ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1972, TO 31ST MARCH, 1973

Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [3rd Allotted Day].

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

2.40 p.m.

Head 1301 -

Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.)

Sir, last week when I took part in the debate on the Budget presented by the Minister, I mentioned that it was a progressive Budget, which would benefit the development of our commerce and industry. Today, I still hold this point of view, and that is, that the Minister for Finance has prepared a healthy and progressive Budget. What I would like to raise here is the question of the various provisions and whether they are adequately allocated. On 7th March, when the Minister presented the Budget in this House, he emphasised that the main reason why it has not been necessary to increase taxes over the last three years was because of the rapid development of our commerce and industry leading to an increase in revenue.

Sir, I would like to touch upon the provisions for the various departments. I think there are certain areas which we need to discuss and examine. The total provision amounted to the figure of $1,448,692,350. In terms of the various departments, the allocation for Defence and Internal Security is 38.9 per cent. This is necessary in order to strengthen our defence and to maintain our internal security. Social Services accounted for 26.6 per cent, Statutory Expenditure accounted for 15.1 per cent, and Economic Services accounted for only 7.8 per cent. What I would like to raise here is in regard to Economic Services. 7.8 per cent appears to me as rather low. The Minister himself has mentioned that the increase in revenue is due to the rapid development of our commerce and industry, and these Economic Services are beneficial to economic expansion and industrial and commercial development. Therefore, we should have adequate provision for Economic Services. If we compare Economic Services to the goose that lays the golden egg, then we should provide adequate nutrition for this goose. It is only by providing adequate nutrition that this goose can be expected to lay a great quantity of golden eggs, so that we can have better results in our economic expansion. Otherwise, this goose, suffering from malnutrition, will be sickly and contract a lot of diseases. If this is the case, I believe we will not be able to get any eggs from this goose. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is for this reason that I believe the provision for Economic Services is inadequate and, therefore, should be increased. In addition, I would like to ask the Minister to explain the details related to Economic Services.

The second point I would like to raise is in regard to external trade. Last year, our trade deficit has increased to the phenomenal amount of $3,000 million. The Minister for Finance explained to us last year that we do not have to worry unduly about trade deficit because this can be offset by incomes received from other sources, such as ship repairing, port services, and tourism. I would like to know whether the $3,000 million trade deficit last year has been sufficiently set off by the incomes from other sources. Can the Minister please explain to this House?

The third point I would like to mention is in regard to the stability of price levels. The Minister has already acknowledged that there is an increase in the general level of prices. Therefore, I think he should take adequate measures to control prices to ensure a better standard of living for everyone.

2.45 p.m.

Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson): Speaker, Sir, with your would like to range my to my next amendment* in respect of subhead 1041.

• The amendment reads as follows: -

(2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1041.

The Chairman: Yes.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, since the Prime Minister has announced the "13th month salary" for civil servants, I presume they are quite satisfied with it. I wonder whether the Minister for Finance will also consider giving the "13th month salary" to pensioners who had put in many years of loyal and patriotic service to the Republic.

Sir, it is the practice in some departments to retain the services of retired civil servants. This has caused a lot of frustration among junior officers, because they feel that their chances of promotion are nullified by these retired civil servants who are re-employed in some of the senior posts. I am not objecting to their re-employment, but whether their experience is necessary for the betterment of the civil service.

Sir, there is a certain amount of brain drain among the civil servants who, after having received their scholarships, come back only to resign after serving for a few years. This form of brain drain must be stopped, because the civil servants make use of the civil service as a stepping stone for their own betterment. We cannot have them holding the civil service by the throat.

However, I would suggest that better conditions of service should be considered for the civil servants. As far as possible, the gap in pay between the public and private sectors should be narrowed, and so prevent a brain drain in the civil service. Furthermore. I would suggest that civil servants should be recruited on a contract basis, so that the knowledge and experience that they gain will not be lost to the Government after a short employment. Otherwise, it would be a waste of Government expenditure to recruit and train these people.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I wonder whether a varying scale of a maximum of three annual increments in the various salary scales can be granted to an officer for any one year. Entitlement to this special increment should depend on the merits and capabilities of the individual. It will be an incentive for the officers to give of their best.

As far as the low income group is concerned, I have the greatest sympathy for them. There have been complaints about the rising cost of living in Singapore, although the Minister for Finance is making every effort to bridge the gap between the lower and higher income groups by way of tax reliefs which he has announced in Parliament last week. However. I still feel that the lower income group should get more benefits in the revision of their emoluments, and I hope the National Wages Council will look into this matter.

Sir, one example of dissatisfaction in the civil service can be seen in the case of temporary officers engaged on a month-to-month basis. Sometimes they are asked to act in a senior post. However, when a vacancy for the senior post is advertised, these officers are unfortunately not eligible to apply. Some other officers, with whom the temporary officers are familiar, will take over the post. Why cannot these temporary officers be confirmed as permanent officers in their senior posts? Can the Minister look into it and rectify the matter?

Mr Speaker, Sir, our local population has a prejudice against locally-made products. This is justified to a great extent. If one were to import a certain product which is also produced locally, a certain difference in quality can be noticed. For example, a certain brand of tooth-paste made in Malaysia foams better in the mouth than the tooth-paste of the same brand produced locally. Similarly, cars manufactured and assembled by the parent company overseas are of a superior quality to cars of the same make but assembled locally.. Surely something can be done by local manufacturers who produce goods of a certain quality for local consumption and of another quality for export purposes.

The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am obliged to the Member for Sembawang for his comments and sentiments for adequate provision for the Economic Services and, in particular, industrial development with which I must fully agree. He has asked for some details regarding the allocation for Economic Services. May I refer him to Appendix F of the Main Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 1972-73, in which a very detailed breakdown is given of expenditure by functional classification. It will be observed that all the departments and Ministries involved in providing economic services have been allocated adequate funds for their needs. As I have explained in the Budget Statement, the apparent reduction in the provision for Economic Services is due to the fact that the Telecommunications Department is to become a statutory authority and, therefore, no provision has been made for its recurrent expenditure which was allocated a sum of $19.4 million in the 1971-72 Estimates. If this is taken into account, it will be observed that the provision for Economic Services has, in fact, been increased from $107.5 million in 1971-72 to $113.14 million in 1972-73. I should also like to remind the Member that the amount we have entered in the Ordinary Estimates does not constitute all the budgetary provision for Economic Services, as provision is also made in the Development Estimates for expenditure on Economic Services. It should also be noted that with the increased allocation for Defence and Social Services, the proportionate share of the expenditure for Economic Services would tend to be marginally smaller, even when the actual quantum of funds provided has been increased. I can assure the Member that adequate funds will always be made available for departments providing economic services, and that there is no intention on the part of the Treasury to curtail their expenditure.

The Member for Sembawang has also asked a question on the widening trade gap of $3,283.7 million in 1971 as compared with $2,778.0 million in 1970. This should give no cause for alarm. The preliminary figures for the 1971 balance of payments show that we have some $847.5 million in our favour compared with $416.5 million for 1970. This represents a 103 per cent increase in our reserves. Some reasons for the trends in the balance of payment figures had been given in the 1970 and 1971 Budget debates. If I may summarise, it should be appreciated that the widening trade gap is fairly common in a developing country, owing to the need to purchase large amounts of capital goods, particularly heavy machinery and transportation equipment. Of the trade gap of $3,283.7 million in 1971, import of machinery and transportation equipment alone accounted for $2,209.1 million. Even if we discount the $740.5 million for export of machinery and transportation equipment from Singapore, the retained imports still amounted to $1,568.0 million.

The other point which has to be made is that the trade balance is not the only factor in the balance of payments. It is offset by increased invisible earnings from, firstly, entrepot trade services, including finance, banking, insurance and freight earnings. Secondly, unrecorded purchases by tourists and transportation personnel, such as ship and air crew. Thirdly, ship building, ship repairing, supplies to vessels, oil rigs and aircraft using Singapore as a base. Fourthly, the substantial under-coverage by the trade balance figures, which is indicated by the large balancing item of $3,045.2 million in our balance of payments balance sheet. Some redistribution of these balancing items could be attempted and would be largely made on the credit side of the Current Account, particularly on merchandise trade, also on Capital Account. This attempt to redistribute the balancing items has not been made since comprehensive data on these flows are not available to enable this to be done on a reliable basis. Nevertheless, I think it would be healthy to see our exports increase substantially. Singapore's total exports in 1971 registered a 13 per cent increase over the 1970 performance. In addition to the introduction of the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act, a new export promotion unit is being set up in the Trade Division in 1972-73 to undertake studies of export markets and to take full advantage of the preferential treatment offered by various developed countries to assist developing countries to increase exports of locally manufactured goods.

On the Member's last comment on the matter of price increases, the Government is doing what it can to stabilise the prices of foodstuffs, especially basic necessities. Manufacturers, importers, and members of the distributive trade have been warned against taking undue advantage of any situation that presents itself to jack up prices. In this respect, I think officers of the Supplies Office are continually checking on prices of foodstuffs in all localities in Singapore. However, Singapore cannot remain totally immune to changes in supply and demand for food in the international scene. Nevertheless, the Government has to step in to help the consumers wherever possible.

3.00p.m.

The retail price of locally refined sugar has remained stable at 39 cents a katty, or $550 a ton ex-factory, with duty, since February last year, despite the fact that world prices of raw sugar have shot up from œ49 or $360 per ton to over œ90 or $661.50 per ton currently -- I think it will be appreciated that there has been concern in other countries over the rise in the price of their sugar. To safeguard the consumers in Singapore, an export control is also placed on locally refined sugar.

As far as wheat flour is concerned, the retail price of 25 cents per katty has remained stable since the beginning of 1971. Rice prices have also remained very firm. Since January last year, wholesale prices for the two Thai top-grade rice have declined from $33.50 and $26 per picul to its present price of $32 and $25 per picul respectively. The price of China top-grade rice has also dropped during the same period from $26.25 to the present value of $23.50 per picul.

On condensed milk, the price of popular brands has remained at 60 cents for a 14-ounce tin since September last year. Over this period, the prices of raw materials have gone up considerably. Skimmed milk prices have increased on an average of $1,000 to $1,200 a ton, while butter fat prices have risen from $2,400 to $3,300 a ton. The Government has, therefore, done a fair amount of work in trying to stabilise the prices of basic commodities. However, I welcome the establishment last year by the private sector of the Consumers' Association of Singapore, which is very active in looking after the interests of consumers and is working closely with our Trade Division.

Finally, I understand the National Trades Union Congress is presently studying the feasibility of setting up a Consumers' Co-operative, and that a pilot project will be launched in the near future. With the close co-operation of consumers, this project should prove successful.

The Member for Anson, first of all, raised the point of the 13th monthly salary to be paid to pensioners. I think the intention of the scheme is really .a 13th month salary payment. So it is not a 13th month pension. In the circumstances, it does not fall within the scope of the 13th month salary scheme or the non-pensionable annual allowance.

The Member also made some comment on the question of terms and conditions of service for civil servants and, particularly, for those who have just returned from overseas. I believe his comment is prompted by concern over the possible resignation of civil servants to join the private sector. The present practice, of course, is that the Public Service Commission appoints higher level personnel, including professional and technical personnel, to the permanent establishment so as to offer them a long-term career in the civil service. The Member suggested offering contracts. A small number of officers have been appointed on a temporary basis because they so prefer it. In other cases, it is because they are required for specific projects of a temporary nature only. However, such temporary officers with proven ability have been and will be offered permanent appointment if they wish. Those who were appointed initially on a temporary basis because their jobs were only temporary jobs can apply when permanent vacancies arise. The policy of the P.S.C, is to conduct frequent promotion exercises so that outstanding and promising officers will obtain accelerated promotion.

Promotion in the professional services is now based on merit rather than for filling posts, so that where there are deserving officers, the P.S.C. will recommend their promotion even though there are insufficient established vacancies. As an added incentive to promising officers, the policy with regard to acting appointments is that these should also be made on merit and not on seniority. Also, pensioners are not normally re-employed unless there are exceptional reasons, such as acute shortage of experienced staff in a particular grade. In every case of re-employment of a pensioner, Government ensures that this is done without depriving the serving officers of their promotion prospects. With near-full employment, it may, in fact, become increasingly necessary to employ more pensioners who are still healthy in mind and body and who can contribute positively to the economy.

I find it difficult, however, to accept the Member's suggestion to replace the present annual incremental practice with a three-year increment in all cases.

The Member for Anson also made one comment with regard to locally-made products. I heartily agree that these products should be made more popular among our own consumers. I think the schemes which have been instituted by the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research should make it plain to all local consumers that our local products are just as good as those which are imported. I hope they will give their full support to the consumption of local products, instead of imported products.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for answering all my three questions. He has given a very comprehensive and adequate answer. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: (Punggol): Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1251.

Sir, in moving this amendment, I would like to refer the Minister for Finance to two Reports which have been presented to this House. One is the Report of the Auditor-General for the financial year 1969-70 contained in Paper Cmd. 14 of 1971 presented to Parliament on l7ti July, 1971. The other is the First Report of the Public Accounts Committee contained in Paper Pan. 1 of 1972 presented to Parliament on 12th February, 1972. Sir, whilst browsing through the Auditor- General's Report, I was given the impression that losses of public funds in the various departments were the result of the officials in the departments concerned not being conversant with the financial procedures or that they have been overworked in some cases. The First Report of the Public Accounts Committee bears testimony to this fact. I would like to quote the comments in page 2 of this Report under the heading "Irregularities":

`8. Perusing the Audit Report your Committee noted the number of irregularities which were, in the main, due to weaknesses in the accounting system or because the financial officers concerned were not sufficiently acquainted with and did not follow the safeguards laid down in the Instruction Manuals.'

Further down, the Public Accounts Committee made some recommendations, and I quote:

`9. As an immediate measure, your Committee recommend that attention of all accounting officers should be drawn to these two common areas of weaknesses so that they may be more vigilant and take necessary action to prevent the occurrences or recurrences of such irregularities.

10. As a long term measure, your Committee feel that the whole problem should be tackled on a wider basis of co-ordination and improvement of general financial administration and supervision, including the use of modern mechanical aids and computers, and that a proper training scheme for officers should be formulated and implemented. For the immediate future, your Committee recommend that the Ministry of Finance look into the feasibility of creating a cadre of trained financial officers at various levels for posting to Ministries and Departments to strengthen financial administration and supervision as well as improve efficiency of financial work in all sectors.'

Sir, I would like to know whether the Minister for Finance will take immediate remedial action as a result of the two Reports. Of course, I am fully aware that the Public Accounts Committees First Report was presented only last month, lest the Minister should say, "We have just received this First Report and it is now being studied with a view to taking appropriate action as soon as a full evaluation of the Report has been made."

Mr Sia Khoon Seong (Moulmein): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to enquire from the Minister for Finance whether his Ministry will consider allowing aided school teachers to apply for holiday bungalows in Changi, which were recently acquired by the Government from the Royal Air Force, on the same terms offered to their counterparts in the Government service?

3.15p.m.

In making this inquiry, I am prompted by two considerations:

(1) The recent policy of the Finance Ministry is to allow members of the public to occupy such bungalows, thus indicating that the availability of holiday bungalows exceeds the needs of civil servants.

(2) That aided school teachers are granted medical facilities like their counterparts in the Government service. That being so, will they also be granted the same privileges as their counterparts in the Government service?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, regarding the irregularities in the accounting system, whether indicated by the Auditor-General in his Report which has just been received, or whether they are detected by the Ministries or Departments themselves or by the Ministry of Finance, they are always very carefully studied and, where possible, remedies are taken. In any big organisation, however, we must expect that occasional flaws in the accounting system will be discovered. The other area of weakness, which has been suggested as being responsible for losses of public funds, is overworking the staff. On this matter I have, in response to questions in the debate on my annual Budget Statement, stated that the remedy to prevent civil servants from being overworked is to try and retain more of them and to recruit them on a more acceptable basis. On the whole, the Government accounting system is on a firm and sound base. Nevertheless, there is considerable scope for improvement, and steps are being taken to increase the use of computers and other mechanical aids, as suggested by the Member, so that the element of human fallibility can be reduced.

