MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL 1975 TO 31ST MARCH, 1976

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [1st Allotted Day].

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

The Chairman: Main and Development Estimates of Singapore for the financial year 1st April, 1975 to 31st March, 1976, contained in Paper Cmd. 3 of 1975. For convenience, I shall take the totals for each head of expenditure in the Main Estimates and the Development Estimates as they appear in the fifth and sixth columns respectively of the Summary of Estimated Expenditure on page 43 of the Paper.

May I draw the attention of hon. Members to the Statement which appears at the bottom of page 41 of the Paper?

The totals in respect of the Main Estimates for the two Heads, A "Civil List for the President of the Republic of Singapore" and B "Statutory Expenditure", are not to be voted, and I shall, therefore, not take these totals. Further, the total amount to be voted in respect of the Main Estimates is $2,202,770,19() and not the sum of $2,646,319,300 shown on page 43.

I shall deal first with the heads of expenditure in respect of which amendments stand in the Order Paper Supplement.

Head C -

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head C be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1111.

Sir, what has been the function of the Presidential Council up to now? As amounts of expenditure had been allocated for the Council in previous years. I would like to know how these amounts had been utilised in carrying out the functions of the Council.

Secondly, the Presidential Council is supposed to safeguard the minority rights and interests. How successful has it been so far, and what has been done to fulfil these obligations?

I would also like to know how often does the Presidential Council meet.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, the functions of the Presidential Council are spelt out in Articles 811 and 811. They are:

`(1) . . , to consider and report on such matters affecting persons of any racial or religious community in Singapore as may be referred to the Council by Parliament or the Government.

(2) . . , to draw attention to any Bill or to any subsidiary legislation if that Bill or subsidiary legislation is in the opinion of the Council a differentiating measure.'

A differentiating measure means:

`any measure which is, or is likely in its practical application to be, disadvantageous to persons of any racial or religious community and not equally disadvantageous to persons of other such communities, either directly by prejudicing persons of that community or indirectly by giving advantage to persons of another community.'

The Council is served by the Office of the Clerk of Parliament, and for the present it is intended to continue with this arrangement. A total provision of $54,010 is included in the Main Estimates of Expenditure to meet expenditure on manpower and other operating expenses for the servicing of the Council in case at some later date it should be decided that a separate office be set up for the Council. The anticipated expenditure to be met will be expenditure on purchase of subsidiary legislation, Supplements to the Gazette, printing of the Council's Annual Report and stationery. Council members are not remunerated in any way. The total expenditure under the vote in FY 73 was $1,549.20. Expenditure to-date in the current financial year is $2,277.

Under Article 81K (5), the Council is required yearly to compile and present to the President a report on the working of the Council during the preceding 12 months, and such reports are presented to Parliament. The last report covered the period 14th July, 1973 to 31st July, 1974 and was presented to Parliament on 7th September, 1974 as Paper Cmd. 13 of 1974. Copies of the report were circulated to all Members. In that report it was stated that the Council had examined 44 Bills and three Acts after their passing by Parliament and had received a large number of subsidiary legislation for examination, and that it had made no adverse report on any of them.

The Council meets whenever Bills which have been passed by Parliament are referred to it for consideration and reports in accordance with its terms of reference. As always, the Council's reports are presented to Parliament and copies are circulated to Members. Proceedings of the Council are conducted in private.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, in view of the Minister's explanation, I wish to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $54,010 for Head C ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

Head H -

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head H be reduced by $10 in respect of item (a) of subhead AAA 3090.

Sir, I am rising to perform an almost annual ritual. This question of compensation for accidents involving Government vehicles has cropped up several times before. In 1973 I said that if the situation did not appear to get better I would say something about it again, and that is why I am standing up before you here today.

According to information in the old volumes of Hansard, in March 1973 a total sum of nearly $125,000 was paid out in compensation. According to a question which I tabled for written answer, the total for FY 74 for the 11 months of 1974 is $376,398.80, a sum that represents three times what it was in 1973. The matter has really become much worse. But to compound the situation it would appear that compensation has to be paid even for accidents involving Police vehicles because a sum of $62,000 has been paid out in respect of accidents involving the Police. Under such circumstances, the situation requires some very strong admonition either from the Minister or in some way through the Attorney-General's Chambers. It is for this reason that I have risen to speak on this matter.

Another point is that the appropriation for 1974 is $100,000 while the sum that is going to be paid out or has been paid out so far is $376,000. This discrepancy between the appropriation and the actual sum paid out has appeared again and again in the Estimates. Sir, I suggest that when the next Estimates are prepared we put in a sum that is perhaps closer to the experience that we have had so that Members can have an idea of the extent of compensation that has been paid, instead of having to find out by asking for a written answer to a question.

Mr Barker: Sir, as for accidents involving Government vehicles, the expenditure under this head for the financial year 1974-75 up to 28th February this year is $139,489.92. This sum was required to settle claims arising out of accidents involving Government vehicles which were settled out of court. The vast majority of these cases were dealt with under the provisions of the Treasury Collision Agreement between the Government and 48 insurance companies. The Agreement provides for contribution towards the cost of repairs to Government vehicles insured by one of the signatory companies in the event of accidents between these vehicles.

The remainder of the vote was used to settle claims in accidents caused or contributed to by the negligence of Government drivers. The sums incurred in the number of accident cases dealt with in the last three financial years are as follows: No. of Year Amount Cases 1972- 1973 $124,831.94 233 1973-1974 $149,925.55 271 1974- 1975 $139,489.92 254 (up to 28th Feb.)

These figures show that the number of accidents increased slightly in the last two years compared with the financial year 1972-73. This can be said to be due to the increasing number of vehicles used by the various Government Ministries and departments. Whilst the number of vehicles used by the Ministry of Defence is not known to me, the fleets of the Ministry of the Environment and the Police Department have increased considerably. In 1972, the Ministry of the Environment had 350 vehicles but by 1974 this number had increased to 419. The Police fleet has increased from 664 vehicles in 1972 to 842 in 1974.

