HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Training and educational facilities for Estate Officers)

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board what training and educational facilities are afforded Estate Officers in order to equip them for improved performance as well as help them in their career development.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board has two training schemes for its Estate Officers. Those with the Higher School Certificate undergo an in-service training programme before taking the external examinations of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (R. I. C. S.) to become professionally qualified and eligible for promotion to senior officers. Those with University degrees also undergo an in-service training programme in order to enable them to attain the professional qualification of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. These graduates are exempted from appearing for the first professional examination of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, among the courses for Estate Officers would the Minister also consider including courses in public relations, so that unnecessary misunderstanding between the Housing Board officials and the public may be avoided?

Mr Barker: These courses form part of their training. However, in view of the Member's comment, I will look further into these allegations.