LIABILITY FOR COST OF POLICE SERVICES AT STRIKES

Mr Tee Kim Leng asked the Minister for Home Affairs who is liable for the cost of the services of police personnel at places where there is a strike while business is carried on as usual.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the simple answer is that no charges are made for the services of police personnel who are required to take lawful measures for preserving the public peace during a strike. It is the duty of the Police Force at all times to preserve the public peace, and whenever it appears there may be a breach of the peace occurring at a place where there is a strike, police personnel are put on duty, if employees taking part in a strike will observe the rules of peaceful picketing, and if employers on the other hand will refrain from provoking action, I am sure all this diversion of police personnel from their normal duties will not be necessary.