The other suggestion was that the weaknesses in the accounting system may be due to the unfamiliarity of the financial officers concerned with the proper financial procedures. To remedy this, courses on financial administration are being conducted by the Staff Training Institute for Divisions I and II officers. Subjects on financial system and procedures, annual budgets, financial control, losses of public moneys and stores, contract and stores procedures are included in the courses conducted by the Institute for administrative and executive officers, and they will continue to be included in future courses.

The Member for Moulmein asked whether the Finance Ministry will allow aided school teachers to apply for holiday bungalows in Changi. The answer is that they are eligible to apply as members of the public. I believe, however, the suggestion is prompted by the desire to give them priority over other members of the public, in the same way as facilities are given them in the Government hospitals. However, I will look into this matter and, assuming that we have an over-supply of these holiday bungalows, we will certainly consider making them available to the aided school teachers.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: In the light of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1501.

Sir, I bring up this matter in order to assure myself of the quality of the goods supplied by the Central Supplies Office. A few months ago when I had occasion to be in hospital for a short time, I was surprised to hear complaints made by senior staff members about an item of furniture, namely, armchairs, supplied by the Central Supplies Office to the Ministry of Health. They were complaints that the item of furniture received showed early signs of deterioration, and on one occasion a chair collapsed under the weight of a patient.

The question I would like to ask is whether Government departments are forced to accept the goods provided by the Central Supplies Office, even if they are reluctant to accept the goods because they are able to get similar items of equal or better quality and at a cheaper price than those supplied. Is adequate care taken to ensure that the quality of the goods supplied conform to reasonable expectations of those who place orders for them? In any case, I would imagine also that when orders are placed with the Central Supplies Office, quality specifications are also given. Can the Minister enlighten me on this score?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, all purchases by the Chief Supplies Officer for the requirements of Government departments are made by the open tender system, which ensures that materials supplied are of accepted and specified quality at the most competitive price possible. Wherever possible, samples are examined before the actual purchases are made. It must be recognised that large quantities of supplies are usually consumed and, as public funds should be spent judiciously, they cannot always be of the best quality available. On the other hand, I accept the Member's point that the cheapest are not necessarily the most economical and that mistakes of judgment, which are occasionally made in regard to quality specifications should be corrected by constant review of such specifications. On the particular example of the hospital chair, I am obliged to the Member for the information, and I will ask the Chief Supplies Officer to look into the matter. We cannot guarantee to supply, however, luxury chairs made by Parker Knoll or Eero Saarinen.

Mr Conceicao: Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Sim Boon Woo (Changi): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2005.

Sir, in moving this amendment, I would like to present a bouquet to the Minister for Law and National Development for his achievement in public housing. In doing so, I observe a radical phenomenon. The more successful we are in our housing, development, the more the State would have to pay in the form of subsidy to every Housing and Development Board flat dweller. This burden, of course, is reduced by our scheme of home ownership, but the bulk of dwellers in rented flats still receive this privilege of rent, though they do not see or are even aware of it themselves.

I note that there is an increase of $3 million under this subhead. I would appreciate it if the Minister will inform the House as to how this increased amount is to be expended. I should also like to know the total number of housing units completed last year. How many of these were sold, and the amount of subsidy incurred for the remaining units which were rented out?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, this information is to a certain extent the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Law and National Development, but I will try to answer for him.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Thank you very much.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: The amount of subsidy given to the Housing and Development Board in any one year is calculated on the deficit between the annual income and expenditure of the Current Account of the Board in the preceding financial year. The deficit itself is largely due to the fact that for the one-room and two-room flats the rentals charged are not sufficient to cover the operating cost, including the provision of amenities and maintenance.

The increase in subsidy required is due to two factors; firstly, the increase in the number of tenants living in one-room flats and, secondly, the increasing cost of providing amenities and proper maintenance of the housing estates. As at the end of 1971, the number of Housing and Development Board flats under rental was 89,500, of which one-room and two-room flats amounted to 69,982. In 1972 the Board is planning to build another 9,100 one-room flats. Most of these flats are being used to house families affected by the various development projects under the urban renewal schemes, and industrial and other development schemes.

With the increase in the number of tenants living in subsidised Housing and Development Board flats, it is inevitable that the Government subsidy has to be proportionally increased. It may also be mentioned that the rentals for Housing and Development Board flats were fixed in 1960-61, and since then there have naturally been increases in the cost of providing services, amenities, and management of estates. It is not possible to provide separate data on the various components that make the subsidy, as these increases are only reflected in the overall deficit in the operating expenses of the Board. The preliminary financial statement of the Housing and Development Board for the year 1971-72 indicates that the subsidy required will be in the region of $10 million. The final figure will be determined when the audited accounts of the Board become available around June or July, 1972. The total number of Housing and Development Board units completed in 1971 was 16,147. Of these, 6,898 units were sold, and the rest were for rental.

3.30p.m.

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, would you allow me to ask the Minister a favour on this same subhead, please?

The Chairman: Yes.

Mr Conceicao: Sir, in respect of the subsidy to the Housing and Development Board, I also presume that, as the Minister has said, this sum is being used for certain amenities - in the case of my constituency, the construction of a swimming complex. However, the Housing and Development Board has written to the Ministry of Finance to get clearance with regard to additional land - and perhaps the demolition of a couple of houses belonging to the Government - in order to accommodate this swimming complex. The Housing and Development Board has not yet received a reply for a few months now. I wonder if the Minister for Finance could look into this matter on behalf of my constituency.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: If this involves a matter of subsidy, it could be looked into. If it is just a matter of detail to provide additional land and facilities, perhaps this can be referred to my colleague, the Minister for National Development. We do meet the difference between current income expenditure. At the same time, I think we expect the Housing and Development Board and the Ministry of National Development to exercise care in reducing costs as far as possible so that we do not have to raise the subsidy on rents. When the cost of the subsidy goes up too high, it may be necessary for us then to request the Ministry of National Development to consider whether rentals should not he raised, but I hope that will not be necessary.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Sir, in view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by the whole sum in respect of subhead 2096.

Sir, I would like to know from the Minister the reason for the almost 50 per cent increase for this subhead. Sir, who are the people to be entertained, and what are the forms of entertainment? I would also like to know if this vote is meant for the Ministry as a whole, or for the use of any individual officer in the course of his duties.

I observe the anomaly that whilst entertainment allowances are budgeted for Ministers and even Permanent Secretaries, there is no provision at all for Parliamentary Secretaries. May I know if it is the Minister's view that Parliamentary Secretaries have no occasion to entertain? I know they do entertain foreign guests, particularly, but with funds out of their own pockets. Sir, I also want to know the reason why Parliamentary Secretaries are not entitled to these allowances?

Further, I am given to understand that when Parliamentary Secretaries travel abroad on official duties, they are given economy class air passages. Are Permanent Secretaries given first-class air passages when they travel abroad on official duties? If so, why?

Sir, Parliamentary Secretaries have to-date maintained a silent and reluctant restraint on this matter for reasons best known to themselves. I cannot see the reason and logic that Permanent Secretaries should take precedence over Parliamentary Secretaries.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, this subhead is provided as a general or central vote to cover the entertainment expenses of all Ministries and departments of Government. In other words, it is not specifically for the use of one Ministry or any individual officer. Persons entertained under this vote are usually officers of other governments and international organisations visiting Singapore on official missions, or for hi-lateral talks. The type of entertainment provided is usually in the form of dinners, lunches, and light refreshments. The rate per person is usually worked out at approved standard rates. Every such occasion, including the number of persons to be entertained, has to have the prior approval of Treasury. In recent years, with Singapore's growth as a regional and international centre, there has been a substantial increase in the number of such visits and meetings. For the financial year 197l-72, there has been an increase in such activities, particularly concerning telecommunications, technical education, and science and technology. The estimated expenditure for 1971-72 is expected to exceed the provision of $5,000 by about $2,500. In view of the fact that the provision is to cover expenditure for the whole year of all departments, the sum of $9,000 in this year's Estimates is not considered extravagant.

In addition to the central vote for entertainment, there is also a vote for "Entertainment Expenses" in each Ministry, and another vote for "Entertainment Expenses for Permanent Secretary." to be spent at the discretion of the political head and of the administrative head of the Ministry respectively. These provisions are necessary perhaps because Treasury control was considered too restrictive. In cases where there are Ministers of State or Parliamentary Secretaries, the vote for the Ministry is larger, say, $3,000 instead of $2,000. Therefore, in regard to entertainment expenses incurred by Parliamentary Secretaries in entertaining official foreign guests, such expenses can be charged to the "Entertainment Expenses" vote of the Ministry. In fact, I thought all such expenses are currently being paid out of the vote which is more commonly referred to as the Minister's entertainment expenses vote. Parliamentary Secretaries can and do, in fact, make use of this vote with the concurrence, implicit or otherwise, of the Minister concerned. It is, therefore, incorrect to say that Parliamentary Secretaries are not benefiting from such facility. If any of them are out of pocket, it is because they do not make a claim; it is not because of any discrimination against them. If there is any shortage of funds, they can always apply to the Treasury for reimbursement from the central vote.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Sir, my question on the air passages for Parliamentary Secretaries has not been answered.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, this expenditure does not come under this particular entertainment expenses vote. But I would say that this is a long-standing regulation, and I have had no complaints against it by any of the Parliamentary Secretaries so far. If they wish to raise this matter with me, I shall be pleased to consider it.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Sir, in view of the not unsatisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $188,092,100 for Head 1301 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Head 1303-

Mr Ho Kah Leong (Jurong): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1303 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2281.

Sir, this is a provision for contributions and financial assistance to cultural organisations. Looking at the Estimates, this provision of just a mere sum of $10,000 is too small as a means of contribution and financial assistance to cultural organisations. It is inadequate for their activities. It is common knowledge that cultural activities certainly require an assistance of more than $10,000.

Sir, from the policy statement of the Finance Minister we know that our economy has established a firm foundation. At the same time we are also promoting a gracious living in Singapore because we do not want to produce ugly Singaporeans. Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister for Finance to allocate more funds as a contribution for the promotion of cultural activities in Singapore.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the largest theatre in Singapore is the National Theatre. Though it is called National Theatre, it is not run by the State, but by the National Theatre Trust. Notwithstanding this fact, Sir, under the planning and organisation of the National Theatre Trust, various significant activities have been carried out in the cultural front. But this is not a direct management from the State. Because of this, the National Theatre Trust is annually faced with financial deficits of more than $200,000 per annum. It has to make public appeals for donations every year to meet the deficit. What I fail to understand is why has the Government not allocated a sum of $200,000 to 5 300.000 to the National Theatre Trust to make it possible for the National Theatre Trust to successfully promote cultural activities in Singapore? I would like to ask the Minister for Finance not to stinge on the cultural expenses.

Sir, I read in the newspapers that a cultural mission was sent to Adelaide to take part in the cultural festival under the leadership of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture. It was a great success and the performance was applauded by thousands of Australians, thereby enabling them to have a better image of Singapore.

Sir, on this basis I would like the Minister for Finance to allocate more sums to the Ministry of Culture to set up a permanent cultural mission to visit and perform in various countries overseas. In the first place, this will promote cultural activities in Singapore. In the second place, it will give added publicity to Singapore and the promotion of our tourist trade. I think a cultural mission is a better means of promoting Singapore than mediums or trishaws organised by the Tourist Promotion Board. I hope the Minister will consider this matter seriously.

3.45 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture (Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is considered unnecessary at this stage for the Government to take over the National Theatre Trust as it is running the National Theatre quite well. At the moment, the National Theatre Trust has a 40-member Chinese orchestra and a 38-member choir comprising amateurs who rehearse and perform from time to time. It is envisaged that if such a Chinese orchestra and choir were to be formed into a permanent, or even a semi-professional body, a large amount of money would have to come from the Government. I quite agree with the Member for Jurong that more money should be allocated to this subhead so that we can assist cultural bodies in the Republic to carry out their cultural activities.

I would like to comment on the suggestion of the Member with regard to organising a permanent troupe to perform overseas as a promotional effort to publicise Singapore and to project a true multi-racial image of Singapore. As Members know, early this month we sent a 62-member-strong cultural delegation to Adelaide. This delegation put up performances which were well received. The performances were spectacular and colourful not only in themselves but also in the costumes and presentation and made a tremendous impact on the Australian audience. Apart from the audiences in Adelaide, the performances were telecast live over television throughout Australia. I have no doubt that the performances by this troupe have made the Australians much more aware of the multi-cultural and multi-racial content of Singapore, and will certainly implant in their minds a desire to come to Singapore or at least to stop over at Singapore and see things for themselves.

This no doubt will be a big boost to the tourist trade, and with it the hotels, restaurants and night -club businesses. If the sending of one cultural delegation abroad can have such a reaction, it logically follows therefore that if we send more cultural troupes overseas, the image will be even more pronounced provided, of course, that the standard of performances is of a high level. I should point out, however, that my Ministry is considering the possibility of organising such a cultural troupe either on a permanent or on a part-time basis, and also how best this troupe should be organised and maintained, and the best way in which this can be done. But whilst we may provide the wherewithal to present our cultural activities, we are not in a position to promote Singapore's image overseas principally because of the lack of funds. This is essentially a matter for the Tourist Promotion Board. As Members may be aware, sending a cultural troupe overseas costs a lot of money, quite apart from the time spent on constant rehearsals and training. There is also the question of providing air fares, costumes, insurance, allowances and other incidentals.

I think the suggestion of the Member is worth pursuing as the promotion of Singapore's image abroad is a matter which, I consider, rests with the Tourist Promotion Board. I would suggest that the Tourist Promotion Board give serious consideration to such ventures in the future by providing, in liaison with Mercury Singapore Airlines, which will be soon our national airline, and the hotels and other tourist establishments, the necessary facilities for travel, accommodation, allowances, etc., to make such overseas trips possible, thereby propagating the idea of Singapore as a multi-racial, multi-cultural Republic, and thus attracting more tourists to our island. I cannot think of a more potent way in which the Tourist Promotion Board can help itself to fulfil its main function of attracting tourists to Singapore, as has been suggested by the Member for Jurong.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am somewhat taken by surprise by the reply. I was trying to speak for the Ministry of Culture to get the Ministry of Finance to give more money for cultural activities. However, the Parliamentary Secretary does not seem to think that this is necessary. The question is this. Is the National Theatre worthy of financial assistance from the Government? If so, it should give more money so that it would not have to run into annual deficits of more than $200,000, which can only be met by contributions or donations from members of the public. If it has to carry on like this every year, the difficulties will be great. What will happen to the National Theatre if it fails to get sufficient donations?

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have said just now, I fully agree with the Member that more money should be allocated to the National Theatre Trust in order that it can carry out its cultural activities. I promise I will look into this matter, and also draw my Minister's attention to it.