2.45 p.m.

Another consideration which perhaps has a greater bearing on this expenditure is the sharp increase in the cost of repairs. The sum of $100,000 allocated to meet accidents for the financial year 1974-75 was a conservative figure. The sum expended in the financial year 1973-74 amounted to nearly $150,000. For the first 11 months of the financial year 1974-75, a sum of $139,489.92 has been spent, and we expect this figure to increase to about $150,000 by the close of the financial year. For these reasons a budget of $150,000 for the new financial year would not be an unreasonable estimate.

The main reason for the discrepancies between the amount asked for in previous financial years and the actual amount spent was the unforeseen sharp increase in the cost of repairs and the increase in the number of accidents. In 1971, for example, the average cost of each accident was about $370 but by 1974 the average cost per accident had increased to $550.

Drivers of Government vehicles are subject to a far greater degree of control than the ordinary driver. Not only are they liable to criminal proceedings which may be initiated but they are also subject to departmental proceedings which may result in their dismissal, where appropriate. In the case of the Ministry of Defence, Singapore Armed Forces' drivers are not only liable to disciplinary proceedings but may also be ordered to pay or contribute towards the cost of repairs to their vehicles.

The Chairman: Mr Conceicao, you have actually exceeded the guillotine time. Would you like to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Conceicao: In that case, Mr Speaker, Sir, I withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave withdrawn.

The sum of $2,099,940 for Head H ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $563,000 for Head H ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Head J -

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 1109.

Sir, pollution caused by lorries, taxis and other commercial vehicles has decreased considerably. Yet there seems to be no decrease in the pollution caused by buses owned by the Singapore Bus Service. It is common to see buses continuously emitting smoke throughout their journeys. I am sure the Minister must have noticed this. What efforts are being made to reduce this health hazard? In complete contrast, the Scheme B buses are in excellent condition and do not emit poisonous smoke, although all the buses are using the same fuel. To make matters worse, some of the SBS buses are so noisy that if one is not careful one's eardrums may burst especially if one happens to be too close to the engine.

Sir, the Showa Maru incident was given immense publicity as a result of the unique damage caused to Singapore and our neighbours. Our neighbours have already made public their claims for the damage. The damage to us was greater than that to our neighbours. Besides the damage we have also incurred a huge expenditure in our fight to minimise the pollution. What was the outcome of the Foreign Ministers' meeting which was specially convened to discuss this incident and its related issues? What measures are being taken to ensure that tankers, like the Showa Maru, do not create further damage to our waters and seashores?

The Minister for the Environment (Mr Lim Kim San): Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we all know that the main cause of excessive smoke from buses, cars and other vehicles is bad maintenance of their engines. Anyway, because of the enforcement action taken by the Registry of Vehicles and the Traffic Police, matters have improved. Owners are more careful and, with the exception of buses, they have maintained their vehicles quite well. There has been an improvement in the control of smoke pollution all over Singapore. I quite agree with the Member for Anson that Scheme B buses are in a much better condition. They do not make so much noise, nor do they emit smoke as much as the SBS buses. But I would like to inform him that Scheme B buses are not as heavily used and so there is less deterioration and thus easier to maintain. I can assure him that with more new SBS buses coming to the scene and with a team of army personnel helping in the maintenance of the buses, the situation will improve. However, it will be some time before any improvement in the SBS could be seen.

The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I, on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, answer the Member for Anson's query on the Showa Maru incident? The incident, as the Member knows, brought our Foreign Minister and those of the neighbouring countries together to discuss the safety of navigation and the control of marine pollution in the Straits of Malacca and the Straits of Singapore. As the Member would have read in the press, a Ministerial Council was formed as a result of the meeting. A Traffic Separation Scheme and the use of additional navigational aids were also considered at the meeting and, if implemented, the safety of navigation in the Straits would be further enhanced. The Foreign Ministers also agreed that there should be cooperation and consultation amongst the three countries when submitting claims for compensation arising out of oil spills. These are measures to ensure that while oil tankers, including the Very Large Crude Carriers, use the Straits of Malacca and the Straits of Singapore, they will not create oil spills to damage our waters and seashores and those of our neighbours.

On the Showa Maru incident itself, the Port of Singapore Authority has submitted a claim for $3.8 million. These are specific claims on amounts actually expended in both fighting pollution and preventing the spread of pollution caused by the oil spills. As regards general damages, the matter is somewhat complicated and is still under consideration.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, on the matter of buses I think there is no proper control over them. I understand that spare parts are allowed to lie in an open space and anybody can take them out. There is no proper control by SBS, and therefore you can expect their buses to give out smoke. However, I withdraw my amendment.

Mr Lim Kim San: Sir, may I clarify the position? I am not responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the buses, but partly responsible for the control and monitoring of pollution caused by the buses emitting smoke. If the Member wants satisfaction about how spare parts are used by the SBS, I think he should ask my colleague, the Minister for Communications.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Ivan Baptist (Potong Pasir): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of item (a) of subhead AAA 8101.

Sir, the development of parks in the Public Utilities Board premises at MacRitchie Reservoir is indeed an advantage for the people. It is essential that we develop parks because more than 40% of our people live in high-rise flats and need an environment for relaxation, lots of trees, greenery and serenity.

In addition, in MacRitchie a restaurant enables those who can afford to refresh themselves. I presume the rental is high and so the cost for refreshment is also high.

It is the policy of the park authorities to ensure that the park is not littered and stringent measures have been taken to ensure that this is adhered to. Soft drinks are not allowed in the park for fear of littering, and rightly so. It would also result in the restaurant being put out of business.

