CIVIL SERVICE (Dismissal of Divisions III and IV officers on account of indebtedness)

Mr R. A. Gonzales asked the Minister for Finance (a) how many officers in Divisions III and IV of the Government Service have been dismissed during the past twelve months on account of indebtedness; and (b) whether consideration is being or will be given to those with a long record of faithful service for further employment in view of the social problem which can result if those persons are unable to find employment in the private sector because of their having been dismissed from the Service.

The Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee): Sir, during the past twelve months, 34 officers in Divisions III and IV of the Government Service have been dismissed and another two officers retired in the public interest on account of indebtedness.

Consideration is given to cases deserving of sympathy, but in almost all these cases these persons have displayed a weakness of character such as to raise difficulties in their employment in positions of trust.