RTS ENTERPRISES (PRIVATE) LIMITED

Mr P. Selvadurai asked the Minister for Culture if he will state whether RTS Enterprises (Private) Limited is a limited company wholly owned by Government and whether this company also functions and does business as a travel agency.

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Culture if RTS has become a Travel Agency, and why.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in his question the Member for Katong is presumably referring to RTS Enterprises (Private) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of RTS. RTS itself has not become a travel agency. RTS Enterprises (Private) Ltd. has a travel department which serves as a travel agency to Government and statutory bodies.

The Member for Katong will appreciate that Government and statutory bodies have to incur a substantial amount for travel for their officers on duty overseas. If the passages for such travel were purchased by Government directly, the full price of the passage has to be paid. As all airlines give a commission to travel agents, the establishment of a travel department within RTS Enterprises (Private) Ltd, has enabled the Company to earn the commission payable to travel agents.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister for Culture enlighten the House on the difference in functions between RTS Enterprises (Private) Ltd, and RTS?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, RTS, that is the Broadcasting Division, normally performs the duties of the Broadcasting Department. RTS Enterprises (Private) Ltd., which is a corporate body but one fully owned by Government, enters into the production of records, promotion of shows and also acts as a travel agency for the Government.

Mr Selvadurai: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister for Culture give us the figures of the amount of savings effected by performing this function for Government and Government agencies?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot give the exact amount, but in the case of the travel agency, since it began business in November 1968, it has earned up to 30th June, 1969, a commission of $15,612 from airlines.