During the first quarter of each year, many school children frequent the MacRitchie Reservoir, not because they want to enjoy the serenity of the park and its surroundings but because, as part of their school activities, they need to participate in cross-country races. These children go there as groups organised by their schools. Of course, the usual formalities have to be carried out when applications are made by the schools to the Ministry of Education for the use of MacRitchie Reservoir as a cross-country track. These applications are normally approved by the Water Department, Public Utilities Board, and conditions are set down governing the use of the reservoir premises. These conditions are issued by the Chief Water Engineer.

The conditions to be observed are on standard cyclostyled sheets and there are ten conditions in all. Most conditions stress on anti-littering and anti-pollution measures that need to be taken. However, regulation (10), "No soft drinks are allowed in reservoir grounds", puzzles me.

It is usual for children, after having run a cross-country race of 2.1 miles for girls and 3.1 miles for boys, to want to quench their thirst with some ice-cold water or soft drinks. To run between two and three miles is pretty tiring especially in our hot climate, and it is more than usual for children to need more than one bottle of iced soft drink or more than one glass of ice-cold water at the end of the race. But as soft drinks are not allowed in the reservoir grounds, there is no alternative but for the children to purchase these drinks from the restaurant at the fairly exorbitant price of 35 cents a bottle which, mind you, is not iced because the great number of children participating makes it very difficult for the caterer to ice hundreds of drinks. So the children will have to make-do with warm bottled drinks which is most unsatisfying.

3.00 p.m.

In addition, many of the children do without drinks at all because they cannot afford them at such prices. Many children have to dig into their savings for thirst quenchers during cross-country races at MacRitchie. Some children, because they are more capable, are chosen to represent their schools in cross-country runs, so they turn up more than once to MacRitchie and incur still greater costs.

I fail to understand why if these cross-country races are organised by schools, and school principals and teachers are responsible people, the PUB cannot make some arrangements so as to enable schools to organise their own thirst quenching facilities in the car park in the reservoir ground. Children can then be provided with cheaper and ice-cold drinks. If properly organised, the drinks would cost no more than 5 cents a glass or even cheaper. The money saved, the satisfaction derived by the children, and the assurance that MacRitchie is not littered, would be enough arguments for the Chief Water Engineer to allow soft drinks into the reservoir grounds during organised cross-country races.

Mr Lim Kim San: Sir, I think the key to the complaint made here is the term, "if properly organised". In the experience of the PUB, on many occasions when students participated in cross-country runs in the reservoirs, they were found littering. So I say "if properly organised" is the answer. Our experience shows that these runs have not been properly organised on many occasions. That is the reason why, among the 10 conditions imposed by the Chief Water Engineer for the use of MacRitchie Reservoir is one disallowing soft drinks.

But after listening to the eloquent appeal from the hon. Member, I think arrangements can be made with the schools and the Chief Water Engineer for children to have ice-cold cheap drinks, if the runs are properly organised. I will take this matter up with the Chief Water Engineer of the PUB, and between the Ministry of Education and the PUB they should be able to work out a scheme to prevent littering in the reservoirs as well as to provide cheap cold drinks for the children.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Sir, that was the most satisfactory answer by the Hon. Minister. I thank him very much for his consideration, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Kampung Kapur): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 8201.

Sir, the more we deal with the daily affairs of the people, the more we meet with problems. It is inevitable. The PUB has to ensure the supply of water and electricity to 2.2 million people involving some 500,000 consumer accounts. The consumers are of different levels of education and have different capacities for understanding. The PUB has to depend on some 160 meter-readers to go from house to house to read the meters for the calculation of consumers' monthly bills. It is not an easy task for each meter reader to visit some 3,000 households to read meters to any degree of satisfaction. Therefore, most of the monthly bills give actual readings once in every two months or are based on the average consumption over three months. This mode of calculation is contained in the bills sent by the PUB to consumers for their information. Using the pretext of shortage of personnel or the wording as appearing on the bill in order to arrive at any calculation is groundless, inaccurate and unreliable. For instance, in the last year certain consumers' bills suddenly jumped by 100% to 200%. After enquiries by letter, the bill for the following month returned to normal. But after two or three months the bill would again increase by 200%. This is rather erratic and puzzling. To the rich people it does not matter very much, but to people in lower income group who have very tight budgets, it it very disturbing to have to meet the high cost of PUB bills.

The Chairman: Mr Yeo, are you on the right subhead - Loan to Public Utilities Board?

Mr Yeo Toon Chia: (In Mandarin): Yes, I am talking first on the complaints about PUB bills, Sir.

To the low income group people, it is a big burden to them. Sir, to meet the problem of shortage of staff and the dissatisfaction of the increasing number of consumers, and to rectify the situation to the satisfaction of both sides on a long term basis, I suggest that every household should be given the right to record their own consumption of public utilities so that this record can be used by the PUB to calculate the following month's bill. To do this the PUB should carry out publicity campaigns through the press and TV to tell the people how to record their bills correctly. To facilitate easy reading and recording, diagrams and instructions can be included in the PUB's monthly bills, also PUB meter-readers can turn up on the first such occasion to help the consumers record correctly and to avoid future contention. Through the mass media, the PUB should be able to educate members of the public on how to take readings of their consumption rates. All the necessary diagrams can be given to help the consumers to get proper readings and to submit them to the PUB for billing according to their own readings, and any adjustments may be made later against actual official readings.

Mr Speaker, Sir, at my Meet-the-People sessions, I received complaints from members of the public that there had been irregularities and unnecessary increases in the PUB bills. Perhaps other Members of the House have also come across such complaints. Therefore, by education and other means of teaching consumers to take their own readings, we will be able to reduce the number of consumers' complaints and this will also help solve the PUB's shortage of meter-readers and other problems.

