WOMEN IN SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister of Defence whether it is Government policy that women could and should also share in the task of safeguarding the security of our young Republic and whether he will take immediate steps to create more opportunities for them to serve in the Police Force.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is the Government's policy that women should share in the task of safeguarding the security of our young Republic. They take a rightful place in the ranks of both the Police and the Army. The number of policewomen required is, however, limited by the fact that in the field of criminal activity, particularly where violence is used, women have not yet achieved equality with men. Therefore, it is necessary to employ more policemen than policewomen.

Similarly, in the Army, women cannot be used as combat troops, but they are usefully engaged in clerical, nursing and communications work.

Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta): (In Mandarin): Sir, can I supplement my question? If there are posts at present which need women to come forward to serve the country, especially posts in the Police Force, will the Minister consider providing women with these facilities? According to him, certain posts are not quite suitable for women, but I understand that in the Police Force, certain posts are quite suitable for women. Will he consider providing better facilities for women to join the Police Force?

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, at present the number of posts in the establishment of policewomen is something like 245 - in that order of magnitude - I have not got the actual figure. Most of these posts are filled. There are only a few vacancies, possibly about half a dozen. These will be filled in the normal course of work.