FOR PRIME MINISTER, MINISTERS AND PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES (Number employed and total cost)

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Home Affairs what is the total number of bodyguards, uniformed policemen and detectives employed for the protection of the Prime Minister, Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, and what was the total cost of such police protection for July, 1960, giving a breakdown of such cost.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the idea of having personal bodyguards for Ministers was first mooted by the ex-Minister for National Development soon after the P.A.P.'s assumption of office. The idea was taken up at Cabinet level and approved unanimously. However, when instruction was given for the provision of security officers for bodyguard duties, the ex-Minister for National Development posted the security officer attached to him in his office away from public view.

Mr Speaker: Order. The answer is about 75 per cent out of order! The Minister should confine himself to the points raised in the question. An answer of that nature, of course, invites debate.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of bodyguards and uniformed policemen for the protection of all Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries is 23, made up as follows:-

Security Branch personnel, 20; Uniformed Police Constables, 3. The members from the Security Branch perform duty as personal bodyguards. The three Uniformed Police Constables perform static guard duty on an 8-hour shift at the Prime Minister's residence.

The total cost of police protection for July 1960 was $6,407.46, the breakdown of which is as follows:-

Twenty members from the security Branch- $ c. Salaries 4,955 00 Allowances 885 16 Total 5,840 16 Three Uniformed Police Constables - $ c. Salaries 403 50 Allowances 163 80 Total 567 30

4.15 p.m.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, this is not a supplementary question. It is just a point of clarification.

Mr Speaker: Order. If it is a point of clarification, then, of course, it is wrong. It must be by way of a supplementary question.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: If I was responsible for introducing these bodyguards, then how would the Minister explain the security fencing and the other gadgets which have been employed for the protection of the Prime Minister?

Mr Speaker: I do not know whether it is a question which the Minister is prepared to answer.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, this question has never been put to the House.

Mr Speaker: It is a different question.