Mr Lim Kim San: Sir, I think the Member believes that attack is the best means of defence, and that is why he is complaining loudly for a start. I agree with him that it would be a very good thing if consumers can read their own meters. In fact, the PUB is planning to teach consumers to read their own meters. As long as consumers take their readings correctly and send them in by the scheduled date, the PUB will be able to check them from time to time. That will save us a lot of expenditure in engaging meter-readers. There are a total of 400.000 accounts, and there are about a million meters to be read.

We are working on a documentary with the RTS at the moment and it is expected to be ready by May. The documentary will teach the public how to read their own meters. We are also printing cards for consumers to record their meter readings. These readings can then be checked by the meter readers from time to time.

But I would like to take this opportunity to say that the complaint about 100-200% increase in the consumers' bill is not quite true. I have come across cases where, in actual fact, consumers have used a 100% or more than the previous month's consumption. In one of my Meet-the-People sessions, I had a consumer who showed me his PUB bills. The average for six months was about $80 per month, but for the month in question the amount billed was about $200. I asked him whether he had any celebration in his house. He said no. On investigation it was found that a dinner party took place for three successive nights to celebrate a wedding.

PUB bills can increase substantially because of a leaking water pipe or a faulty meter. Under these circumstances, the consumer can ask for the meter to be checked, and if the meter is proved to be faulty, there will be a refund or the leak detected and repaired.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia: (In Mandarin): Sir, I am not fabricating all these complaints about the undue increase of PUB bills by 100-200%. In fact, on Friday, the 14th of March this year at my Meet-the-People session I met a member of the public who came to see me with his PUB bills. His monthly bills were at first $14.56 and then it increased to $51.88. So if it is necessary, I can give the Minister a photostat copy of the bills.

Sir, I would like to thank the Minister for accepting my proposal to educate the consumers to take their own meter readings, as this will solve the problem and give a lot of convenience to the people. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $5,247,700 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $54,120,800 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Head K -

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head K be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1002 (The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy).

Sir, it cannot be denied that we had a very short time in which to build up a credible defence. But under the enlightened leadership and planning of the Minister concerned, we have made great achievements and success in this regard. The strength of our Armed Forces has been increasing from day to day and they are able to take up the responsibility of defending our country. These are achievements which are not mean by any standard, particularly for a small country like Singapore. We should be proud of such achievements. Although the defence build-up has been on the proper lines and is proceeding smoothly for further development, there are some shortcomings which require our attention. I would like to take this opportunity to bring up three points for the attention of the Minister concerned.

3.15 p.m.

Firstly, on the relaxation of part-time national service. I have received complaints that the only son in the family has not been exempted from the national service, particularly when his parents are old or sick and are unable to look after their own business. Under such circumstances the only son is required to look after the small family business which cannot be properly run by the aged or sick parents. But exemption is not normally granted in such cases. Another complaint I have received is from an only son who is required to help his aged parents to rear pigs. He has asked for a change from full-time service to part-time service, but his application was rejected. There are other cases of financial difficulties which make it necessary for national servicemen to ask for part-time service instead of full-time service. There are also requests for national service call-up for brothers to be staggered. But all these applications have been rejected. The cases that I have cited are deserving cases because these people come from very poor families and they are faced with great financial (difficulties. So I feel that the Minister concerned should consider their cases more sympathetically and grant their applications for transfer to part-time service.

Secondly, there is a need to provide more recreational and cultural activities in the camps. Over the recent years we have such activities in the camps. It is good for the national servicemen and our soldiers to take part in wholesome and cultural activities. This is part and parcel of the build-up of their cultural and spiritual life. I would like to support this kind of activity, as it will provide our soldiers and national servicemen opportunities for recreational and cultural activities.

In terms of content perhaps there is still room for improvement. According to my understanding, the songs and the music played during such activities are more of the popular type. No doubt they may be quite pleasing to the ears hut they are not cultural music in the true sense of the word. They are pop music, a crazy type of music, very loud and boisterous and will cause spiritual degradation. So for our soldiers such dissipating type of music should not be encouraged. I would like to propose to the Minister concerned that the cultural and recreational activities provided should contain marches and other healthy songs. Listening in to more and more marches will heighten the Spirit of our soldiers and boost their morale. In this way our soldiers will feel a sense of pride. Furthermore, I understand that the physical activities like sports and games are quite popular among our soldiers in the camps. Unfortunately there is no systematic training for such sports and games. I would therefore like to propose the setting up of a sports or physical education unit in the Armed Forces for the promotion of physical education among our soldiers. In this way there can be more sportsmen trained for our national teams.

Thirdly, there have been quite a lot of complaints about misconduct on the part of our soldiers. I have received complaints that some soldiers misbehaved themselves in public. Some soldiers have been said to have made catcalls to girls, when driving in their army trucks. This is a very serious matter and is a breach of good conduct on the part of the soldiers. This will bring our army into disrepute. Though the number of soldiers guilty of such misconduct may be very small, it will nevertheless affect the good reputation of the great majority. Therefore, I would like the Minister concerned to pay special attention to this complaint of misconduct.

Another complaint is that some soldiers, and even officers, keep long hair. Since there is an Action Committee against long hair in Singapore and that people with long hair are to be served last, I think this ruling should be strictly enforced in our Armed Forces. We should not tolerate long hair among our soldiers. Our Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Defence Ministry has already set a good example by cutting his hair short! So our soldiers and officers should emulate him. There is every reason to stick to the short hair rule.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, the British withdrawal from the region was followed by a Defence Agreement between Australia, Britain and New Zealand aimed at strengthening our defence capabilities. Now, the Australian troops have been withdrawn and the British troops are reported to be on the verge of a complete withdrawal. Only the New Zealanders are left. It seems as though some of our defence partners are very unreliable. Furthermore, this sort of defence agreement drawn up by countries thousands of miles away seems to suit their convenience rather than ours. Do you not think, Sir, it is better that we draw up a new Defence Agreement among the ASEAN countries, which are closer to the shores of Singapore, which could play an effective role in the defence of Singapore and also in the defence of each country? We cannot rely on foreigners. Instead we should rely more on our neighbours.

