PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (Particulars)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Social Affairs how many persons were granted public assistance during the year ended 28th February. 1973 and the total amount of aid paid.

Mr Chan Chee Seng (for the Minister for Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of persons receiving public assistance varies from month to month and shows a decreasing trend. During the year ending 28th February, 1973, the figure ranges from 14,948 in February, 1973 to 17,825 persons in March 1972. This works out to an average of 16,420 persons. The number of families or households receiving public assistance allowance ranges from 7,474 in February 1973 to 8,134 in March 1972, giving an average of 7,753 families receiving public assistance.

The total amount of aid paid during the year ending 28th February, 1973, was $2,441,202.30.