The Minister of State for Finance (Mr Tang See Chim): Mr Speaker, Sir, while we appreciate very much that cultural activities should be subsidised by the Government, there are always other claims and my Ministry can only allocate funds according to the priorities set down by the Government. In the particular case of the Adelaide Festival, to which we sent a very successful cultural mission, may I point out that no provision was, in fact, made in the 1971-72 Estimates. However, because of the importance of participation in this particular festival, the Ministry of Finance did provide the money even though there was no provision in the Estimates. Therefore, it can he seen that the Government is, in fact, placing considerable emphasis on culture. Like the Member for Jurong, the Government does not want our people to become "Ugly Singaporeans'.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think what my colleague, the Member for Jurong, was trying to point out is that the allocation of $10,000 towards cultural organisations is rather a paltry sum. Therefore, he was trying his level best to convince the Minister of State for Finance that a larger sum of money should be allocated to this subhead. He has also pointed out that we have a huge organisation like the National Theatre Trust which depends on public donations year after year. His question is whether or not it is advisable for the Trust to carry on in this way, in view of the fact that it is difficult to go out for donations. I appreciate the reply of the Minister of State that the Government has set down priorities on the allocation of funds but, in respect of the cultural troupe to the Adelaide Festival, much money was spent although there was no provision for it in the 1971-72 Estimates. Therefore, Sir, it would appear from the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture that his Ministry is well aware of the fact that the National Theatre Trust is doing quite well.

However, Sir, I too share the concern of the Member for Jurong that the Government should give more financial help to cultural organisations, so that we could eventually evolve a national identity in our national culture.

Mr Tang See Chim: Mr Speaker, Sir, I share the sentiments of both the Member for Punggol and the Member for Jurong. I appreciate their points of view. However, as I have pointed out, the Government always has to balance between competing claims. Our opinion is that while the sum may not be enough to cover everything, it does at least give encouragement to cultural organisations to initiate their cultural activities. Moreover, culture cannot he fostered from above. It must spring from the grass-root level. We can only give encouragement. It will be a truer type of culture if it springs from the grass-roots.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, I wholeheartedly agree with the Minister of State for Finance that we should encourage culture to spring from the grass-roots. However, the point at issue is whether or not his Ministry will consider increasing the contribution to cultural organisations from $10,000 to a bigger sum. That is the main question, and I think it is quite simple to answer it.

Mr Sia Khoon Seong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would also like to suggest to the Minister of State for Finance that one of the ways to encourage culture to develop from the ground is to increase the financial assistance.

Mr Tang See Chim: Mr Speaker, Sir, the provision in the Estimates is, in fact, what we thought the appropriate sum that would encourage such development. The Government is more than aware that, unless our country has some form of culture, we cannot withstand the stresses and strains of industrialisation. And for Singapore as a nation to long endure, we must promote culture. But as I have said, the sum allocated is, in fact, what we thought would be adequate.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): I do not agree with what the Minister of State has said. We cannot give lip service only if we want to encourage cultural activities. Without adequate financial aid, it would not have been possible for us to send a cultural mission to Adelaide. Therefore, I would like the Minister of State for Finance to seriously consider increasing the allocation for next year. Instead of $10,000, I hope he will give an assurance that there will be more funds for next year. Otherwise, I will not withdraw my amendment.

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, I cannot give him that assurance at all. I can only give the undertaking that we shall consider providing an adequate sum for cultural promotion in next year's Estimates.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: Sir, in that case I am not prepared to withdraw my amendment.

Question on the amendment put, and negatived.

4.00 p.m.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1303 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2654.

Sir, under this amendment, I wish to seek elucidation from the Minister as to why the contribution to the ASEAN Fund has to remain as high as over $3 million. Do the other member-countries contribute just as much? Furthermore, I would appreciate if the Minister could inform the House on the cost benefit of continuing with such contributions.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Inche A. Rahim Ishak): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Changi has asked why and how the ASEAN Fund is expended. Since the setting up of the Fund in December 1969, Singapore has committed itself to an expenditure totalling US$67,735 on six projects. To-date, Singapore has spent US$3,782 on two projects. The details of commitment and expenditure on these two projects are as follows:

(1) ASEAN Theme Music Competition. The commitment per country is US$1,275 and the amount expended by Singapore is US$1,153.33.

(2) There were four project tours of civil aviation experts. The commitment per country is US$4,260 and the amount expended by Singapore is US$2,629.15.

It will be observed that, in the two projects I have mentioned, Singapore spent less than the amount budgeted for by the ASEAN countries.

(3) There is a joint participation in the ASEAN Pavilion at the 1971 Jakarta Fair held in Indonesia. It was decided that Singapore's cost of participation of US$2,000 would be drawn from the ASEAN Fund and the rest of the cost, estimated at about US$18,000, would come from other sources. The statement of accounts for this project has not been finalised.

Then there were project tours of telecommunications experts, international telephone operators and satellite earth station engineers and technicians. The estimated cost of the project per country is US$5,940. While the statement of accounts for the project has not been finalised, the actual cost to Singapore is expected to be substantially less than what I have given.

Another four project tours of civil aviation experts have been planned with a budget of US$4,260 per country. A tourism marketing plan has been planned for 1972 with a budget of US$50,000 per country. For 1973, our contribution will be US$100,000 per country, thereafter increasing by 20 per cent per annum.

Then there are contributions to the Fund by member-countries. The Fund totalling US$5 million is made up of contributions of US$1 million from each member-country.

As for benefits - direct or indirect - to Singapore from participation in the projects, it would be really difficult to measure the extent of benefits in anything which is cultural by nature. But if this will satisfy the Member, I can say that the ASEAN theme music will be used to introduce joint-ASEAN radio and T.V, programmes and at ASEAN functions whenever they are held. It will serve to give the Association of South-East Asian Nations a regional identity of its own.

Project tours of civil aviation experts, telecommunications experts, international telephone operators and satellite earth station engineers and technicians were organised to carry out a survey of operational and other facilities available in each country with a view to co-ordinating the services among member-countries. It is envisaged that their findings would result in better services within the region. Singapore's participation in the Jakarta Fair is in support of the decision of member-countries to promote trade and commerce of member-countries jointly. As for tourism marketing plan, it is a follow-up of the "Visit ASEAN Year" held in 1971 for publicity and promotion campaigns and is expected to boost tourism in the region from Europe, the United States of America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The Fund may be used only for the purposes of implementing projects which have been approved by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and, in accordance with the rules governing the control, disbursement and accounting of the Fund. The agreed cost of an approved project will be shared equally by member-countries. However, in cases where certain countries derive a greater share of the benefits, the Foreign Ministers may decide on the proportion of the cost to be borne by member-countries.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: Sir, in view of the Minister of State's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $24,386,590 for Head 1303 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Head 1304 -

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1304 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1051.

Sir, this subhead concerns the Management Services Unit which is being set up to replace the Organisation and Methods Branch of the Ministry of Finance. I notice that the Head of this Management Services Unit has got a token vote of $10. I would like to know what is the function and scope of this Unit, bearing in mind that the Organisation and Methods Branch of the Ministry of Finance has been scrapped.

Mr Tang See Chim: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Management Services Unit is being established with the main objective of undertaking a systematic review of the administrative machinery in Government Ministries and departments, with a view to modernising and improving the administrative methods and procedures adopted and also to introduce mechanisation and computerisation. Whereas the work of the Organisation and Methods Branch of the Ministry was manly concerned with ad hoc studies undertaken on the basis of the immediate needs of the departments on matters relating to organisation, and methods and requirements of office machinery and equipment, the Management Services Unit will function essentially as a management consultant group with a much wider scope and with authority to make substantial changes in the organisation of departments and the working systems and procedures currently adopted. One of the main areas of work of the Management Services Unit will be the making of specific studies and recommendations for greater use of office machines and equipment and the computerisation of activities at present undertaken manually. In this task, it will work very closely with the reorganised Computer Services Department, which was formerly known as the Electronic Data Processing Unit.

The staff of the Unit will comprise, in addition to the staff of the former Organisation and Methods Branch as well as the former staff inspectors of the Treasury, senior management officers trained to undertake this type of work, This will include not only administrative officers but also accountants, systems analysts and engineers. From time to time, experienced staff from the various Ministries and departments will also be co-opted to undertake specific reviews wherever necessary.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, I am grateful to the Minister of State for his detailed reply, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $1,607,390 for Head 1304 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Head 1306 -

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1306 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1041.

Sir, in moving this amendment I would like the Minister to explain one point as regards the policy for the collection of taxes from societies registered under the Societies Act. I think the Minister will agree with me that the existing societies in Singapore play a very important part in our efforts to build a closely-knit society. The Minister should be aware that these societies are organised on a voluntary basis and depend on their members' subscriptions and public support.

If these societies are going to raise funds for the construction of their premises or the establishment of scholarships or other meaningful projects, they will have to carry out a fund-raising campaign.

4.15 p.m.

Sir, from what I know a large -proportion of these funds which the societies have raised after great pains and efforts goes to the Inland Revenue Department in the form of income tax. Since they are working for public good or charity, this tax, in fact, serves to discourage them to continue with their efforts. I think the tax measure is not fair, and should be abolished. Income tax should not be levied on societies. If these societies can be exempted from tax, then they will be greatly encouraged to carry out their meaningful activities -for the welfare of the public. This, I believe will be of great benefit to our society and our country.

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, not all voluntary organisations registered under the Societies Act are subject to income tax. Voluntary organisations which are charitable in nature and are organised to relieve distress, to advance science and education, or to promote health or services conducive to the welfare of the public as a whole, are exempted from income tax. These organisations include the Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Singapore Association for the Blind, Singapore Arts Council, Society for the Aged, and many others. There are other voluntary organisations which are formed to serve a more sectional interest and which do not cover the well-being of the community in general. It is, therefore, not appropriate to subsidise such organisations through income tax exemption, as they do not serve the community at large and do not comply with the requirements for a charitable organisation. The tax liability of such organisations depends on the ratio of their income from members or non-members. If more than half its income is from members, then it would not be liable to tax, but if more than half of its income is from non-members, then it will be liable to tax. To suggest that voluntary organisations should one and all be exempted from income tax is to invite tax evasion, as potential taxpayers will soon run their businesses as voluntary organisations.

With reference to the Member's suggestion that certain projects run by voluntary organisations, for example, an education fund, be exempted from income tax, if such an education fund is, in fact, for the benefit of the community at large and not just covering sectional interest, it can be exempted from income tax.

Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon (Tiong Bahru): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, there is one matter which is not satisfactory. The Government has just set up the National Sports Promotion Board for the purpose of promoting sports activities in our country. The Government has also given some money as financial assistance to the other sports organisations in our country. These individual sports bodies, such as the Basketball Association of Singapore, also need to have sufficient funds to promote their activities in particular sports under their charge. If there is any surplus of funds raised, the Government will levy tax on the surplus, which is regarded as profits. I think, in the view of these sports bodies, this is not a reasonable attitude.

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, I am not quite clear as to what the Member's point is, because there are various sports promotion groups that it would not be possible really to give tax exemption to every little group that promotes any type of sports. To do so would only be inviting trouble. But as the Member rightly pointed out, we have, in fact, given tax exemption to the National Sports Promotion Board. This is one national organisation that looks after sports promotion. The Member should be quite happy that Government is giving every encouragement to sports.

Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon: (In Mandarin): Sir, I think the Minister of State is not very clear about how the National Sports Promotion Board is promoting sports activities. The National Sports Promotion Board is promoting sports through its various affiliated sports bodies, such as the Basketball Association, for the promotion of basketball. To take another example, table tennis is promoted through the Singapore Table Tennis Association. These Associations raise funds from members of the public for this purpose. Therefore, should these funds be regarded as income, and taxed?

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): I would like to ask the Minister of State whether he is willing to exempt the Basketball Association of Singapore from income tax.

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, to answer the Member for Jurong, first. I really cannot say whether or not we will exempt the Singapore Amateur Basketball Association from income tax. Maybe he would like to put in his application.

To answer the Member for Tiong Bahru, the best thing would be for these various groups to come under the umbrella of the National Sports Promotion Board. As this Board is a statutory body and, in fact, being given tax exemption, the various sports groups can get subsidies from the Board. Can the Member for Tiong Bahru imagine what will happen if, for example, every little sports group calls itself a sports promotion group and is entitled to tax exemption? Of course, if that were the case, we will not be able to collect any revenue at all. I could easily set up an XYZ sports promotion group, and put every cent of my income in there and get exemption from income tax! Then, where do we get our revenue from? We would only he inviting serious tax evasion.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, although I am not quite satisfied with the explanation given by the Minister, but because of time I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1306 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1191.

Can the Minister of State for Finance enlighten me as to why the owner of a television set is charged a licence fee at the same rate as one who owns both a television set and a radio set? Surely anyone who possesses just one item should only he charged a fee for that item only. We should not charge a flat rate of $36 for a television set, irrespective of whether or not one possesses also a radio set.

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, it is, of course, always possible to impose an additional tax on a radio set owned by a person who also has a television set. I wonder whether the Member for Anson would like Treasury to consider that! However, I gather that by asking: whether or not something can be done to regularise the position, he does not really want this to be done.

Let me, therefore, set out the way of our thinking about the tax to show that, we do not discriminate between running: a television set and running both, a television set and a radio set. First, let me explain that the technical difference between a radio set and a television set, as defined by the Broadcasting and Television Regulations, 1963. A radio set, as we understand, is a broadcast sound receiver used for aural reception of broadcast matters transmitted by radio waves, wire or cable; whereas a television set is a, broadcast television receiver capable of aural as well as visual reception of broadcast matters by radio waves, wire or cable. The only distinction between the two is the visual or picture reception in a television set. The common feature in both is the aural or sound reception. A fee of $12 per year is charged for sound reception in a radio set or in a television set or both. However, as the television set is also capable of receiving pictures, it is charged an extra $24 per year. Thus, the licence fee for a radio set is $12 per year, and that for a television set $36 per year. It is still $36 per year for both a television set and a radio set, or for that matter two or even three radio sets.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think so. If a man owning a radio set is charged $12, and another man with a television set is charged $36, then in that case, everyone will not want to buy a radio; he would prefer to buy a television. It is better to pay a $36 fee for a television set because there will be no necessity then to buy a radio. Is it the intention of the Minister of State that everyone must not buy a radio but a television?

4.30 p.m.

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, members of the public are entitled to do what they want. If they buy a television set, they will have to pay $36 a year. But then they will not be able to receive any radio broadcasts.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: That is a very good explanation coming from the Minister of State - that as a television set can receive both picture and sound, and therefore they charge $36, a radio set can only receive sound broadcasts, and therefore they charge $12. I agree with the Minister of State, and therefore I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1306 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1251.

Sir, the Anti-Evasion Unit which was set up only very recently has already done much work. In other words, they have collected lots of taxes which otherwise could be lost through tax evasion. I would like to highly commend them for their efforts.

Sir, can the Minister of State for Finance inform this House as to the number of cases detected by this Unit and the amount involved, and also how much taxes were recovered last year? Further, I will be grateful if he can also indicate the - number of cases that have been prosecuted in court and the number of cases settled out of court. Sir, I read with some interest in the papers recently that there are some persons, who have outstanding taxes to pay in respect of their incomes, are now at large overseas. May I know what steps are being taken to ensure that such tax dodgers do pay their taxes either by extradition or other means?

Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, the Anti-Evasion Unit became operational in 1970, and in that year it successfully completed investigations into 107 cases. In 1971, the Unit succeeded in dealing with 136 cases. The amount of income tax and penalties recovered was $3.9 million in 1970, and $11.6 million in 1971. I am afraid, Mr Speaker, Sir, at the moment I do not have the figures for the number of cases prosecuted in court and also those settled out of court. However, if the Member is interested, I will be happy to supply him with the figures.

Steps have been taken to ensure that taxpayers do not escape tax by going overseas - for example, by withholding their passports as soon as we have a definite case of tax liability. However, in, cases where taxpayers are already abroad, I am afraid it is not possible to extradite the taxpayer because this is a revenue case and extradition is only applicable in criminal cases. I want to point out that as a result of the work of the Anti-Evasion Unit, this operation has also helped to induce taxpayers voluntarily to make more accurate and complete returns and to pay their taxes in accordance with their true incomes.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: I am indeed grateful to the Minister of State for his reply, and am anxiously waiting for the figures which I have asked for.

