SCHOOL TRAFFIC WARDENS (Delays in payment)

Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that there are delays in payments to school traffic wardens, and if he will look into the matter.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, school traffic wardens are paid twice monthly and the majority of the claims for payment are sent to the Ministry by post on the 1st and 16th of each month. Payment is made to principals by cheques sent by post. Delays in payment largely arise from late submission of claims or mistakes in claims which have to be returned to the schools for rectification. There were some delays earlier in the year as a result of the transfer of responsibility to this Ministry from the Police, when new arrangements had to be made for submission and processing of claim forms. However, now that the system has been in operation for some months, delays are minimal. For instance, this month, as of the 10th, there were only 15 late submissions in respect of 151 claims for the second half of September 1969.

Mr Tay Boon Too (Paya Lebar): (In Mandarin): Sir, can the Minister ask his Ministry to prepare the salaries for school traffic wardens a month in advance?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: I certainly will consider that suggestion from the Member.