Sir, it has been reported that the army regulars have been given a $25 increment to overcome inflation. This is unfair. The national servicemen are doing the same work and they have to meet the same expenses. They too help in the defence of the country. They too help in the maintenance of their families. Furthermore, married regulars are provided free transport, gratuity allowances and quarters, which benefits the national servicemen are not entitled to. There is considerable dissatisfaction because of this disparity between the regulars and the national servicemen as far as this increment is concerned. Would it not be wiser to give this increment to all servicemen, irrespective of whether they are regulars or national servicemen, since the cost of living affects everybody and not one particular group alone. Why cannot we be fair to all?

From this year onwards the National Day Parade, on an experimental basis, will be decentralised. It will be held in different districts in different forms. May I know how these programmes are going to be decentralised? Will there be a variety of parades, etc. or is it going to be the same everywhere?

Two years ago I queried the conduct of army drivers because of the numerous accidents they had been involved in. We were then assured that the standard of driving would improve. Unfortunately, I have to raise this question again because I continue to see reckless driving by some army drivers. It seems that some of the army drivers and our bus drivers are equally bad on the roads. Once an army driver is in a 3-tonner, he seems to think that he owns the road and all other vehicles like cars, motor cycles and bicycles are just midgets. It is a common sight to see army drivers speeding along everywhere. Their recklessness is a source of danger to other drivers. It is high time that stern action was taken against these reckless drivers.

The army, in fact, the Defence Department introduced SAFE Supermarkets, one in Beach Road and the other at Dempsey Road. Business must have been very bad because a lot of passes had been issued to Government servants and to numerous Statutory Boards. Unfortunately, it seems that the purpose of the SAFE Supermarket at Dempsey Road is lost because of the distance. A look in this Supermarket will clearly reveal the very few items on display and these are of poor quality. Rusty-looking tins or containers are displayed in a shoddy manner. Maybe something could be done to reorganise the Dempsey Road SAFE Supermarket. In these Supermarkets only army personnel are allowed to buy beer at special prices. Unfortunately, the reservists are not allowed to buy beer from this Supermarket. May I know why?

Sir, I also understand that in the establishment of the Army, there are many senior posts like Warrant Officers, etc, which are still left vacant, although many loyal and dedicated men who have put in many years of service could fill these vacancies. But this is never done. Why is this so?

The junior officers, like the staff sergeants, are quite frustrated because of lack of promotion prospects. Furthermore, the pay of these officers are nothing compared to the salaries of the Police sergeants. Could something be done to revise the salary scales of the army in general?

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence (Dr Goh Keng Swee): Sir, the Member for Sembawang is quite wrong about Mindef policy in regard to the call-up of only sons who have to look after the aged parents. The policy is that if the young man is the sole supporter of the family, he is not called up for full-time service. In fact, in 1974, 238 such cases were approved when they appealed against full-time national service. During the Meet-the-People sessions and elsewhere, Members of Parliament are told rather biased stories by parents, which on investigation turn out to be inaccurate. But if the fact is that he is the sole breadwinner in the family and enlistment into national service would impose hardship because of decline in income, then there is a clear case for exemption from full-time service.

3.30 p.m.

Regarding cultural activities in the SAF, every person has his taste and if the Member for Sembawang does not like pop songs and loud music he need not turn up at the road shows of the SAF. But he is quite wrong in suggesting that if we only play marches and rousing music the soldiers' morale will go up. This is entertainment and relaxation for them and they want to forget the rigours of military training. Therefore, we have to give them something which they enjoy. Unfortunately, the Member for Sembawang's taste of music does not coincide with that of the soldiers.

On the question of sports, there is a sports officer in every unit. The trouble is this. We do not have enough sports fields and even in the biggest and best battalion camp you often find there is only one football field and perhaps two or three basketball pitches. That is about all that is available for nearly a thousand men. This is totally inadequate. The solution is that we have to make-do with what we have, in view of the shortage of land and money being none too plentiful. The ideal solution is beyond the grasp of SAF.

Regarding misbehaviour and catcalls to girls, in my five years as Defence Minister I received two complaints on this subject from girls who were outraged by soldiers making catcalls at them. On investigation, it was found that it was not just a matter of the soldiers being high-spirited but they were rather nasty. So the soldiers were duly court martialled and sentenced to 40 days' jail. But there were only two cases in five years. If the hon. Member's girl friends are subject to this kind of treatment, and if they object to it, then please let me have the details.

Regarding long hair, I think this is a very general allegation. Standards are being maintained. I would advise the Member for Sembawang to look at an RTS illustration of what constitutes long hair and what does not constitute long hair. I can assure him that the hair style of my Senior Parliamentary Secretary is not taken to be the ideal.

The Member for Anson wants the $25 increase to be extended to national servicemen. When we decided not to give this additional sum to national servicemen, we explained that the purpose of this $25 is to meet the additional cost of food, transport and clothing, as against the NWC 9% increase which is the result of economic growth and general sharing of prosperity. So we have to distinguish these two elements of wage increase. The $25 is meant to offset the rising cost of living last year and the subsequent 9% increase which was a share of the bigger GNP growth which Singapore achieved. Nearly all the national servicemen are unmarried and they live in camps. They are fed and they get free transport, free meals and free clothing. So they are protected from the cost of living increases to that extent. In fact, it is the taxpayer who has to meet the additional cost of feeding and clothing the soldiers, whose cost has nearly doubled in recent years. On the other hand, the regular soldier generally lives outside the camp and he has to feed himself. He has got to look after his family and clothe them. He is not protected, to the same extent as the national servicemen, from the effects of price increases. So there is really no case for giving this $25 increase to national servicemen.

On the question of whether National Day parades will be the same or whether there will be variety, the answer is that there will be variety. The form of the parade will be under the direction of the Minister in charge. Generally speaking, what we aim to achieve is a more informal atmosphere, a happier and less precise parade, as compared with the central National Day parade at the Padang.