Sir, on the question of those taxpayers who are abroad, I am surprised to hear that there is nothing we can do about it. Surely the Ministry concerned can look into this matter. I am told that those taxpayers who are abroad have got large sums of money for which they have got to account for and for which they have to pay taxes. If a taxpayer had made so much money and was able to get out of Singapore scot free, I think there must be something wrong with the department. In this respect, Sir, I would strongly urge the Minister for Finance to seriously look into this matter to deter others who might be tempted to avoid having to pay vast sums of money for income tax.

Mr Tang See Chim: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Punggol can be rest assured that everything will be done, in cases where a tax liability has been established, to ensure that collection will be made as far as possible, but in cases where the taxpayers have already gone overseas, the law, as I said, is such that extradition is simply not applicable. However, if we can trace or find out that there is any property in the name of the taxpayer who has gone abroad, such property can be proceeded against for the recovery of tax.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, that explanation is quite irrelevant, because the Anti-Evasion Unit was primarily established for two reasons: (1) to investigate into cases, and (2) to try and recover taxes. If it is a case in reverse, I would ask the Minister of State for Finance whether this Unit is able to locate the persons who should have declared their properties, sources of income, etc., to the Income Tax Department but had not done so. I myself do not know. But surely his department, being primarily concerned with this problem should know. There was an article in the newspapers not very long ago that certain persons whom the Income Tax Department were looking for, had left Singapore. It is possible that the Extradition Act might not have any provisions to act in cases of this nature, and if that is so, could they not be included? After all, the Minister of State for Finance is a learned man, and therefore, Sir, he could consider my very humble suggestion and take it up with authorities concerned. That being the case, Sir, I would like to close the debate on this topic, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $6,586,780 for Head 1306 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Head 0901 -

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead l00l*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Yeo Choo Kok, Ho Kah Leong, Low Yong Nguan, and P. Govindaswamy.)

Sir, over the past year, the Ministry of Culture has undoubtedly contributed tremendously to the promotion of healthy cultural activities. It has a creditable record of achievement, by organising cultural nights, concerts, solos, and monthly art exhibitions in the various community centres in Singapore. The Ministry of Culture has, so to speak, brought art and culture to the grass-root level. Sir, it has also recently organised a cultural mission to participate in the arts festival in Adelaide, South Australia. Through this cultural mission, it has publicised the fine cultural traditions of Singapore. The mission was very well received and applauded by the people of Australia. This is indeed a great encouragement to the cultural workers and artistes of Singapore.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the cultural mission has a very high standard of performance. I attended a dress rehearsal of this cultural group at the Victoria Theatre on the eve of their departure. They put up a very good and tight programme consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian traditional dances, including a lion dance and ballet. All the artistes who took part in the show had high standards and put up a spectacular performance. It is no wonder, therefore, that they received such a tremendous applause in South Australia.

Sir, the splendid performance by our cultural mission has rebutted the wrong conception that local artistes are not up to standard and has strengthened the confidence of local artistes and cultural workers. In order that our people, in general, will be able to enjoy such cultural shows by the mission, I would like to propose to the Minister concerned to allow the mission to perform in the rural areas to promote healthy cultural activities. These shows can be held regularly at parks or community centres, and I am sure that the people of Singapore will give them a good reception. As you know, Sir, culture and art play an important role in nation building because they help to strengthen the morale of our people an-d also inculcate national consciousness and patriotism. Therefore the Ministry of Culture must actively shoulder this role. On the other hand, it is also my hope that the cultural workers in Singapore will similarly match the efforts of the Ministry of Culture.

4.45 p.m.

Here I would like to suggest several proposals for the consideration of the Minister. Sir, to encourage more local artistes or cultural workers, the Ministry of Culture should send cultural missions overseas more often, like the one we sent to Adelaide in Australia. As a matter of fact, Sir, sending cultural missions overseas have many advantages. On the one hand, we can publicise our fine culture and art and, on the other hand, we can strengthen our friendly ties with other countries. We can kill two birds with one stone. In view of this, Sir, I would like to ask whether this year the Ministry of Culture has any plans to send any cultural mission abroad. Secondly, Sir, in order to propagate our culture and art, I propose that the Ministry of Culture should hold a massive cultural festival every year. In fact, 1 have made this proposal many times over the past few years. I remember that, during the last Budget debate, the Minister of State concerned agreed that it was a good idea and he would consider it. One year has passed, and I would like to ask the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary concerned what decision has been arrived at regarding the organisation of cultural festivals in Singapore. May I have his views on this matter? Thirdly, I wish to propose the setting up of a Cultural Fund. I remember this proposal was also made last year and the Minister in charge had agreed that a Cultural Fund be set up so that this would give an incentive to our local talent. I do not know whether or not the scheme for the setting up of the Cultural Fund has-been implemented.

Mr Speaker, Sir, if we set up a Cultural Fund in Singapore, it will contribute greatly to the promotion of cultural activities. From this Cultural Fund we can also finance various cultural activities and even produce publications. Local talent will thus be encouraged and assisted. I hope the Minister will give serious consideration to these proposals.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not speaking.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Member for Sembawang has pointed out just now the Ministry of Culture has a record achievement last year in the promotion of healthy cultural activities. In this-respect, I wish to say that the Minister for Culture himself has been very active in the cultural front. Although he has not been able to participate in this debate today, I have to show my appreciation for his efforts. Through his hard work we are able to see art exhibitions in the various community centres almost every week, and local artists are now able to use the art centre at Outram3 Park at a very low rental.

May I take this opportunity to make three proposals to the Parliamentary Secretary in the field of cultural promotion? First, the setting up of a permanent Art Gallery. Mr Speaker, Sir, there are many artists in Singapore. Many of them now enjoy a great reputation overseas. They are well known not only locally but also internationally. However, so far there is no permanent place or Art Gallery to display their work. Although the proposal to build an Art Gallery was made last year, so far nothing has been done. Therefore, I wish to know from the Parliamentary Secretary what progress has been made-in this respect?

My next proposal is this. Will the Ministry of Culture ask for a piece of land to be used for art displays in the open air? For example, we can ask for some space along Queen Elizabeth Walk for our local artists to display their work in the open. This open air art exhibition will attract foreign tourists.

My third suggestion is whether the Ministry of Culture will seek the assistance of the other Ministries concerned to put up sculptural works on our traffic islands. The traffic islands are decorated only with plants and rocks. There are no sculptures. Apart from a few pieces of rocks and plants. I do not see any proper decoration on the traffic islands, except one in Tiong Bahru. We have many sculptors in Singapore and we can very well display their work on the traffic islands. We have some well known sculptors in Singapore, and the Ministry of Culture can liaise with the other Ministries concerned so that the traffic islands can be a venue for the display of statues and other sculptural works produced by our sculptors.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I think these proposals merit some consideration.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, in Singapore there are only two daily issues of English newspapers, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. These two issues are produced by the same organisation. As a result, during the recent Straits Times strike the English speaking members of the public were deprived of their daily news. Radio and Television Singapore was a poor substitute. Besides the short news bulletins, it failed to keep the English speaking public properly informed of local and world news.

Sir, I wish to raise one point in this House. Last Monday in this House I spoke about the Prime Minister's salary. I mentioned that a Minister's salary is $4,500. But I read in the Straits Tunes that it was reported as $4,200. I cannot blame the reporters. They are very busy reporting the debates in Parliament. Most probably the correct figure was left out. However, the vernacular papers reported as $4,500. Only the English paper reported it as $4,200. I do not want to blame the reporters and the newspapers. But the people of Singapore must be made aware of what is happening in Singapore. Therefore, I suggest to the Minister for Culture that he should request the newspapers to carry more Singapore news instead of foreign news. I cannot blame the reporters; otherwise in tomorrow's issue, I will find that they have reported me differently. Instead of P. Govindaswamy speaking, they might print as "Govindasamy". I do not want that to happen. I am just mentioning it in this House hoping that they will verify their news, and will not allow such things to happen again.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I wish to thank the Member for Sembawang for all the nice things he has said, especially on the success of our cultural mission to Adelaide. I appreciate the compliments made by him. Now he has also advocated the sending of more cultural delegations aboard. I share with him the hope that, with further effort and planning by all those interested in the performing arts and with some financial support from Government and the public, we can send more cultural troupes abroad.

As I have said earlier in replying to a question raised by the Member for Jurong, my Ministry is considering how best to organise more cultural missions overseas. Now that we have a cultural troupe which has successfully performed in Adelaide, this can form the nucleus of such cultural troupes. With the valuable experience gained particularly in meeting all the problems involved in the preparation of a cultural troupe of this nature, and possibly also, in general, the establishment of a dance company, we are now in a better position to consider how best Singapore can begin to form either a strong amateur cultural group or a modest semi-professional dance company, which will give cultural performances abroad as well as locally.

I think the Member for Sembawang also suggested that cultural troupes should give performances at community centres so that the people will have a chance to see cultural shows, thereby increasing the number of cultural activities in Singapore, in this case, the performing arts. He has also asked whether the Ministry of Culture has any plans to organise cultural festivals. There are no specific plans to organise cultural festivals at the moment. However, in view of the tremendous success of the cultural mission to the Adelaide Cultural Festival, serious consideration is being given to further develop our cultural performances and to organise more cultural troupes. This will mean greater expenditure. I have no doubt that at the right time provision will be voted for in Parliament.

He has also suggested that a Cultural Fund should be set up so that any moneys collected can be used to finance various cultural organisations in the Republic to carry out their cultural activities. This is a good suggestion, and I can assure him that we will look into it.

On the question of a permanent Art Gallery raised by the Member for Jurong, at the moment the Ministry of Culture is finalising plans to establish an Art Gallery to be housed in the National Museum building. This Art Gallery will no doubt be of considerable interest to both local visitors and overseas tourists. With the reversion of the National Museum to the Ministry of Culture from 1st April, 1972, we intend to convert the back portion of the National Museum building into an Art Gallery. In this connection, the Singapore Arts Council has made an offer to contribute $650.000 towards the conversion. The proposed Art Gallery will provide facilities for a permanent display of about 150 paintings and sculptures on a rotation basis. Facilities will also be provided for temporary art exhibitions and the sale of paintings and sculptures. In addition, there will also be a small multi-purpose theatrette for about 150 to 200 persons so that all those who are involved in the visual and the performing arts can make use of this theatrette for their cultural activities.

5.00 p.m.

An Art Gallery should not only be a display centre but also a focus of dynamic and forward-looking activities in the field of the arts, especially among the younger generation. As I have said earlier, plans are now being finalised to establish the Art Gallery.

As for the Member's other proposals that the Ministry should try to get a piece of land along the Queen Elizabeth Walk area for the purpose of holding art exhibitions in the open and also to put up sculptures on traffic islands, I am taking note of his proposals and will let him know of the developments in due course.

The Member for Anson mentioned that when the staff of the Straits Times Group went on strike, there were no English and Malay newspapers during the period of the strike, except for Chinese and Tamil newspapers. And the Member experienced difficulty during that period and suggested that the Ministry of Culture should issue bulletins in the absence of newspapers.

The staff of the Straits Times Group went on strike from 24th to 31st December, 1971. During this period, the English and Malay educated segments of the population were deprived of printed news. Apart from Chinese and Tamil newspapers, the only other source of Malay and English news was the radio and television. Radio and Television Singapore at the time gave greater coverage to local and foreign news. The strike mentioned was of very short duration. Had it continued, steps would have been taken to remedy the position. As a matter of interest, certain measures were being considered to provide for such a situation should it occur in the future. All newspapers in Singapore are run by private concerns. Although local newspapers are licensed by my Ministry, there is no press control in Singapore, and the policy of the newspapers is dictated by persons owning and running the newspapers. If the general public is strongly in favour of more local news, then they can quite easily make their opinions felt by writing to the newspapers in the man-in-the-street column or letters to the editor column. There is no doubt that any socially responsible newspaper will respond to such a reasonable request if it is backed by a predominance of its subscribers. I have no doubt that there will be the balancing factor in that other subscribers will ask for more foreign news. Then the newspapers concerned will have to strike a happy medium between the subscribers and in this way able to give the public what they want.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Sir, I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for answering my questions. But there is one point which he has overlooked. He only quoted what I have said. I suggested that the cultural mission should perform in the various community centres. But he did not indicate whether or not he agreed to this proposal.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Sir, I will look into this matter. We had two performances on the 18th and 19th March for the public and school children. But since the Member has made his request, we will try to organise these shows.

An hon. Member: Make sure you have a show in Sembawang!

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to refer to the Parliamentary Secretary's statement about the proposed Art Gallery, especially to what he said regarding the exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. I would imagine that there should also be some emphasis on participation in art, not merely on a passive spectator-approach to art. In that respect, I think there should be greater encouragement of response from schools. In relation to this, I think there should not be simply encouragement given to exhibitions or expression in paintings and other forms of art, but there should be some emphasis on art in relation to industry. In this way, and in order to bring about this relation, there are materials in the forthcoming Art Gallery that could lend themselves to a highlighting of such a relationship between art and industry. By placing emphasis on this relation, such as encouraging design competitions, competitions in respect of motifs for silverware, ceramics, and so on, one can make this relationship clear, so that ultimately there may be some support from the industrial sector for this Art Gallery, which otherwise would remain unrelated towards what is going on around us. In respect of what the Parliamentary Secretary has also said that there should be greater public support, I think the point that I have made is relevant.

At the same time, I feel that Government should more actively encourage cultural expression in general. Ten thousand dollars as contribution to cultural organisations, as we have heard a while ago, is chicken-feed in relation to what the Minister of State for Finance has said regarding grass-roots. If you want to fertilise grass-roots, $10,000 will not be enough even for fertilisers in a good orchid industry in Singapore! I would imagine I have to give support to the Ministry of Culture in any of its future attempt to get more money for the encouragement of arts in Singapore.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary may not have answered the questions of other Members but he has given me a satisfactory answer. I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1251.

Sir, the dome of the Victoria Memorial Hall and Theatre is very plain in appearance. Since this building is in the heart of the city and also a tourist attraction, something should be done to better its appearance. I suggest that the State crest be erected on the dome.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, both the Victoria Theatre and the Victoria Memorial Hall with the clock tower were completed as one unit of a building in 1906. Previous to that, the Theatre section of the present building was built as a Town Hall in 1862. Subsequently, it underwent many changes and was completely renovated and redecorated in 1958. At present, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Memorial Hall building is more than 60 years old. It has become a historical landmark. Architecturally, it evinces interest as it stands in imposing contrast with the many buildings, which were erected by local architects, both in its vicinity and throughout the Republic. I do not think that it would be an advantage to modify old buildings merely because they were built in colonial times.

To the Member's suggestion that the State crest should be erected on the clock tower, I think this matter has to be referred to the proper authorities.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, in view of the explanation of the Parliamentary Secretary, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The Chairman: I propose to take the suspension now.

Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.

Mr Speaker: I suspend the sitting now and shall take the Chair again at 5.40 p.m.

Sitting accordingly suspended at 5.12 p.m, until 5.40 p.m. Sitting resumed at 5.40 p.m.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Head 0901 (contd.) -

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1301.

