MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS

The increase in Defence expenditure in the coming years will necessarily limit expansion of Social Welfare services. To make the best available use of the vote on Social Welfare services, the 12 institutions operated by the Social Welfare Department will be encouraged to provide their own domestic services instead of depending on paid staff. Residents of Homes will also be trained to undertake work, the proceeds of which will assist in paying for the running of the Homes. Examination will be undertaken to see that the services provided in the Social Welfare Department's Children Centres and Creches are not duplicated by similar services provided by other organisations and voluntary welfare bodies. Voluntary welfare organisations will be encouraged in their work to provide services to the handicapped, the disabled and the aged in our community. Steps have already been taken to increase the number of voluntary helpers in these voluntary institutions and in the Social Welfare Department Homes. It is encouraging to note that more of our women are coming forward to undertake voluntary welfare work in the way as our young men are undertaking National Service.

Greater emphasis will be given to sports. A Sports Division has been created, to promote and encourage sports in Singapore. The National Sports Stadium at Kallang, piling work for which is still being carried out at present, is expected to be completed by the end of 1970. This will be the centre for the training of all our students from all schools and universities who show promise. Coaches will be employed for the various games and sports to raise the standards of performance in athletics, swimming and games.