NANYANG UNIVERSITY

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Education what assistance the Government has given the Nanyang University since June 1959, to a latest convenient date; what financial assistance it proposes to give in future; and what is the present stage of the negotiations with that University.

Mr Teo Hock Guan asked the Minister for Education what financial aid does the Government propose to give to the Nanyang University.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I take question 28 together with 29? It is related, I think.

Mr Speaker: That seems to be convenient.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: In the matter of financial assistance to the Nanyang University, the Government has made its position clear when it stated that financial support to the University would be given subject to re-organisation being carried out in accordance with the Report of the Nanyang University Review Committee. It is a matter for regret that to date this condition has not been fulfilled, with the result that since June 1959, the University has not been given financial assistance.

However, financial assistance in the form of bursaries is being given to the Singapore students in the University. Up to date a total of 1,012 bursaries has been awarded, amounting to $1,051,690. Break-down figures are as follows: Year Number of Amount bursaries awarded $ 1959 290 321,190 1960 321 328,500 1961 401 402,000 ----- --------- Total 1,012 1,051,690 ----- ---------

There were two meetings of the Liaison Committee comprising representa tives of the Government and the Nanyang University authorities in 1960. But unfortunately no agreement was reached. However, the Government is always ready to negotiate and discuss this matter. It is hoped that this problem will be solved in the coming year.

Mr Speaker: Perhaps this is an opportune moment to suspend. I will permit supplementary questions after the suspension. I will take this Chair again at 5.30 p.m.

Sitting accordingly suspended at 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Sitting resumed at 5.30 p.m.