CENTRAL BODY OF TRADE UNIONS

Tun Lim Yew Hock asked the Minister for Labour (a) whether any central body of trade unions is recognised by the Government as representing trade union interests in Singapore; (b) what is the name of such body; and (c) what is the number of unions affiliated to it.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to question (a) is no. That being so, questions (b) and (c) require no answer. At a later date when the position has been clarified the Government will give consideration to this matter.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the T.U.C. is still a registered trade union?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as the record of the T.U.C, is concerned, it has been announced that it has been dissolved because of the split between two groups of unions on political issues.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Sir, what I am asking is whether, according to the records of the Labour Department, the T.U.C, is still a registered trade union?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Then, can I ask the Parliamentary Secretary by what strange process the T.U.C., which has been recognised as a central body to represent trade unions in Singapore, is now no longer recognised when it is still in existence?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Cairnhill knows very well that the T.U.C, was, during his time, run by him and was in existence on the register, but there were no activities at all on the premises of the T.U.C. So, similarly, after the split in the T.U.C., it goes back to the same position, which means that there is no activity now in the T.U.C.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: The Parliamentary Secretary is avoiding the question. What I say is, if it was recognised before by the P.A.P., why is it not recognised now? Will he please remember that in the Industrial Relations Ordinance, the T.U.C. is the body to nominate members to the employees' panel? Does he realise that? If the T.U.C. is no longer recognised, then the Industrial Relations Ordinance must be amended.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the position will be clarified as it develops day by day. But, anyway, in the Industrial Relations Ordinance, there is provision too that the Minister has the power to nominate persons to become members of the panel.