SUPREME COURT (Public address system)

Mr L. P. Rodrigo asked the Minister for Law and National Development if the Government will consider the installation of public address systems in the courtrooms of the Supreme Court to ensure that justice is not only seen but also heard.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Sir, the Government does not consider that there is a need to provide for the installation of public address systems in the air-conditioned courtrooms in the Supreme Court.

Mr L. P. Rodrigo (Serangoon Gardens): Sir, with one experience behind us, can the Minister inform the House whether or not the Subordinate Court buildings that are nearing completion will be installed with sufficient public address systems to ensure that justice there will be heard?

Mr Barker: There will be a public address system in the Senior Magistrates' Courts in the new Subordinate Courts building to enable parties appearing thereto to hear their summonses being called. This Court will be the Court where the majority of criminal cases are first mentioned.