RETRENCHED WORKERS (Estimated cost of retraining schemes)

Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour what is the estimated cost for organising the retraining scheme for retrenched workers of the British military establishments; and what will be the estimated cost for providing similar facilities to retrenched workers in the private sector.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Labour): Sir, based on the experience of the first course organised for ietrenched base workers, the total cost of retraining 561 workers would be in the region of $57,000, which would include instruction fees, cost of materials and overhead. On this basis, the estimated cost of training each worker for a period of three months would be about $100.

If a retraining scheme were organised for retrenched workers in the private sector, the cost would probably be no different. Indeed, costs can be influenced by the type of training to be given. For example, if electric welding were to be taught, the cost of materials and electricity would be much higher. The hon. Member will appreciate that in the light of the answers I have given to his other questions, there appears to be no justification at the moment to incur such costs.

Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee (Toa Payoh): If the unions concerned are prepared to foot the bill, will the Minister consider operating such a scheme for retrenched workers in the private sector in conjunction with that accorded to service personnel?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Sir, I do not think it is just a question of costs involved. We will still have to look for space and instructors, and there are so many other factors affecting such courses. If the unions concerned are interested in any particular retraining scheme, I shall be very glad to have some idea of it on paper. We can then give the matter serious consideration.