On reckless driving, I do not think the Member for Anson can say that his complaint last year had not brought any result. Partly because of what he said, the SAF has bought equipment to catch army drivers speeding by installing radar traps in various places. The Member will be glad to hear that last year 328 soldiers were fined between $20 and $100 each for speeding. But by and large, the accident rate in the Army has not reached the dangerous limit. I will give him some figures if he is interested. In 1974, there was one accident per 45,000 kilometres, and in 1973 there was one accident per 47,000 kilometres. So in 1974 there was a slight deterioration. We are trying to improve the situation as best as we can, but so long as most of the drivers are national servicemen (and this will have to be the position in the national service army) you cannot expect the same high standard of driving as in the regular army where all the drivers are experienced and long-term professionals.

The final point about NCOs. Here again, the Member has been misinformed. Last year there were four promotion exercises carried out for regular NCOs. About 480 of them were promoted, which comes to about three-quarters of those who were within the promotion zone. In fact, the number of vacancies in the senior ranks of the NCOs, a vital cadre of the Army, is so serious that the risk is the other way round - we promote people faster than they normally would be promoted.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, the Honourable Minister has not replied to the question on supermarkets.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Here again, I am afraid the facts do not bear out about what the Member has said. When we opened the Dempsey Road Supermarket in April 1974, the reason was that the Beach Road Supermarket was rather crowded as it comprises only a very small room. There were spare buildings in Tanglin Barracks and we thought we would open a supermarket there. We were almost certain that having two supermarkets would be too big for the SAF which after all is not all that big, and therefore we decided to extend in stages to various departments and branches of the Government.

At present, the two supermarkets have a combined annual turnover of about $4 million. For instance, in January 1975 Beach Road Supermarket had a turnover of $202,000 in that month alone and Dempsey Road Supermarket had a sale of $189,000. I do not think the Member is correct in saying that the goods in Dempsey Road Supermarket are inferior. They are the same as in Beach Road Supermarket. In fact, they are the same in supermarkets elsewhere. They buy the same brand of goods. But Dempsey Road Supermarket will be moving into consumer durables and will enter into some kind of easy instalment payments for members of the SAF and the civil service, who will be able to buy consumer durables like refrigerators, radios, tape-recorders, etc, on fairly good terms.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, the tins of canned food in the supermarkets are rusty and all are old stocks. The people refuse to buy them.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Minister of Defence has explained satisfactorily to my queries and has promised to improve the situation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The following amendment stood in the names of Mr Ng Kah Ting and Mr P. Govindaswamy -

(2) That the sum to be allocated for Head K be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 1201.

The Chairman: Mr Ng, you have just one minute to move your amendment.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, since I have only one minute to speak, I would rather not move my amendment.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: I am also not moving, Sir.

The sum of $528,340,890 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $51,897,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

3.45 p.m.

Head L -

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1003 (The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr N. Govindasamy).

Sir, what new forms of energy have been thought of as suitable alternatives to oil for Singapore? Since we have ample sunshine, has solar energy been considered seriously, and has any experimental station been set up to study its usefulness to us? Has any thought also been given to the use of monsoon winds as an alternative source of energy? It may seem ridiculous, but I am afraid to say that we have been rather complacent on the study of energy resources or even utilising alternative sources of energy instead of increasing our dependence on oil.

Sir, it seems that the recent student trouble we had witnessed in Singapore has been mainly caused by non-citizens. Why has the Registrar of Societies allowed a union to exist, whereby -

The Chairman: Can the Member for Anson say what has this got to do with the Ministry of Science and Technology?

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, the Minister for Science and Technology is in charge of the University of Singapore. Therefore, the Minister will have to answer my question on the students' union.

Non-citizens who have no stake in this country can and have manipulated the union for their ulterior motives. A union, even a students' union, which permits non-citizens to manipulate its members against Singapore's interest should be struck off, or clauses should be inserted into the constitution to prevent non-citizens from holding any office whatsoever.

Sir, it is observed that a bulk of the provision of $60.26 million under this Head is required for Phase I of the development of the new University of Singapore Campus at Kent Ridge. I presume that with this new building there would be a greater intake of our students from the various pre-University classes and Junior Colleges. I wonder to what extent can this building accommodate our students. Sir, I have to ask this question because, at the present time, it is not easy for our students to gain entry into our local university, because of competition and also because of the high standards set. As such, many of our students are thinking of enrolling in overseas universities where chances of admission are very much greater. I would, therefore, urge the Minister to see that our students do get their higher education in our own higher institutions.

Mr N. Govindasamy (Telok Blangah): I am not speaking, Sir.

The Minister for Science and Technology (Dr Toh Chin Chye): Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has been studying alternative sources of energy besides the present usage of fuel oil. Our main consideration, of course, has been to collect information and data on the use of nuclear energy, in conjunction with the Public Utilities Board.

However, I must warn the Member for Anson that my Ministry is not directly in charge of generating energy for public consumption. All that we do is to act as an information gathering centre which can be used to provide relevant data for the Public Utilities Board. No decision has been made on the use of nuclear energy in the near future as there are still many pressing problems which the Public Utilities Board is facing, over and above which the Public Utilities Board has still to operate its new fossil fuel power station at Senoko.

