TOUTS AROUND GOVERNMENT OFFICES (Action to curb their activities)

Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister of Defence whether action will be taken to curb the activities of touts around Government offices who charge illiterate people, seeking assistance from Government departments, unnecessary fees for helping such illiterate people write letters to the departments.

The Minister of State of Defence (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, there is provision in the law to deal with persons who tout around Government departments. In fact, action has already been taken against such touts.

Members of the public may wish to note that approved petition writers are available at the Registry of Births and Deaths, the General Post Office and the Immigration Department, to assist them in filling Government application forms as well as writing letters. Unlike the touts, these approved petition writers charge a reasonable sum, i.e., 20 to 30 cents per form filled up.

With regard to legal matters, however, it must be stressed that touts as well as approved petition writers are in no position to offer any advice.

Where the legal matter is of a civil nature, indigent members of the public, who cannot afford the services of a lawyer, may have recourse to the Legal Aid Bureau.