INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT (Grouses about working conditions)

Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Finance if he has received any representations, or has any knowledge of grouses among the junior officers of the Income Tax Department about working conditions in that Department, and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, in the matter.

Mr Ramaswamy (for the Minister for Finance): Officers have from time to time complained of being asked to work harder than the staff in other Government departments and occasionally of having to work outside normal office hours during peak periods.

This is to be expected as taxation work is both exacting and onerous. During peak periods the staff will occasionally have to work extra time, but this is offset by a freer time during off-peak periods.

Mr Ho See Beng: I am not quite satisfied with the answer of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance. What I am asking is whether he has received any grouses from the staff of the Income Tax Department, and if he has, what steps he has taken to remedy the grouses?

Mr Ramaswamy: Their complaints are of being asked to work hard and occasionally having to work outside normal hours. That is all.

Mr Speaker: I think the supplementary question is really directed at asking if there have been grouses other than those relating to overwork or work outside office hours,

Mr Ramaswamy: Not that I am aware of, Sir.