Sir, the Broadcasting Division of the Ministry of Culture has by this time, despite a few resignations, gained considerable resources in terms of experience and expertise of its senior staff. I wonder. Sir, what training opportunities are being organised to give the younger staff members the benefit of the knowledge and experience garnered by older staff members. From what may be observed of broadcasting programmes, I am sure that the Programmes and the News section staff, like Programme Assistants, Comperes, Interviewers, News-readers, and the like, can improve their performance through exchange of views, supervised guidance, seminars, special training programmes organised on an in-service training basis, and so on. I would like to know what is being done in this regard to make the presentation of both entertainment and news more lively and polished. Apart from the local training of personnel, it will be useful to send them abroad, or to take advantage of visiting experts. The T.V.-radio media, as-entertainment and educational media, are constantly undergoing rapid changes-and are exposed to constant changes in style and selection of themes for presentation. We have to keep in constant touch with what is going on in the-international broadcasting scene. I would like some elucidation from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture in respect of training overseas-as well as locally.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, during the Budget session last year, one of my colleagues brought up the question of late screening of Tamil films on television on Thursdays and Fridays. Nowadays, Tamil films are still being shown on TV. every Thursday and Friday at 10 p.m, and not many people have the opportunity of viewing them satisfactorily. In view of the fact that workers have to sleep early, is it not possible to screen Tamil films on Mondays and Tuesdays at an early hour? Surely this is not asking too much.

The F.M. Stereo section has failed miserably in that it is not aware of the existence of stereo records in Hindi and Tamil. It is high time that Radio and Television Singapore introduced stereo programmes for Indian listeners too. After all there is no shortage of such records, if only R.T.S, would make an effort to purchase them.

5.45 p.m.

By the way, Sir, I would like to mention something about uniforms, which I raised in yesterday's Committee of Supply. Speaking on that amendment. I had asked for something to be done to the postal uniforms to distinguish the different grades of officers. But the R.T.S, have reported that Mr N. Govindasamy had said that. Most probably, all the reporters think that P Govindaswamy and N. Govindasamy are brothers. No, we are not related.

Just now I mentioned a matter regarding the Straits Times. Now I have to mention about our radio broadcasts. Radio is under our control. They must be very careful in their report, and also to see to the need for Tamil stereo records. Yesterday, I moved an amendment to the Postal Services. I was from the Postal Department, and so I must show my postal colleagues that I have done something for them. Tomorrow, when I go out they might ask, "What have you done for us?" And I must have an answer. Therefore, I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture to rectify this error. Do not let this kind of wrong reporting happen again in future, i.e., reporting the speaker as N. Govindasamy instead of P. Govindaswamy.

Mr N. Govindasamy (Telok Blangah): Sir, I disclaim any responsibility for that!

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Sir, in reply to the Member for Katong who said that he was very much concerned with the quality of interviews, and reports, etc, and also that more training opportunities should be given to the younger staff of the Broadcasting Department, I have this to say. Training for Programmes staff, i.e., Announcers, Producers and Assistant Producers, includes lectures as well as practical work. A good interviewer is not made after attending a single course on the art of interviewing. He needs to be given time to build up confidence and to gain practical experience. A follow-up of this programme has to be done. We have also sent members of the Broadcasting staff for training overseas.

It is agreed that there is room for improvement in the standard of interviewing by R.T.S, staff, including its news reporters. For reasons of economy, R.T.S, do not recruit staff purely to do interviews, that is, they are employed with only the qualifications for that specific job. To accept the proposal that we have such specialists in R.T.S, would mean a radical change in staffing and equipment, with a corresponding increase in financial provision. R.T.S, announcers and producers are presently expected to be able to announce, compere, read the news, write scripts, produce programmes, interview and comment either for radio broadcasts or for television, or for both. Some of them do their jobs more competently than others, while some are only able to do one or two of these jobs well. The same versatility is expected of R.T.S, reporters, who also cover both for radio and television. Persons recruited as R.T.S, reporters generally have no journalistic experience, and therefore they have first to learn the job about news reporting. Subsequently they are also expected to do interviews for television as well as radio. Here again, some reporters have shown more ability in this area of work than others. Courses in the art of interview have in the past few years been conducted for new staff recruited for programme work. Since last year a Colombo Plan expert for radio has been conducting training courses for the staff, which include the art of interview. This and other courses will continue to be held. Training for our reporters in this field was started last month under a Colombo Plan expert for television. It is hoped that such in-service sessions will help improve the quality of interviewing for radio and television. I hope the Member for Katong is satisfied with the answer.

With regard to the Member for Anson's complaint about the Tamil programmes, R.T.S, do not telecast the Tamil film either on Channel 5 or 8 on Mondays. Tamil films usually appear as a regular feature on Channel 8 on Thursdays at 9.45 p.m, and Fridays at 10.00 p.m. There is, however, a light musical programme in Tamil entitled Nam Isainyarkal, i.e., Our Music Makers, which is telecast at 8.05 p.m, on Mondays on Channel 8. For the Family In Tamil is telecast on Channel 8 at 8.45 p.m, on Wednesdays. Also on Channel 8 at 6.10 p.m, on Saturdays there is a Tamil drama, Naadaga Arangam. On Sundays, a variety show, Amuthum Thenum, is telecast at 5.45 p.m. It can be seen from this that Tamil programmes are evenly spread throughout the week's hours of transmission, with some programmes scheduled in early evening slots and others a little later. This is also the case with programmes in the other languages. It is not possible to telecast programmes in a particular language only at peak hours. Because of the long unpredictable duration of full length Tamil films - I hope the Member for Anson takes note of this - it is difficult to schedule them between 6.00 p.m, and 9.50 p.m. News telecast takes place during this period and this has to be at stipulated times.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, I cannot agree with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture. I want the drama film, Naadaga Arangam, changed to other days, and in its place put another Tamil film. R.T.S, can also change the telecast time for Amuthum Thenum. There is no harm.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: I will consider that.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Thank you very much.

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker. Sir, if the Ministry of Culture feels that there is too much diffusion of responsibility where Broadcasting staff are concerned, and that this does not contribute to quality, then I hope something will be done to improve the position. However, in view of the Parliamentary Secretary's explanation regarding training, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1551.

Sir, although the National Library is doing a magnificent job, it can still further improve the facilities it offers through its mobile library service. At present too many areas are completely neglected, so much so that many children of school-going age are deprived of the library service. I quote, for example, Thomson Road, Nee Soon, Sembawang, and Naval Base area.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the National Library at present has 12 mobile library service points. These are at community centres in Pasir Panjang, Bukit Panjang, Kampong Cheng San, Kampong Tengah, MacPherson, Nee Soon, Changi 10 ms., Bukit Timah, Tanjong Pagar, Paya Lebar, Kaki Bukit and Chong Pang Village. Rural areas are served through mobile library points, which include those at Bukit Panjang, Kampong Tengah, Changi 10 ms., Kaki Bukit and Chong Pang Village community centres. The mobile library makes weekly visits to these community centres. The National Library has plans to extend its mobile library service to other rural areas such as Woodlands, Punggol and Tampines.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, what about the other rural areas? Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree to send a mobile library to serve those areas?

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Sir, generally priority consideration has to be made in the choice of service points. This includes accessibility of the mobile library van to the service points of community centres. The van is a large vehicle and requires a fair amount of space for parking and manoeuvring around. Another consideration is whether a spare room is available to house an emergency book stock in case of vehicle breakdown, thus ensuring no disruption in service. Other considerations are how well-used the community centre is by the residents of the district, and how close the centre is to the nearest library service.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: In view of the explanation by the Parliamentary Secretary, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1751.

Sir, as we all know, films are a popular form of public amusement. Because of the advances in film techniques, we can see the performances with realistic detail on the screen. This is a common everyday form of amusement indulged by the people. Therefore, because of its extensive influence over cinema-goers, we should exercise strict censorship on them, so that those decadent, erotic, fantastic or undesirable films shall not adversely influence our children and youths.

Sir, although we have all along censored films, however, some films being exhibited in the cinemas consist of merely cruelty, violence and other undesirable themes, which will have adverse effects on our young people. So we must adopt more stringent measures in the censoring of films. On the other hand, we should allow more films of artistic taste and educational content to be imported into Singapore, in order to provide our people with more healthy and cultural films.

My second point is that the Ministry of Culture has set up a film classification committee. As 1 understand it, the committee has already given its recommendation to the Minister. I would like to ask the Minister whether any decision has been made on film classification. I personally do not agree to film classification because, in my opinion, our people would all like to see healthy and educational films. If certain films are not suitable for screening to youths and children, then they belong to the bad category of films, in which case, even adults should not see them. What the people want is the kind of films that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Therefore, I am of the opinion that we should not implement this system of film classification. According to my information, the film classification system now being implemented in our neighbouring country has aroused certain disturbances there. I hope the Minister concerned will take note of what has happened in our neighbouring country in respect of film classification before he makes his decision on this matter.

6.00 p.m.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Culture has always been very strict in censoring violent films, and all Chinese films which show excessive violence are either banned or appropriately censored before they are released for public exhibition. As a result of strict censorship, coupled with the change in the trend of production, the number of violent Chinese films released for public exhibition has been reduced considerably in recent months. It is anticipated that this year's import of films of this category by local distributors will be lessened. The Ministry will continue to exercise strict censorship to eliminate scenes of callousness, violence and bloodshed. As was pointed out in the last Budget session, despite discussions among film distributors, exhibitors and ordinary cinema-goers, there was no definite consensus of opinion among the parties concerned on the system of film classification and whether or not a particular system would definitely be better than the existing film censorship.

Sir, an advisory committee on film classification was set up by the Minister in May 1971. After considering its report, tt was considered that the advantages accruing from classification of films were marginal as compared with the problems which have to be overcome. Among these were the problems of enforcement and what may be termed the differing standpoints of the different cultural groups, e.g., vis-a- vis- risque scenes on the one hand, and violent sword-fighting scenes on the other. No decision has, therefore, been taken as to whether film classification should be introduced for the present. I hope I have answered the Member's query satisfactorily.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Sir, after hearing the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary, I am not satisfied because he has not been specific whether his department wants to implement film classification.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: As I said just now, there was an advisory committee on film classification headed by Dr Peter S. J. Chan, and was set up by this Ministry in May 1971. The committee has submitted a report which recommends, among other things, that a simple film classification system be introduced. It suggests that films should be classified into two categories, one for general exhibition, and another for restricted screening to adults aged 18 and above only. Owing to the difficulty of checking the ages of audiences and the fact that the trend of producing pornographic films has declined somewhat in the West, most of our local film distributors and exhibitors are not keen on film classification as they have expressed satisfaction with our present censorship system. That is the position.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Sir, since that is the position, I hope this scheme will not be implemented. I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1821.

About two years ago, we heard that structural alterations to and the presentation of exhibits in our National Museum were supposed to be made. So far, nothing has been done. May I know when and how the Ministry is going to do this?

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, if I may offer some clarification to the point that has been raised. The reorganisation is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture. The Member for Anson is talking about the Museum as it was two years ago. The Museum was then under the Ministry of Science and Technology. In respect of reorganisation, the different method of presentation of exhibits is a reference to the reorganisation of the natural history exhibits of the Museum, and this aspect of reorganisation is taking place in that the exhibits are being shifted to the Science Centre in Jurong. The other aspect of reorganisation, namely, in respect of Art and Anthropology, will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I said in my reply to the question raised by one of the Members just now, from the 1st of April, the National Museum will again become a department under the Ministry of Culture. With the establishment of the Science Centre in Jurong, as the Member for Katong has already mentioned, the physical science exhibits in the Museum will be transferred to the new Science Centre, and the present Museum building will become an anthropological and art museum.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1824.

Mr Speaker, Sir, this provision is for an Education Officer in the Museum. We know there are lots of precious exhibits in the Museum. All these exhibits are very valuable teaching aids for schools. Students can obtain a useful knowledge from these exhibits, especially in the field of history.

I would like to know something about the post of Education Officer. In the Estimates, I can see that there is provision for only one Education Officer. I have some doubts as to whether this person is capable of doing all the work involved. We know that our country practises the policy of multi-lingualism, and I am doubtful if this Education Officer can satisfy the requirements of all the four language stream schools.

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to support what the Member for Jurong has said with regard to the Education Officer in the new Art Gallery and Museum. I agree with him that one Education Officer is not adequate because we have to cater for different language media schools. The past staff position in the National Museum, where its natural history responsibilities were concerned, was to have two Education Officers seconded from the Education Ministry and paid for by the Science Centre Board. I would recommend that some move be worked out so that there can be two Education Officers.

I would imagine that it is important to involve schools in the Art Museum, which is in the process of being set up. I would imagine also that it would be good if the Education Officers of the Museum staff could organise a special section in the Museum related to interests in art and craft in the schools, in the same way as such a section has been organised with special attention to the interests of schools in natural history, especially as laid down in the syllabuses for schools. It would be a good idea to emphasise early school activity in art, both in the primary and later stages of education because a love for, and an interest in, art must be inculcated at a very young age, and one wants to tap the potential, at as early an age as possible.

Apart from this special section to encourage art expression emanating from the schools, other activities can also be carried out, like seminars, film shows, courses for art teachers, guided tours of the Museum itself, in such a way that a constant activity is taking place, and that there is not a passive response to art. In as much as I have spoken about the necessity to encourage the industrial and applied aspects of art, I hope that where schools are concerned, every encouragement will be given so that the function as well as the aesthetic aspects of art could be emphasised to benefit not only school children, but the Museum itself.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the full duties and functions of the Education Officer are: the conducting of tours in the public galleries and lessons in the school's museum; organising and conducting regular - specialised courses for qualified and trainee teachers; selecting and screening films on Saturdays; organising illustrated talks and demonstrations to Pre-University and upper secondary students and teachers once a month; assisting schools to establish science clubs and giving illustrated talks and demonstrations to these clubs; supervising the preparation of biological specimens for loan to teachers; and organising special talks, demonstrations and film shows for students and teachers when requested.

As to the Member for Katong's suggestions that we should also include all the other aspects, like art, etc., I am sure we could look into them. At present, the courses are conducted in English and Chinese. It is hoped that in future they would also be conducted in Malay and Tamil. However, students and teachers from all the four language streams have participated in the school service activities because those in the Malay and Tamil media understand English and can follow the lectures, demonstrations, and film shows.

From 1st April, 1972, two Education Officers will be seconded from the Ministry of Education to the Science Centre Board to carry on the school's service in the National Museum where a limited number of physical science exhibits will be retained until the Science Centre in Jurong is completed.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, since the Parliamentary Secretary has given a very detailed reply, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $21,463,540 for Head 0901 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

6.15 p.m.

Head 1001 -

Mr N. Govindasamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the 7th Grand Prix will be held at the Sembawang circuit next Fri-day. Grand Prix has become a national event in Singapore and it is participated not only by local but also international competitors. In fact, Sir, it is one of the very few international sporting events which is held in Singapore. Singapore has a rightful place in the international motor racing calendar.

However, can we say that we have a suitable circuit? What we need is a permanent Grand Prix circuit, and this question was raised not less than twice previously. Sir, though next week's Grand Prix is the seventh in our series, we have had motor racing events for many years. The local participants in the racing events are always at a distinct disadvantage because of the lack of a permanent circuit where they can practise and compete with one another in order that our best talents can participate at the annual Grand Prix event. A permanent circuit will provide an opportunity for our young speed enthusiasts to test their skill and their motor cars or motor cycles. We hope it will also put an end to the hide-and-seek that our young motorists are playing with the traffic police at odd hours in various places, like Orchard Road, Nicoll Highway, Nicoll Drive, Jurong and other venues. Our motorists and motor-cyclists have not been able to offer keen competition to international competitors in our Grand Prix, not because they lack talent but because there is no permanent circuit where they can practise for competitions.

