APPOINTMENT OF WORK BRIGADE MEMBERS TO GOVERNMENT POSTS

Mr Tan Cheng Tong asked the Minister for Finance how many Work Brigade members have been appointed to Government posts since the formation of the Work Brigade, giving numbers appointed to permanent posts and to temporary posts; and what is the procedure of selection.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr S. Ramaswamy) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, I have been asked to reply.

The number of members of the Work brigade who have been appointed to Government service since its formation are as follows:- Permanent appointments 585 Temporary appointments 10 Daily rated appointments 436 Total 1,031

The selection for Government appointments is made by a Committee known as the Standing Committee on Grading. The members of this Committee are as follows: Chairman - the Director of the Work Brigade. Members - a representative of the Social Welfare Department; a representative of the Establishment Branch of the Ministry of Finance; a representative of the City Council; a representative of the Singapore Harbour Board.

Members of the Work Brigade to qualify for interview by this Committee, would have to complete nine months' service in camps and their work and conduct must be satisfactory. At the interview, the Committee would determine the type of appointment each candidate is considered suitable. Their names would be placed on a waiting list and they would be offered appointment as and when vacancies occur.