TOURIST PROMOTION BOARD (Resignations of officers)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Tourist Promotion Board how many officers of the Board had resigned between 1st January and 31st May, 1969, and the reasons for their resignations; and whether the resignations are likely to have adverse effects upon the administration of the Board, and what steps have been taken in the matter.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr Tang See Chim) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, the lack of suitable staff to undertake the various activities of the Tourist Promotion Board aimed at promoting the tourist industry in Singapore has long been felt. There is also a need to strengthen the organisational set-up of the Board.

In response to these needs, plans were formulated by the new Board to reorganise the executive structure of the Board and also to recruit high-calibre staff through open competition. As a result, changes had to be made to the former schedule of duties of the staff. Presumably, the new dispensation was not to the liking of some members of the staff. Thus, three officers, one clerk and four receptionists chose to resign from the service.

The administration of the Board has not been affected by their resignations. The Board will now maintain high efficiency and discipline, it is envisaged that in course of time the Board will be able to project an image of a dynamic and aggressive tourist promotion organisation as a result of improvements in its marketing activities and in its organisation of local facilities for tourists.