STRIKE BY EMPLOYEES OF PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (Commission of Inquiry)

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Prime Minister if consideration will be given to appointing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate into the causes of the strike by employees of the People's Association.

The Prime Minister: Sir, first, there is no strike by the employees of the People's Association. Out of a total of 475 employees, 145 ceased work as from the 23rd of September. These men are led by a so-called Staff Action Committee. They are not constituted as a trade union nor as a lawful association, and their activities have, in fact, been unlawful. However, the Government has been forbearing in the hope that they can see the error of their ways. If, however, they continue in their acts of hooliganism and violence and do damage to persons and property, then it would be necessary to have a Commission of Inquiry to establish publicly these acts with the political agitation instigated by some persons on the Committee of the Barisan Sosialis and publicly prove the connection between these former workers of the People's Association with several Committee members of the Barisan Sosialis. It may also be necessary to bring these former workers to court so that they will have to pay for the damage that they have done, and continue to do, to public property.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng (Mountbatten): Mr Speaker, Sir, I wonder whether the Prime Minister could tell the House whether he did or did not give an interview to the seven members of this Action Committee on the 20th of September, 1961?

The Prime Minister: I cannot offhand remember the date, Mr Speaker, Sir, but I did see the seven members of the Action Committee. In my duties as Prime Minister and Chairman of the People's Association, I have to see a great assortment of people.

Mr Speaker: Order. If the Hon. the Prime Minister wishes to ruminate on these matters, he can carry on tomorrow. This is the moment of interruption. Dr Toh.