Last March, Sir, our sporting Minister for Social Affairs told us that a committee had been set up and it had submitted a comprehensive report to the Government on an alternative site and other requirements. He also told us that the proposed multi-purpose circuit would be in a good location with scenic surroundings and away from residential areas. He also told us that there would be social amenities and it would thus become a tourist attraction. May I inquire what has become of this committee's report? It is high time we had a permanent racing circuit. We should stop using the Sembawang circuit with its attendant inconveniences, although it is not an inconvenience to me because I am staying just a stone's throw from it.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to take this opportunity to talk about the progress of sports in Singapore. In recent years sports have been promoted by the able leadership of the Social Affairs Ministry and great progress has been made. The standard of the various kinds of sports has improved. There is no doubt that sports play a very important role in nation building. It is through organised activities such as sports that we build a rugged society. Sports make our people physically strong and cultivate good moral virtues. Therefore, sports deserve our close attention. I am sure we all agree that the Ministry of Social Affairs has done a great deal in the promotion of sports.

The Sports Promotion Division has organised an inter-constituency soccer competition in order to popularise sports. In order to support this competition the Prime Minister has donated a Challenge Trophy. The Sports Promotion Division has done a great deal in the promotion of sports. The object is that more people will participate in sports. However, what I cannot understand is that it sometimes does something which obstructs the promotion of sports, especially when it attempts to raise funds for the setting up of soccer fields. There is a soccer field in my constituency which was handed over by the British Armed Forces. Previously it was free for any football team to practise there, but now there is a charge of $5 per day for the use of this field. This has caused a financial burden on the football teams which intend to practise there. I know that in some football fields a charge of $2 is levied. In any case, why is it that for the Naval Base football field $5 is levied for each day? I hope the Minister will reduce this fee, or better still, make it free of charge. This will encourage everybody to play football and the standard of soccer will improve. I do not know what the Minister thinks about this idea.

The Minister for Social Affairs (Inche Othman Bin Wok): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to assure the Member for Telok Blangah that my Ministry attaches the highest priority to the provision of a permanent Grand Prix circuit in Singapore. However, the choice of a proper site and its availability in the context of the general shortage of land for development purposes, besides the heavy financial investment, are relevant considerations which have delayed our decision to go ahead with the project. It is still under very active consideration by a committee with representations from the Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Social Affairs, working in close consultation with officials of the Singapore Motor Club. I hope they will be able to finalise their investigations and come to a definite conclusion in the not too distant future. It is invidious to encourage motor racing in general, as the Member has said, and the annual Grand Prix in particular, without having a permanent circuit, but it must be seen within competing alternatives and priorities for land and money. I am personally confident that we will be able to resolve this problem.

As to the query raised by the Member for Sembawang, the Sembawang football field is one of the facilities recently handed over to us by the British Forces. The rental has been fixed at $5 per session, and this is the normal payment far half a day. This means that for such payment each side can play football for half a day if they want to. As the Member has said in other places, for instance at Farrer Park, the charge for the use of a football field is only $2 per match. The fields in Farrer Park are heavily utilised and there can be two or three matches on the field in one day. I am afraid I cannot allow the use of the football field in Sembawang without any charge, because there is always the question of maintenance. However, if the Member for Sembawang still thinks that he cannot afford to pay the $5, he can always approach me and I will consider his request.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the rental of $5 for the use of a football field is not going to promote sports. The Ministry of Social Affairs has adequate funds. It can raise funds by various means, for example, the selling of lucky draw tickets. He should consider the fact that many football teams are short of funds. It is not only $5 which they have to incur by way of expenses. The players have also to spend money on drinks and refreshments, laundry of jerseys and uniforms. After the practice session, some of the players have to spend money on transport. If we can allow these teams a free use of the football field, this will serve as an encouragement and more and more people will play football. The standard of soccer will improve in the long run.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, what is $5? There are many Father Christmases in his constituency. Once I allow the free use of a football field in his constituency, many other Members of Parliament will make the same request. As I have said, should he find difficulty in paying the $5, he can come and see me.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the fact that the Minister is just as interested as I am in obtaining a permanent circuit, I wish him luck this year. I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1008.

Sir, I am rather curious as to what a Psychologist is doing in the Ministry of Social Affairs headquarters. Perhaps the Minister can enlighten us on this score. What are the duties of the Psychologist, and is he operating in an advisory capacity or in a professional capacity?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, obtaining the services of a full-time Psychologist is part of my Ministry's plan to improve the adjustment and rehabilitation programme operating in both the Social Welfare Department and the Probation and Aftercare Section. The Psychologist will not only deal with the problems of children and young delinquents but also normal children who sometimes need guidance to ensure the full development of their personalities and the formation of wholesome attitudes, outlook, habit and adjustment to the institutional setting in which they find themselves, as well as their adjustment to society and life. Even adults who have approached the Counselling and Advice Section for assistance sometimes require the help of a Psychologist in view of their deep-seated emotional conflict and personality problem. In the treatment of young delinquents, especially those who take drugs and are put on probation, the rehabilitation team requires the services of a Psychologist to conduct a psychological examination to enable the Probation and Aftercare Section to plan the offenders' future adjustment while under probation or aftercare; to the Prisons Classification Board to decide on an effective adjustment and training programme; and to the Parole Board to decide on the suitability of the offender's release on parole.

6.30 p.m.

The work of the Psychologist also includes conducting psychological tests and observations, counselling, operating a classification system for the purpose of grouping, placement and reliefs, providing consultation service for social case workers and participating in training and research projects.

The provision of $8,550 in the Estimates is for a nine-month period. The salary scale is the same as that for the post of Psychologist, Woodbridge Hospital. We expect to fill the post as soon as possible through normal recruitment channels.

Mr Conceicao: Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply, and I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101.

Sir, I would just like to know what sort of complaints the Director of the Central Complaints Bureau receives. Perhaps these complaints would fall neatly into certain categories. It will be interesting to know what sort of complaints people lodge with this Bureau, and how are these complaints solved, and what steps are taken to meet the needs of the complainant.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Sir, the Central Complaints Bureau receives various kinds of complaints by telephone, through correspondence, or in person. All the complaints are classified as follows:

(a) Discourtesy - rudeness in speech, discourteous in manner, including disrespect by using force;

(b) Misconduct;

(c) Petty bureaucracy or red tape;

(d) Unnecessary delay of service; of course, a certain delay may be unavoidable;

(e) Discrimination of service;

(f) Illegal acts of any person, including any member of the public;

(g) Protest for sympathetic consideration from the Government; and

(h) Private disputes.

The complaints are sorted out by tactful and proper representation of each case through the competent authority to ensure that appropriate departmental, disciplinary or enforcement action is taken. Otherwise a remedy or a realistic solution is always suggested. Normally, complainants are informed of the result of the investigation. I think it is interesting to note that the results of the 775 cases dealt with by the Bureau in 1971 are as follows

Dismissal - two cases;

Warning - 27 cases;

Insufficient evidence for further proceedings - 153 cases;

Misconception of facts - 12 cases;

Unsubstantiated complaints - 147 cases;

Pending investigation - 35 cases;

Remedial action - 399 cases.

The Bureau has to operate like a watchdog organisation to ensure that the services provided by the various Government departments and their staff ore both efficient as well as courteous. Therefore, constant observation of duty has to be performed, even in the absence of any specific complaint being made.

Mr Conceicao: Sir, I am very grateful for the Minister's reply, and I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1141*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Inche Rahmat bin Kenap Al-Haj.)

Sir, of late, prospective pilgrims from Singapore faced a lot of difficulties, particularly those who wanted to go to Mecca by ship. In previous years, prospective pilgrims can board their ships at Singapore. But last year they had to go to the Port of Klang. They made no preparations for the trip to the Port of Klang as they were first scheduled to board ship in Singapore. However, because of their great desire to go to Mecca, they faced the problems and difficulties with patience and with the full conviction that they would definitely reach the destination. To assist future pilgrims of Singapore, the President of the Majlis Ugama- Islam in his press statement recently said that a Pilgrimage Fund would be established in Singapore. I would like to know what plans have been made to assist prospective pilgrims. To obtain the support of Muslims in Singapore, the Majlis Ugama Islam should make the scheme attractive and provide amenities to the prospective pilgrims. Apart from providing amenities and facilities for the prospective pilgrims, the Majlis should encourage Muslims to save mores- through the proposed Pilgrimage Fund for their journey to the Haj, in which they would have to face all sorts of difficulties in Mecca and N4edina, particularly in respect of welfare and health. Many pilgrims from Singapore were ignored by the pilgrim agents in Mecca who have contacts with one or two pilgrim agents in Singapore. Most of the pilgrim agents are concerned with their own welfare and with making a lot of profit. As such, it is important to provide assistance and amenities to pilgrims of Singapore at Mecca and Medina.

Sir, another matter, which I would like to bring to the attention of this House is that the Majlis Ugama Islam or the Minister for Social Affairs should consult the Central Provident Fund anti the Ministry of Labour to allow Muslims who have got funds in the CP.F, to withdraw part of their contributions and deposit it in the Pilgrimage Fund in order to enable them to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Sir, I would like to stress that it is only a part and not all of their contributions or an amount which is sufficient for their fare to Mecca.

I hope that the proposed Pilgrimage Fund will get a good response from Muslims in Singapore and, in this way, will allow Muslims, while they are still young and strong, to go to the Haj when they are fit to do it.

Sir, I would also like to know how many mosques and suraus are under the administration of the Majlis? Are all the mosques and suraus under the administration of the Majlis, and are they allotted funds for extension and improvement purposes? What steps are being taken by the Majlis for the smooth administration of the mosques and suraus in the Republic?

Finally, Sir, I would like to know how many kathis and assistant kathis there are at present, and how were they recruited by the Majlis Ugama Islam.

Inche Rahmat Bin Kenap Al-Haj (Geylang Serai): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to know whether the Majlis Ugama Islam knows how many Muslim religious schools are there in Singapore, and how many of them are teaching Muslim subjects at the primary level and teaching subjects in the secondary level. How many Muslim students have gone abroad for further studies, for example, in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and the other Muslim states? From which Muslim colleges do these students obtain their qualifications? And what assistance has the Majlis Ugama Islam given in this regard?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Member for Kampong Kembangan for his interest and concern over the projects that he mentioned, which the Majlis Ugama Islam, is actively considering. The Majlis' plan is, of course, intended to help Muslims in their pilgrimage to Mecca.

There are actually two matters involved. Firstly, it is the arrangement for charter flights to Mecca and, secondly, the formation of a Pilgrimage Fund or Tabong Haji. Regarding the proposed charter flights, the Majlis is still considering the project and there is a need to ascertain the response by local pilgrims through registration which will be carried out soon. It is important that there must be a sufficient number of pilgrims who are interested in this project. Otherwise, it is not worthwhile to embark upon such a costly venture.

Regarding the formation of Tabong Haji, again this depends upon the response the Majlis can get from the Muslim public who wish to travel to-Mecca by air. Exploratory discussions are now being held with the experts in the various fields and, as far as can be gathered from our preliminary discussions, there is likely to be no difficulty in the establishment of the Pilgrimage Fund. It must be recognised that the Pilgrimage Fund serves a real need in that it ensures that prospective pilgrims will save enough money for the pilgrimage when they register for pilgrimage by air, and it discourages the practice of selling or mortgaging property to raise money for pilgrimage.

The Member will be pleased to know that the arrangement for pilgrimage through the establishment of Tabong Haji or the Pilgrimage Fund will include-the provision of welfare and health facilities for pilgrims during their sojourn in Mecca, Medina and Jeddah. The Pilgrimage Committee is considering the provision of medical facilities, including the services of a doctor and a nurse for the pilgrims when they are in Mecca. The provision of a welfare officer to look into the welfare aspects of the pilgrims and the services of a reputable pilgrim broker, and matters such as the offering of special gifts and life insurance, etc., are also being looked into.

Regarding the use of C.P.F, contributions by Muslim contributors for the purpose of pilgrimage, the answer has already been given before by the Minister of State for Labour. The basic aim of the C.P.F, is to provide workers with some savings when they retire from employment or when they are no longer able to work. To allow withdrawal of the money, either in full or in part, from the Fund before a member is qualified for withdrawal in order to proceed on a pilgrimage to Mecca will not be consistent with the purpose for which the Central Provident Fund was established.

6.45 p.m.

In accordance with Section 74 (1) of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, 1966, all mosques are now administered by the Majlis. The number that has been vested with the Majlis, however, is only 17, in view of the fact that under the law, those mosques which are on State land cannot be vested though they are administered by the Majlis. The Majlis has already taken steps to ensure that all mosques are properly managed. Management committees nowadays work very closely with the Majlis in rendering an advisory, consultative and supervisory service to them.

Regarding the appointment of Kathis and Naib Kathis, the Member may wish to note that Kathis are Government servants appointed in the normal manner through the Public Service Commission. As for Naib Kathis, there is a special -selection committee, comprising representatives of the Majlis and the Shariah Court, which select suitable candidates for appointment by the President of Singapore. To-date, two Kathis and 10 Naib Kathis have been appointed. Five vacancies for Naib Kathis still exist, and these have been advertised in a local newspaper.

Sir, I am pleased to note that the Member for Geylang Serai has taken a special interest in the progress of Islamic religious education in Singapore. There are now 24 madrasahs in the Republic which have been registered as Islamic Religious Schools, of which 18 are under Government grant-in-aid and six private. Two of these madrasahs are running both primary and secondary religious classes, while the rest are providing primary education only. The subjects provided by these madrasahs include Koran reading, Islamic Religious Knowledge, Arabic and Malay languages. The total enrolment of students attending the 24 madrasahs stands at 3,667. As for the number of students who have graduated from religious universities abroad, I would like to point out that some of our religious students go for higher studies at their own expense, while others proceed to the universities and then apply to the Majlis for scholarships. Of those in receipt of M.U.I.S, scholarship, four have since graduated from the following universities: Al Ahram University, Cairo, 3; University of Indonesia, 1. The Majlis has over the past three years received applications for scholarships from university students who are pursuing courses of religious studies in the United Arab Republic and in Indonesia. The following breakdown figures were recorded, based on the awards made in 1971: U.A.R.-6, Indonesia-2.

On the question of aids to the madrasahs, regular annual grants are not provided to these religious institutions. However, appropriate donations have been approved from time to time following appeals for financial assistance.

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff: (In Malay): Sir, the Minister said earlier that the setting up of the Pilgrimage Fund depends upon the support it receives. I think the support depends upon the preparations, the plans and facilities which can be provided by the Majlis to the would be members of the Fund. I had suggested that they should be allowed to use part of their C.P.F, deposits to meet the cost of passage for the Hai. If the Majlis can draw up a plan to provide more amenities and facilities, I think the response from the Muslim community in Singapore will be tremendous.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Sir, as I have said, this is being looked into. I am sure that if both sides, i.e., the pilgrims as well as the Majlis Ugama Islam, do their jobs well, I think we will get good support and we can proceed forthwith.

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff: (In Malay): On that note, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1171*.

(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao.)

Sir, at a time when the rate of industrial and road accidents is on the sharp increase, I would like to take the opportunity of urging the Minister to consider directing the Legal Aid Bureau to set up a special section to handle the road and industrial accident cases. The general public somehow does not seem to be aware of the fact that the Legal Aid Bureau, apart from the normal legal aid, does also undertake cases of road and industrial accidents. There is also an unfortunate impression that if they go to the Legal Aid Bureau, the result normally is rather slow. I do not know how far this is true, but that seems to be the general impression. Perhaps it is because of the inadequacy if the Bureau that a great number of unfortunate victims of road and industrial accidents have. I believe, become easy prey to unscrupulous lawyers who have come to he known as "ambulance chasers". Once you are in the hands of such operators then, by the time you get the compensation, that is, if you do get any compensation, the amount of what you are entitled to will be reduced by about 40 to 50 per cent or even 60 per cent. This matter does not come under the Ministry of Social Affairs. Until such time as we have more adequate measures to control the activities of such unscrupulous operators, I think one way we can go about it is to extend the service of the Legal Aid Bureau to help these unfortunate victims of road and industrial accidents.