However, some research has been conducted by the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Singapore on the possibilities of using solar energy. The Member may be aware that Singapore is not a desert. Singapore is covered with clouds very frequently and it seems to be raining almost every day. But we have first to collect information on how much sunlight or radiation from the sun falls on Singapore throughout a whole year. This information has now been obtained and we are using the data to formulate ways and means by which solar energy can be used. The use of solar energy for cooking in villages which are not supplied with electricity or gas is quite common in India and other African countries. These solar cookers can be bought very cheaply. However, I do not foresee in the near or distant future Singapore housewives turning on to solar cookers. Nonetheless, it is our intention that we should conduct experiments so that solar energy can be utilised for industrial purposes rather than for domestic purposes and in this way we hope we will be able to be less reliant on fossil energy. Or equally, with the growing use of air-conditioning in supermarkets, shopping complexes and domestic homes, the Department is conducting research into methods of using solar energy for air-conditioning. However, the research has not been completed because the Department is still waiting for vital pieces of equipment which are necessary for the development of apparatus that will be used as an air-conditioner. This is all that I can say as far as alternative sources of energy are concerned.

Of course, the Member for Anson will realise that even the oil-producing countries are less interested in the use of solar energy but more interested in the use of nuclear energy. If he had read the newspapers two days ago he would have learned that the Shah of Iran had already ordered nine nuclear reactors from the United States. I think it is in our interest that we should look for alternative sources of energy. I share with him his concern.

On the question of non-citizens in the University of Singapore who have taken a leading part in creating problems, I would only add that the Member for Anson must be aware that prohibition of entry against six non-citizens has already been issued and they will not be allowed to enter into Singapore again. But we do take note of the recommendation or proposal made by the Member for Anson that non-citizens should not be permitted to hold office in student organisations in Singapore.

Thirdly, the Member has asked how many students can be accommodated at Kent Ridge. I am in full sympathy with the Member for Anson and all other parents who find it difficult for their children to enter our local University. I must say that the difference in points for admission of students into the University varies from a maximum of 64 points obtained at an HSC examination to a minimum of 32 points, which is a difference of 100%. We cannot go lower than that because we have undertaken a statistical study and discovered that there is a correlation between the grades obtained at the A level and performance at the University. This has not only been our experience but it has also been the experience of universities in the United Kingdom.

In the absence of other indicators of ability, we have to rely entirely on the grades obtained at the HSC examination. For this reason we can only take in students who satisfy not just the minimum grade but the accepted grade. For example, in areas of study like medicine and engineering, we require students who have performed very well in the HSC examinations. Otherwise among the students who have been taken below these accepted grades, the possibility of their dropping out is very high. They will drop out of the course in the first or second year, because these are tough courses. I believe that it is preferable for us to train doctors who can cure than to train doctors who cannot cure. So the Member for Anson will accept the fact that standards have to be maintained and that we just cannot absorb or admit students on an ad hoc basis without bearing in mind quality, as well as the possibility of meeting our manpower needs.

Talking of doctors, if the Member for Anson had read his newspaper two days ago, he would have come across an article published by the medical profession in which complaints were made of doctors in Singapore migrating overseas. Obviously it seems a bit absurd that if we are to keep on taking in more doctors or more students for training in medicine and the end-result is to cause more migration because they cannot compete among themselves, then we are investing in a holed pocket. For this reason there is a need for a quota. We cannot keep on taking in endless numbers of students who, by virtue of the profession they are trained in, have very great mobility. Medicine is one profession which provides a student with this particular mobility. He can move from one country to another country. Canada is short of doctors. Australia is short of doctors. New Zealand is short of doctors, and so also the United States. So doctors can move very freely.

I think it is very important that those who are accepted into the medical school in Singapore should have some sense of obligation. Considering that we have spent a considerable sum of money on their medical education, they should at least devote their skills for some years to patients in Singapore rather than think of their own selfish interest. Their running away from competition among themselves, or the so-called rat race, is not going to help us solve the problem.

4.00 p.m.

However, our anticipation is that by 1980 the University will be able to taking a total of 6,700 undergraduates as compared to the present number of 5,500 undergraduates, i.e. 1,200 more by 1980. This is another five years' time. This represents probably a 22% increase. I last made a speech that we could increase by 25% in 1982.

The Chairman: Dr Toh, you have exceeded your 10 minutes.

Dr Toh Chin Chye resumed his seat.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, I thank the Minister for his explanation, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 1107.

Sir, what part does the Chemistry Department play in controlling sea pollution around Singapore and for that matter other types of pollution in Singapore? Does the Chemistry Department insist on guidelines in work conditions and safety precautions in shipyards? There seems to be far too many workers dying of chemically poisonous atmosphere in certain work places. Could not the Chemistry Department play an important part in setting guidelines for safety precautions?

Seventeen posts have been abolished from this department. The officers were previously required to inspect ships, and this duty has been transferred to the PSA. May I know the reason for the transfer of the responsibility from the Chemistry Department to the PSA?

Furthermore, once these posts have been abolished and the PSA takes over this function, can the PSA personnel suitably inspect the ships? Do they set the same standard as that required by the 17 officers of the Chemistry Department?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, Sir, there was some dispute between the Port of Singapore Authority and my Ministry on the inspection of ships for what is called "hot work", which means that welding will be allowed in ships when it is declared free of inflammable vapours. For several years the Chemistry Department was responsible for issuing licences for hot work in shipyards. But because of the increasing number of tankers coming into port, the PSA which is responsible for the waters around Singapore believes that the duty of inspecting ships falls upon the Authority rather than on my department. This problem was then studied by the Management Services Department of the Ministry of Finance which recommended that the ship inspection section of the Chemistry Department should be transferred to the PSA. Cabinet approved the transfer to enable the PSA to carry out its function more smoothly. But whether they are able to perform the job better than the Chemistry Department or not, I am in no position to tell. If there are more explosions, then I think the Member for Anson should put this question to the Minister for Communications.

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

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 4002.

This is the third consecutive year that I am going to speak about metrication. Some Members may wonder why. But let me say one thing - we are not progressing fast enough in the implementation of metrication in all aspects of life in Singapore. Take the markets, for example. We still find weights being measured in katis, tahils, pounds and ounces. The daching - the notorious instrument used by businessmen to swindle consumers - has not changed in the least. When is metrication going to be a feature of life in the markets, particularly?

