TERMINATION NOTICES FOR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-AIDED SCHOOLS (Number)

Madam Hoe Puay Choo asked the Minister for Education how many principals and teachers in Government and/or Government-aided schools had received notices terminating their services in 1962 and during the period 1st January, 1963 to 15th March, 1963.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1962, six Principals of Government-Aided Primary Schools had their services terminated as Principals for various reasons, such as misbehaviour, inefficiency or misuse of funds. They were, however, allowed to seek teaching appointments in other schools. Five have since been re-employed as teachers and the remaining one has probably decided to seek employment elsewhere.

For the period 1st January, 1963, to 15th March, 1963, five Principals of Government-Aided Schools have had their services terminated also for various reasons; for example, detention by the Internal Security Council, failure to report the arrest of a teacher by the Internal Security Council after a lapse of eleven days, although the teacher concerned was actually living in the same premises as the Principal, and unsatisfactory state of school accounts, etc.

For 1962, 502 teachers received notices of termination of service. The breakdown is as follows:- English Chinese Malay Tamil Total Government Schools 349 45 3 Nil 397 Government-Aided Schools 15 90 Nil Nil 105 Total 364 135 3 Nil 502

For the period 1st January, 1963, to 15th of March, 1963, 27 teachers received notices of termination:- English Chinese Malay Tamil Total Government Schools 17 Nil Nil Nil 17 Government Aided Schools 2 8 Nil Nil 10 Total 19 8 Nil Nil 27

The main grounds for termination of services of teachers may be classified broadly as follows:- (a) Failing to obtain minimum academic qualificationas laid down in their originalletters of Appointment or Letters of Approval 400 (b) Refusing to sign Training Agree-ment when required to do so 51 (c) Failing terminal re-examinations at the Teachers' Training College 10 (d) Failing to pass medical examination 18 (e) Unsatisfactory service 2 (f) Non-selection by Public Service Commission or security objection 48 Total 529

Mr Tee Kim Leng: (In Mandarin): Sir, do the words "unsatisfactory service" mean that these teachers did not go to welcome the Prime Minister when he visited the rural areas?

Mr Speaker: Order. The question can be ruled out as being facetious.

Mr Leong Keng Seng (Serangoon Gardens): (In Mandarin): Sir, may I ask the Minister this question? Did the Principals whose services were terminated receive one month's notice, or did they receive one month's pay in lieu of notice?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the normal rules of termination of service were complied with and adequate notice was given. Sometimes they persisted in hanging on, then probably they were told to leave the premises.

Madam Hoe Puay Choo (Bras Basah): (In Mandarin): Sir, from what I know, among those whose services were terminated were those who are detained. Now, when these people are released, will the Minister allow them to continue with their teaching?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: I can assure the Member for Bras Basah that when the matter does arise, I shall consider it.