NATIONAL SERVICE (Deferment and Part-time)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister of Defence how many applications were made (i) for deferment; and (ii) for part-time National Service, during the year ending 28th February, 1973; how many applications were approved; and how many applications were rejected and the reasons therefor.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence (Mr Phua Bah Lee) (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, between 1st March, 1972, and 28th February, 1973, 878 applications were received for exemption/deferment from full-time National Service. Of this number, 146 were applications for deferment and 732 were applications for part-time National Service. The decisions in respect of these applications were as follows:- Number granted part-time service 394 Number granted deferment 117 --- Total appeals granted 511 === Number not approved 326 Number being investigated 41

Applications are considered on the following grounds:

(a) Whether call-up for full-time National Service will result in financial hardship for the family.

(b) Whether it will result in the disintegration of a business enterprise.

These applications are referred to an Advisory Board consisting of prominent members of the public (including businessmen and senior public servants) and senior military officers. Those applications in which these grounds are not satisfied are rejected.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu): Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Parliamentary Secretary please inform the House whether all applications are, in fact, referred to the Advisory Board?

Mr Phua Bah Lee: Mr Speaker, Sir, when applications for deferment or for part-time service are received at the Central Manpower Base, they are examined to see what grounds have been given. If they conform to the grounds which I have stated earlier, such as financial hardship or disintegration of a business, the applications are referred to the Advisory Board for consideration. This Advisory Board will then review such cases, and their recommendations are submitted to the Director of Manpower. Each application is, therefore, considered on its own merits.