LEAVE OF ABSENCE OF MINISTERS (Particulars)

Mr David Marshall asked the Prime Minister (a) whether any Minister has taken leave of absence from his duties since the last sitting of the Second Session of this Assembly, giving the name of the Minister, the period of leave and the provisions under which such leave was granted; and (b) whether any Minister on leave of absence, has received or will be receiving remuneration and allowance as a Minister for the period of leave and under what provision of the law.

The Prime Minister (Mr Lee Kuan Yew): Since the last sitting of the Second Session of this Assembly, the following Ministers have taken leave of absence under section 33 of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council:-

The Prime Minister - from 25th July to 24th October.

The Minister for Health - from 24th July to 22nd September.

The Minister for Home Affairs - from 22nd July to 15th September.

The Minister for Finance - from 3rd September to 15th September.

The Minister for Culture - from 23rd September to 8th October.

The Minister for National Development - from 23rd October to 29th October.

When a Minister is on leave, including the Prime Minister, one of his colleagues in the Cabinet acts for him. No Minister is paid any acting allowance. All Ministers receive remuneration as Ministers for the leave period. This was also the case from the time the Member for Anson was Chief Minister of the then Singapore Government.