GOVERNMENT ACCOMMODATION FOR REVENUE OFFICERS AND MARINE STAFF

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Finance what is the position with reference to Government accommodation available for Revenue Officers and Marine Staff of the Customs and Excise Department.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, in the Customs and Excise Department there are at present 376 Revenue officers of all grades and 115 Marine Staff. Under their terms of service, the Revenue Officers may be required to reside in institutional quarters, and 207 of them are occupying Government quarters. Although the terms of service of the Marine Staff do not require them to stay in institutional quarters, 58 of them are, however, occupying quarters. The remaining 56 quarters Out of a total of 321 under the control of the Customs and Excise Department are occupied by other grades.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister indicate whether any assistance would be given by Government, or any contemplated provision by Government, for increasing the accommodation for both the Revenue Officers and the Marine Staff?

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Expansion of quarters is being provided for in the State Development Plan. This year another 24 Division III quarters would be built for the accommodation of Revenue Officers, and another 32 quarters next year.