Mr Conceicao: Sir, I wanted to ask the same question as the Member for Jalan Kayu in respect of workmen's compensation claims that might be processed by the Legal Aid Bureau. Perhaps I could ask the Minister, therefore, to quote how many instances of claims of such nature that the Legal Aid Bureau has succeeded in.

Mr P. Selvadurai (Bukit Panjang): Sir, while on this question of Legal Aid Bureau, I wonder if the Minister would consider extending legal aid to criminal cases as well, if not for crimes of violence, at least for many of these traffic offences and other forms of offences which are penal in nature. There is quite a large section of the population who just cannot afford to see lawyers.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Sir, since both the Members for Jalan Kayu and Katong have raised the same point, I will attempt to answer them in one breath. As no separate statistics are kept of industrial accidents, it is not possible to give the actual number of applicants who have applied for aid under this category under the heading of Accidents, which include both industrial and road accidents, the Legal Aid Bureau dealt with 255 cases in 1970 and 355 cases in 1971.

With record to industrial accidents, applicants who are within the means test commenced their proceedings with the Legal Aid Bureau, or are referred to the Bureau by the Commissioner for Labour. The referrals are only cases where the Commissioner for Labour is of the view that the complainants have a reasonable chance to pursue their claims at common 1aw on the ground of negligence, or cases where the injuries were sustained not in the course of employment. In die majority of cases the Legal Aid Bureau has been successful in obtaining compensation for them. In cases where there is no course of action against employers for industrial matters, the Bureau has also been able to obtain compensation on an ex-gratia basis. There is no necessity, for the time being at least, to set tip a special section to deal with such accidents, but if the necessity should arise, it will be looked into.

On the query raised by the Member for Bukit Panjang who suggested that criminal cases should also be considered by the Legal Aid Bureau, I think that if we agree to it, there will be a flux of requests for aid from people involved in criminal activities. As the Department has not enough staff, I do not think we can consider this. We will be pleased to refer all such cases to the Member himself so that he can take over.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin: Sir, before I withdraw my amendment, I would like to suggest to the Minister that perhaps it is about time we took the raps off some of the departments in a particular Ministry. Some of the departments are offering very good services, but somehow, I think, the public does not seem to be aware of it. We have the "Fire Brigade Week", "Police Week" and all sorts of "Weeks". Why not co-ordinate some of these lesser known departments and hold a particular Exhibition Week for the Ministry of Social Affairs, and you can have all the departments in the Ministry come under the same Exhibition. Will the Minister please consider that?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Sir, we will soon be holding a "Fire Brigade Week". I think the suggestion is a good one, and will take it into consideration.

Mr Conceicao: Sir, in view of what the Minister has said about industrial accidents and in view of the attention we are giving presently to this matter of industrial safety, can the Minister get the Legal Aid Bureau to categorise industrial accidents separately from ordinary accidents? The people will then know more accurately what is happening and will, therefore, be more disposed to take advantage of the facilities offered by the Legal Aid Bureau.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Yes. Sir, I will do it.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin: In view of the Minister's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1261*.

(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy).

Sir, you will recall that two years ago I brought this matter up with the Minister requesting him to grant assistance to our fishermen and farmers to set up co-operatives. But today, after a lapse of two years, nothing has been done at all by the Ministry concerned.

A few days ago, I also brought up the question of the plight of farmers and fishermen in Singapore. I pointed out that they are in a state of hardship and they have been exploited by middlemen. Therefore, in order to help improve the lot of the fishermen and farmers in Singapore which, in fact, is one of the aims of the P.A.P, socialist Government, it is perhaps time for us to help the farmers and fishermen to set up co-operatives so that they may be freed of any exploitation.

Sir, you will also recall that two years ago when the Minister replied to my question he pointed out that due to the shortage of staff in the Registry of Co-operative Societies and to other difficulties, it was not possible at that time to help the farmers and fishermen to organise co-operative societies. Sir, I would like to remind the Minister concerned to give serious consideration to the request for assistance to help farmers and fishermen set un co-operative societies.

7.00 p.m.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, when a co-operative thrift and loan society is self-sufficient and has made great profits, and after contributing the necessary 10 per cent of its capital into the statutory reserve funds and other formalities, why does the Registrar object to the society's declaration of a dividend of six per cent for its members? As a result of this objection, many members would feel that they are not getting proper returns for the money they have invested because other financial organisations, like the banks, and chit fund companies are paying better returns. If members were to note that it is not easy for a co-operative thrift and loan society to declare a six per cent dividend as embodied in their rules and regulations, I will not be surprised if a great majority of the members resign to invest their money in other financial organisations. Therefore, may I suggest to the Minister to take a look into this matter.

Mr Speaker, Sir, previously when Singapore was part of Malaysia, the co-operative societies in our country had been contributing a two per cent levy to the Co-operative College of Malaya for the purpose of co-operative education. Thereafter, when Singapore separated from Malaysia, this two per cent contribution to the Co-operative College ceased, and the individual societies are now holding on to this co-operative education fund. I wonder whether it is possible for legislation to be introduced to get this two per cent levy from individual co-operative movements into a common pool and to use it for co-operative education in the Republic.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, the idea of forming co-operatives for fishermen and farmers is not a new one. As it is, the Padang Terbakar Fishermen's General Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd, was formed in 1959. Another co-operative society, the Punggol Co-operative Credit and Fish Marketing Society Ltd., was formed in 1956: but it died a natural death four years later. Five co-operatives for farmers were formed between 1954 and 1956, one of which, the Jurong Road 14 m.s. Rural Co-operative Credit Society, still exists today. These co-operatives have, however, become inactive and membership is poor: and their members give little support to the management. Leadership and management of most of the co-operative societies are of a low standard, with the result that they do not function properly and members derive little benefit from them.

Sir, there is merit in the establishment of co-operatives for fishermen and farmers at Jurong. Initially, they can start on a modest scale. They need not be as elaborate as the co-operatives in other countries. But the important thing is that co-operatives must be well managed and those concerned with the establishment and management must have a real interest. I am, therefore, inclined to favour the formation of such a co-operative by the fishermen and farmers in Jurong themselves. I think the initiative must come from them. My Ministry will, of course, provide the necessary guidance and provision to ensure that the project launched will be a viable one. If necessary, the Registry of Co-operative-Societies will also assist in the initial planning of the co-operative and provide' the necessary training and education to build up the knowledge and experience required in the management of co-operatives.

With regard to the point raised by the Member for Anson, Sir, under the-Co-operative Societies (Modification) (Amendment) Order, 1954, co-operatives are not obliged to contribute two-per cent of their net profits to the Co-operative College of Malaya. However, any society which contributes two per cent of its profits to the Co-operative College shall be exempted from appropriating to its reserve fund for the year an amount equal to the sum contributed to the College. For example, a co-operative society is required by law to-appropriate 25 per cent of its profits to a reserve fund. If it contributes two per cent of its net profits to the Co-operative College of Malaya, that co-operative society is allowed to appropriate only 23 per cent of its net profits to the reserve fund. If there is an alternative educational institution engaged in the teaching of theory of co-operation and other allied subjects, and the administration is run to the satisfaction of my Ministry, then my Ministry will consider making the necessary amendment to the Order to channel the two per cent levy into such institutions.

Sir, a co-operative society may declare and pay a dividend of six per cent if it contributes the statutory 25 per cent of its net profits into the reserve fund. Under the Co-operative Societies (Modification) Order, 1954, a co-operative society is allowed to appropriate up to 10 per cent of its net profits into the reserve fund if it has been in existence for more than 10 years. However, one of the conditions attached to this reduction in appropriation is that the rate of dividend on the subscription should not exceed four per cent. This is because one of the principles of co-operatives is that the share capital should only receive a strictly limited rate of interest, if any. A society which contributes only 10 per cent of its net profits into the reserve fund is permitted to utilise the balance of the 15 per cent only in the following manner:

(1) to reduce the interest on loans to members;

(2) to create common-good funds:

(3) to create building funds;

(4) for propaganda:

(5) for education; and

(6) for any other similar purpose approved by the Registrar.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, in his reply, the Minister said that the co-operative societies closed down because of poor administration and management. In this respect, Sir, I think the responsibility should fall on his Ministry. We know that all farmers and fishermen are of comparatively low educational level and they lack experience in organising co-operative societies. As they also do not have the time to engage themselves fully in the activities of the societies, so the main bulk of the organisational work should fall on the shoulders of his Ministry. Since the Minister has promised to assist in this matter, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $1,541,720 for Head 1001 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Head 1002 -

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*.

(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.)

Sir, this head of expenditure concerns the allocation of funds for the Social Welfare Department. It amounts to-$7.04 million, which is slightly less than the allocation for last year. Probably this is a reflection of the economic prosperity and increased employment opportunities in Singapore, resulting in a decline in the number of poor people. Sir, a reduction in social welfare expenditure is a normal sign. If there is an increase, it can be taken as an indication of abnormality in our financial and economic position. Notwithstanding all these remarks, Sir, it is still our responsibility to look after the poor and the needy in our Republic. On this ground, I would like to request the Minister concerned to increase the funds for public assistance, so that we will be able to help these poor and needy people to subsist. This is because during the period of price fluctuations, the cost of living has gone up particularly in respect of daily necessities. So if public assistance is to be paid at the old rate to these poor and needy people, then it will be more difficult for them to live at the same rate of subsistence. Furthermore, Sir, since we are making considerable progress in our economic development we have enough funds to give more public assistance. I hope the Minister will seriously consider this.

The next point I wish to raise with the Minister is the Boys' Homes. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am quite concerned about the Boys' Homes. We know that these boys, being of tender age, have been misled, and therefore kept in the Boys' Homes for rehabilitation and training. We should give them vocational training in the Boys' Homes to ensure that when they leave these-Homes they will be equipped with a skill to earn their own living. I would like to ask the Minister what kind of training facilities are available in the various Boys' Homes.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the Member for Sembawang regarding the increase in public assistance because the cost of living has gone up. So the amount paid to the poor people is not sufficient. The Minister will have to consider increasing public assistance to those who are unable to work, disabled persons, especially the medically unfit. I think this is a proper time to increase public assistance.

Sir, I would like to bring a few points regarding the Woodlands Home for the Aged. The living conditions are bad. The old people are served with poorly cooked food, There are a lot of bugs in the beds. Toilet facilities are poor. Most of the toilets are dirty and damaged, and the flushing system is unsatisfactory. Despite the anti-mosquito campaign, there are a lot of mosquitoes and flies in the Home. Spot checks and investigations by the proper authorities should be carried no into the old people's complaints. We cannot treat these people as fourth-class citizens because of their age and neglect them completely. I was also informed that the inmates of the Home are each getting $4 as pocket money every month. But I was told they have reduced it to only $1. Whether it is true or not I am not sure, but the people are getting $1 each. That also should be checked. Now although we want to increase the pocket money from $4 to $6, we cannot do so because it has been reduced to SI. I do not know whether or not this is true. I hope the Minister will look into this matter and see whether there is a ruling on that.

7.15 p.m.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: The Member for Sembawang, in moving his amendment in respect of the subhead, Director of Social Welfare, has touched on the subject of Public Assistance. And since I have an amendment in respect of subhead 2061*, Public Assistance, I am wondering if you will permit me to

• The amendment, standing in the names of Messrs Sim Boon Woo and Seah Mui Kok, reads as follows:

(5) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (1) of subhead 2061. speak on my amendment now, as it will be convenient for the Minister to answer.

The Chairman: Yes.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: If Members care to look at subhead 2061, they will observe that there is a reduction of $600,000 in the provision as compared with fast year's estimates. This is because some of the recipients of public assistance have found employment. I would like the Minister to re-examine the criteria in deciding the quantum of payment granted to recipients of public assistance, in view of the high cost of living today. I appreciate that the Government should not be too liberal or unduly generous in this particular form of social welfare service for it might encourage irresponsibility and indolence. However, I strongly feel that in cases where the recipients are not employed due to illness, old age or handicapped, consideration should be given to the fact that the amount granted should be reasonably sufficient to enable them to live a reasonable life. Another factor to be considered in this respect is that sonic of the recipients may be employable but cannot take up any employment as they have to perform the necessary domestic routine, for example, a widowed mother has to look after their young children. It is, of course, morally wrong for the otherwise able-bodied persons to live on welfare dole almost permanently, but unfortunately the situation is such that it is beyond help.

I would request the Minister to conduct an immediate exercise to revise the rates of public assistance allowances, taking into consideration the different social environment and today's minimum standard of living. Sir, the dreadful situation some of our public assistance recipients are in cannot meet with our claim that we have the second highest per capita income in Asia.

Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker. Sir, I originally intend to speak on my amendment* which will come up later, but since other Members have been speaking on the same subject, I also wish to touch on it now.

• The amendment, standing in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon, reads as follows:

(3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1151.

Sir, in December last year when I raised the question of public assistance, I remember the Minister concerned replied that his Ministry proposed to ask the Ministry of Finance to increase the rates of public assistance to those families who needed aid, and that the Ministry of Finance was considering it. However, when we examine the present Budget we are rather disappointed, because while we are able to give an additional month's salary as allowance to our civil servants, the public assistance vote has not been increased as expected, but instead it has been reduced by $600,000 as compared with that of last year. Does that imply that those recipients under the scheme will get less financially? If I am not wrong, Sir, the present public assistance scheme was formulated in 1962. According to this current scheme, a family receiving public assistance could get a minimum of $21 per month. The maximum should not be over $60. These were the rates fixed ten years ago. A decade has passed and our social environment has changed tremendously. Our standard of living is now much higher than it was ten years ago. If the family of a recipient is staying in a Housing and Development Board flat, the meagre sum of public assistance is not sufficient even to meet the expenses for rent and P.U.B, charges, not to mention food and sundries. The present amount is not sufficient as I have mentioned earlier. In these circumstances, I wonder whether the Public Assistance Scheme will be of actual help to those who need it under the scheme. I hope the Minister concerned will explain the position.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, I also have an amendment+ under this subject of Public Assistance,and since it has been brought up, I might as well speak on it, and so save the Minister the inconvenience of having to reply again.

• The amendment, standing in the names of Messrs Hwang Soo Jin and Ng Kah Ting, reads as follows:

(6) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2061.

Sir, I fully support the views expressed by several of my colleagues just now. The question of public assistance must be reviewed in respect of the rate to be given per month. As we have just heard from the Member for Tiong Bahru, these rates of allowances are more than ten years old. In fact, if we look around, much water has flowed under the Merdeka Bridge in the past ten years! Liken to that, I would say that Ministers' salaries have been increased from $2,500 to $4,500 per month; the allowance to each Member of Parliament has been raised from $500 to $1,000 per month. The Parliamentary Secretaries and Ministers of State have also had increases in allowances. Recently, it has been announced that one month's salary as an annual allowance would be paid to civil servants. Now we have these cases of poor people depending on public assistance. An upward revision in the rates is long overdue. Why does the Minister for Social Affairs not take this into consideration? Instead of an increase in the allocation for public assistance, we see a decrease. In fact, last year in this august Chamber, he assured the House that he would look into this matter. Does he mean to tell us that when he looks into a matter there will be a reduction in the allowance?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: There are less deserving cases.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: It may well be that there are less deserving cases. But if we have five Backbenchers standing up to say that it is high time the Minister revised the rates, there must be something wrong somewhere. We do not come into this Chamber just to make noise and get some publicity. Far from it, Sir.

I have had occasion to meet cases of hardship. A poor washerwoman had come to me and said, "Can you please help me. The Public Assistance Section of the Social Welfare Department has now asked me to refund the allowance paid, and it has threatened to cut the assistance." I asked her why, and what was the amount she was given. She told me that she received only a small allowance with which to support so many children, including herself. Therefore, she said that she could not go on. What could she do but to take up some additional work. Even that does not help her much. However, whenever the Social Welfare Department officials discover a case whereby a recipient has found employment, it will proceed to cut off the assistance. There were quite a number of cases where the allowances have been cut. I personally know of a lot of other cases where the recipients turned to me and said, "I do not want public assistance. This is bitter bread of charity. I do not need it. What I want is employment." Unfortunately, Sir, both the Minister for Finance and the Minister of State for Finance are not here in this Chamber, or I would have pressed this matter further. However, Sir, when these poor recipients go and register at the Employment Exchange, they are found either too old or maybe a little handicapped physically, and as a result they cannot get employment. What can they do? Is it not the responsibility of the State to look after these poor people? A good many illustrations have been given in this House in which the small amount of public assistance given is barely sufficient to pay for rent and public utility services, let alone to subsist on it. I appreciate that there may be a reduction in the number of cases, and the Minister will get up to say that this is a good sign. At least I hope the Minister for Social Affairs will consider the matter. I am not saying that the Minister is not considering it, but how much has he thought of it?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Very much.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Very much? But then why is there a reduction instead? This is the irony of it. He fought for it so hard that in the end the amount is reduced. The Minister for Finance has painted a very beautiful picture of the economic growth of Singapore. Everything is going up. As I have said the other day, the Gross National Product is going up, but how far it is going up I do not know. But then what about the people at the lower levels who cannot and will never be able to catch up? What do we do?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Shed tears.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Are you shedding tears? Crocodile tears maybe! I join my colleagues in appealing to the good sense and kindheartedness of the Minister for Social Affairs to press on with an upward revision of the rates of public assistance, so that at least the recipients of the dole will get more and be able to subsist on what they are given by the Social Welfare Department.

Mr Seah Mui Kok (Bukit Ho Swee): Mr Speaker, Sir, I also have an amendment* on this subject of Public Assistance, and since Members have now spoken on it, I wish to take this opportunity to join my colleagues in strongly requesting the Minister for Social Affairs to give active consideration to review and to increase the public assistance allowance to the poor and needy. I do not think I can say much on it now since many Members have already expressed their views very well. However,

• The amendment, standing in the names of Messrs Sim Boon Woo and Seah Mui Kok, reads as follows:

(5) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (1) of subhead 2061. I would strongly urge the Minister for Social Affairs to recommend at least 15 to 20 per cent increase in the public assistance allowance, as they really need it.

7.30 p.m.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin: Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of my very eloquent colleagues, but speaking on this subject* I would like to be very brief. I feel that it is not only the rates of public assistance allowances that need looking into but also the rules. I have a case recently of a woman who is in receipt of public assistance allowance of $21 per month and as soon as she found herself an odd-job paying only $20, the Ministry pounced on her straightaway and cut off the allowance by $10. I think this is extremely unfair. How can we expect a person to live on $31? Surely it is our policy to encourage them, no matter how old they are, to try to stand on their own two feet, And this is a case of a woman of 55 or 56 years of age. She really wants to be on her own two feet, and what we are doing is to discourage her from taking odd jobs.

• The amendment, standing in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon, reads as follows:

(3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1151.

Dr Augustine H. H. Tan (Whampoa): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad to see this year so many voices in support of a plea which I made last year for an increase in the rates of public assistance allowances. I think the only case that we can make against raising the rates is making it too high. But we are so far below the disincentive point that we can safely proceed to double, if not triple, the current rates. We must have in mind the people who are old, especially those who are decrepit. As I pointed out in the past, we are a rapidly changing society. The traditional extended family has been breaking down. One of the effects of living in high-rise modern-type flats is the breaking up of families into smaller units. People no longer stay with or take care of their parents.

Furthermore, Sir, as we modernise, as we build spanking new hotels, new roads and so on, I am afraid we are restricting options to people. The land for cultivating simple things to live on is shrinking. The opportunities for hawking are also shrinking. One has to be on the register of hawkers for the last two years in order to qualify for a licence in a new hawkers' centre. One cannot just go out and try to make a living. One could get hauled up before a court and fined $5 for the first time and $15 for each subsequent offence. We are trying to build a modern, dynamic, progressive society, double or quadruple our national income. But, at the same time, we should be a society with a heart, a society that does not neglect people who cannot keep up with the competitive pace because they are old, decrepit and because they simply lack the education and the skills to keep up with modern times.

An hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Dr Augustine Tan: I think we have plenty of room, Sir, given the current rates, and I would once again very strongly urge the Minister for Social Affairs, the Minister for Finance, and the Government as a whole, to seriously revise these rates and as quickly as possible.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Chan Chee Seng): Mr Speaker, Sir, having heard so much from the Members opposite talking about the old and the poor, I almost believed that in Singapore, which is an advanced country in South-east Asia, families are being broken down, as one Member has put it, because of high-rise buildings, and that because of modernisation families cast their older people away. But after listening to all of them, in fact, I am gaining back the confidence in believing that such a thing is not apparent and is not at all happening in Singapore because we have got so many Members who have a keen interest in the old, even though they are not their own relatives.

Mr Sim Boon Woo: We are representatives of the people!

Mr Chan Chee Seng: Yes, the voice of the people. And that in taking care of the poorer sections of the people, the needy ones must be given a higher rate of public assistance. In fact, we are all for them. I almost thought that this theme is being spoken by my Minister and officials in my Ministry, because all the time we thought that the old people have been putting up in the Welfare Homes without much care or tribute from members of the public. They are left to the care of Welfare Homes and the Ministry of Social Affairs. Now, I know it is not the case.

First and foremost, I must congratulate our old people in the Homes because they have many good honour-able Members who do think of them and are trying to fight very hard for them. The education system of Singapore is not that bad because we have all along believed that in other countries the rich people put their old folks in Homes. They have to pay in order to get somebody to look after their old people in the Homes.

An hon. Member: It happens here too.

Mr Chan Chee Seng: I do not think so. In our Ministry, we do not accept any old people in our Homes. If their families are well off, they jolly well look after their old people.

However, Sir, there is indeed a reduction of $600,000 in the provision for public assistance for the next financial year. This is due to a reduction in the number of public assistance recipients. The number of public assistance cases has shown a steady decline from 27,435 cases in 1964 to 8,915 cases in 1971. Therefore, the provision of $2.8 million for public assistance allowance under item (1) of subhead 2061, Head 1002, in the 1972-73 Estimates is expected to be adequate, provided there is no change in the existing rates of public assistance allowances.

As regards the rules governing the public assistance scheme, they are designed to assist those who are in real need of financial assistance. As the Member for Changi has so ably put it, the quantum of payment should neither be too liberal nor unduly generous as to encourage irresponsibility and indolence. The quantum of payment is based on the means test which takes- into consideration the status of the recipient according to the number of dependants he has. In administering the scheme, the Social Welfare Department has always seen to it that the genuine cases of hardship are given sympathetic consideration and, wherever necessary, additional allowances, payable under the other schemes, such as the Silver Jubilee Fund, will he given to such hardship cases.

As regards the upward revision of the present rates of public assistance allowance, I am pleased to inform the House that steps have, in tact, been actively taken to revise the rates.

An hon. Member: By how much?

Mr Chan Chee Seng: At the present moment, the matter is being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance, an-d a decision is expected soon.

An hon. Member: How Soon?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Very soon!

Mr Chan Chee Seng: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Sembawang wanted to know about the training schemes in our Social Welfare Homes. It will take too much time to describe all the training schemes that are being provided. The Member may wish to know that, apart from academic subjects, moral and religious instruction, physical training, participation in uniformed groups, a wide range of vocational and recreational types of general courses are also provided in the Social Welfare Homes. The types and levels of such courses- vary from institution to institution. In the Gimson School for Boys, for example, courses include motor mechanics, electric wiring, metal craft, carpentry, handicraft work, making of souvenirs and signboards, noodle-making and cooking (restaurant style). In the Mount Emily Girls' Home, on the other hand, such courses as commercial laundry, ladies' hair dressing and styling, sewing and embroidery work, cake-making, food catering and handicraft work, including the making of dolls, are provided. Suffice it for me to say, everything possible is being done to provide adequate and useful training for the boys and girls in Social Welfare Homes so as to enable them to fit into the world of employment upon their discharge from the Homes.

In answer to the Member for Anson, it is indeed gratifying to hear that he is so deeply concerned with the welfare of the old people at the Woodlands Home for the Aged, which is now undergoing repairs and renovations. Four new dormitories, a large workshop, and a recreational hall have just been completed, and workmen are now building a new dining hall and making improvements to the existing kitchen. Repair of leakages in water cisterns, pipes and taps, has been completed. Members of the Board of Visitors appointed to inspect and advise on the running of this Home are generally satisfied with the conditions and amenities in the Home. In fact, the Social Welfare Department has taken considerable pains to improve the amenities for the residents. For example, several television sets have recently been installed in the dormitories. A pergola and a decorative fountain have also been constructed for the enjoyment of the residents. Through the combined efforts of the staff and residents, the Home, together with its extensive grounds, has been kept quite clean and green. Flies and mosquitoes did present a problem before, in view of the fact that the Home is located in the vicinity of animal and vegetable farm lands. However, the Ministry of Health has already taken action on the farm lands adjacent to the Home, and the situation has improved considerably. The health authorities have also confirmed that there are no breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes in the Home.

I am not aware that the allowance for any inmates of th-e Homes for the Aged has been reduced to $1. If the Member for Anson can give me the names of the inmates who have been paid an allowance of only SI per month. I will immediately have their cases investigated. Previously, aged residents its Social Welfare Homes were paid a fixed monthly allowance of $5 for male residents and $4 for female residents, irrespective of their conduct. The system has led to abuse in that many of the residents failed to comply with the regulations which are designed for the-welfare of all the residents.

7.45 p.m.

In order to devise a system that encourages good discipline and order, a new payment system was introduced on the 1st August. 1969. Under this new system, the residents are classified into-three groups, according to their conduct and industry in the homes and not according to sex. Grade I residents receive $10 per month; Grade II residents $5 per month, and Grade III residents $2 per month. In addition to that, an incentive scheme has also been introduced to enable the more industrious residents to share 50 per cent of the profits from the sales of manufactured articles and other products.

In conclusion, I would like to extend an invitation to all Members of Parliament to visit the Woodlands Home for the Aged at any time to see for themselves the conditions existing therein.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Sir, I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for his detailed reply. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

In the absence of Mr J. F. Conceicao, the following amendment standing in his name was not proceeded with -

(2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101.

Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2009.

We have just heard a minute ago about giving care and attention to old people. This subhead 2009 is just another relevant matter concerning the care of the old people in the Homes for the Aged. The sum voted is to provide free coffins and free burials to the dead inmates of the Homes. I consider this sum too meagre. I feel that the dead inmates in these Homes are given something worse than a pauper's burial. I wish to appeal to the Minister for an exercise in this provision. So much money is being spent on less important matters, and therefore we should not save on our last services to the dead. Therefore, I advocate for an increase for this subhead in next year's budget.

Mr Chan Chee Seng: Sir, I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Member for Mountbatten. Every effort is being made to ensure that the poor old people in the Homes are given a decent burial. The provision of $200 under subhead 2009 is also used to meet the cost of burial in those cases in which the dead bodies are sent to the hospital mortuary. It is the normal practice for such burials to be undertaken by an approved contractor at the same rates as those payable in hospital cases. Expenditure under this subhead during the last two financial years had not exceeded $100 per year. Therefore, the provision of 5200 is considered adequate.

Financial grants for burials for other cases are normally paid from either the Cheang Hong Lim Burial Ground Charity Fund or the Silver Jubilee Fund. There is also a provision of $3,000 under subhead 2061, item (4), to cover burial subsidy for Malay families affected by development schemes. Thus the Social Welfare Department, in fact, has a Burial fund at its disposal to assist -needy families to defray their funeral expenses.

Mr Ng Yeow Chong: Sir, I am glad that the Social Welfare Department has other funds at its disposal. In view of this, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $7,042,660 for Head 1002 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Head 1003 -

The following amendment stood in the names of Messrs Teong Eng Siong, N. Govindasamy and Cheong Yuen Chee -

(1) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1003 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001.

The Chairman: Amendment No. (1). Mr Teong is not here. Mr Govindasamy.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1003 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001,

Sir, last year I raised the problem of resignations and the shortage of men in the Fire Brigade service. I also raised the problem of a revision of wages for members of the Fire Brigade, and that it should be in line with the revision of salaries of the Police Force which was being conducted at that time. When I raised the problem of wages for our firemen, the Minister replied, and I quote him:

`The last point that the Member raised concerns the possibility of reviewing the emoluments of the staff of the Fire Brigade Department. This is being done, and it is hoped that the review will be completed in the near future.'

This is found in Hansard [Vol. 30, No. 14, col. 1041] of 22nd March 1971, Sir, every time the Minister replied, he has these qualified terms "in the near future", "soon", "under active consideration" or "very soon". I want a categorical answer this time as to whether or not this is being done. If it is not done, why not?

Mr Cheong Yuen Chee (Toa Payoh): Sir, with the increasing number of our factories and high-rise buildings coming up in Singapore, I consider it of utmost importance that our Fire Brigade service should be well equipped in manpower so that it may be able to deal with any emergency that may arise. May I also ask the Minister how many experienced senior officers have left the service for greener pastures in the private sector, and what steps are being taken by his Ministry to fill such vacant posts caused by the resignations?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Sir, my Ministry has already reviewed the salaries and conditions of service of the Fire Brigade service, and our recommendations are now with the Ministry of Finance. No doubt this proposal will have to be considered in the broad context of the salary structure of the entire civil service.

To the point raised by the Member for Toa Payoh, there has not been a spate of resignations of Senior Officers in the Fire Brigade. In fact, since March 1971 there have been only two resignations, and both these officers are in the Station Officer's grade. Sir, the approved strength of officers in the Singapore Fire Brigade is as follows: -

Chief Fire Officer -one post

Divisional Officer - 4 posts

Assistant Divisional Officer - 6 posts

Station Officers - 33 posts.

There are a total of six vacancies out of an authorised strength of 44 Senior Officers.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, with the hope that I would not have to raise the same problem next year, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head 1003 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2016.

Sir, I share the sentiments expressed by the Member for Toa Payoh when he mentioned that our Fire Brigade should be well-equipped in view of industrial developments, and so on. I am rather surprised to see that this item on training courses has remained static at 5100 a year. In view of the increasing complexities of fire hazards because of industrialisation and urban renewal, I feel that members of the Fire Brigade should be given more training not only locally but sent abroad to countries which have more experience in fire-fighting.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Sir, the Member can be rest assured that applications for training awards are submitted yearly to the Public Service Commission to enable Senior Fire Officers in the Singapore Fire Brigade to attend courses to study the up-to-date techniques in fire-fighting and fire prevention. For this year, that is, 1972, we have requested the Public Service Commission for a training award to enable a Divisional Officer to attend a fire prevention course at the Fire Service College. United Kingdom, followed by attachment to the Fire Prevention Section of the larger brigades. Sir, a Divisional Officer was sent to Japan in September last year to attend a group training course in the fire service administration. Another officer will be leaving for the United Kingdom in July this year to attend courses for six months at the Fire Service College.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin: I thank the Minister for his reply, and beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $3,499,650 for Head 1003 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Pursuant to a resolution of the House, Mr Speaker thereupon left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1972, to 31st March, 1973, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.

Mr Speaker: So be it.