I note that a higher provision is being voted for the Metrication Board as it plans to intensify the pace of metrication in the retail sector. May I also know, besides the retail sector, what other divisions has the Metrication Board in mind to promote metrication in the next financial year?

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, Sir, it was stated in the Addendum to the Presidential Address that metrication in the public sector has been completed more or less and that efforts of the Metrication Board will be directed at the private sector beginning this year. However, before we embark upon this campaign it is necessary that the infrastructure should be laid. It is true that metrication appears to be slow in the private sector but, in reality, if the Member for Anson were to visit supermarkets, emporiums and if he buys petrol at petrol stations, he would have noticed that all measures are now in metric. What has happened, of course, is that we have introduced metrication so gradually and so painlessly that it has not been felt. But we have got to be very careful at the retail trade sector, particularly in the markets where housewives and servants do not fully understand the relationship between the traditional kati and the metric measures of a kilogram.

The Metrication Board has come out with a model of a daching calibrated on the metric scale. Unless we first abolish the present daching scale which is calibrated in katis, it is obviously very wrong and foolish of the Metrication Board to suggest introducing two types of dachings, because then housewives would be cheated. Therefore, a considerable amount of propaganda and some legislation may be necessary before we can induce hawkers to convert to the metric system. The Weights and Measures Office, which is attached to the Ministry of Finance, is really concerned with the daching and they have to be consulted. With due consultation it is quite possible that we can abolish the daching and insist on other types of measuring instruments.

But if the Member for Anson had experience in dealing with businessmen, traders or hawkers, he will fully understand that regardless of what type of weighing machines we use, there are always ways and means by which dishonest traders can cheat housewives. It is not the metric system or the imperial system that is being used to cheat housewives. It is the machine that is being used. So the Member for Anson has to be a little more patient before we can find effective results next year. In fact, I anticipate that it will take another three to four years before metrication in the markets becomes feasible.

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

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $4,314,600 for Head L ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $60,260,000 for Head L ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Head M -

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

That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1003*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Teong Eng Siong, L. P. Rodrigo, Sim Boon Woo, P. Govindaswamy and N. Govindasamy.)

Sir, before I bring up my points with regard to the question of our foreign affairs, I would like to quote from the President's speech on 21st February, 1975, as contained in Hansard, [Vol. 34, No. 1, col. 10] on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

`Our foreign policy must take into consideration the new situation arising from the gradual scaling down of American and Western military presence in the region. The overwhelming Western influence in the region has been correspondingly reduced.

This will lead other powers to seek greater influence for themselves in the area. It will be important to cooperate with our neighbours to safeguard our common interest. ASEAN can play an important role in lessening the leverage the great powers can otherwise have in exploiting differences and conflicts within the region. It can also quicken the pace of regional co-operation and economic development. This in turn will strengthen stability and peace in the area. ASEAN can help member states adjust to the rapid geo-political changes in the region as the consequences of American withdrawal from direct involvement with the problems of Indo-China work themselves through, and a regional balance is established without any great power hegemony. ASEAN will soon have a permanent Secretariat which will coordinate the many regional economic, social and cultural projects being implemented.'

Sir, in the debate on the President's Address on 25th February, I had referred to this particular aspect of foreign affairs. I am more concerned with the question of regional cooperation and I am happy to see that a permanent Secretariat for ASEAN will be established although, as stated very broadly, its functions primarily will be to co- ordinate the many regional, economic, social and cultural projects to be implemented.

4.15 p.m.

I would like to ask the Hon. Minister for Law and National Development, who is the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, what are the scope and functions of this ASEAN Permanent Secretariat to be set up? I am fully in support of the policy stand as laid down in the Addendum to the President's speech with regard to our foreign policy. I believe that ASEAN, since its inception, has progressed to the extent that the relationship among its member-states is getting closer, both bilaterally and regionally. In that respect, ASEAN will have a very important role to play in global affairs. As such, how and in what way can this Permanent Secretariat help ASEAN to achieve this objective? I would like the Minister concerned to elaborate on it.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Sir, undeniably, our efforts in matters of foreign affairs have reaped considerable success in recent years. Because of our foreign policy of non-alignment, we have now won the general friendship and good relationship with our neighbouring countries. In addition to our original ties of mutual contact with our neighbouring countries in this region, we are now having more ties by setting up bilateral relations with West Asian countries for the promotion of mutual interests. At the moment we are living in a world in which every one is mutually dependent on the other. Therefore, for the sake of survival and in the long-term interests, we must be more careful and active in carrying out our foreign policy to win more friends and to get more benefits. For these reasons, I would like to ask the Minister two questions:

(1) What more active foreign policy measures will the Ministry carry out to promote friendly relations with West Asian countries in order to get the benefits of mutual trade.

(2) In what countries will our foreign consulates and embassies be established?

Mr L. P. Rodrigo (Serangoon Gardens): Mr Speaker, Sir, under this Head, I wish to raise a matter of policy affecting the interests of our ambassadors and mission staff serving in our missions abroad.

I refer to the question of citizenship status of children of the ambassadors and mission staff born abroad. As you know, the provisions on citizenship in the Constitution provides for citizenship status by birth, by descent and by registration. Only a child born in Singapore of a citizen parent is a citizen by birth. A child born abroad is a citizen only if the child's father at the time of the child's birth is a citizen by birth or by registration.

A further provision requires that a minor becoming a citizen by descent must take the oath of renunciation, loyalty and allegiance to the State within one year after reaching the age of 21 years, and that if such a child does not on reaching adulthood make this oath of allegiance he loses his citizenship status completely.

Our ambassadors and mission staff abroad are serving the country and sometimes under stress and tension, not to mention the frustrations which the officials from the Treasury from time to time manufacture for our mission staff abroad.

Obviously our ambassadors and mission staff are considered loyal since they represent our nation in national matters in the international scene. Yet their children born abroad are citizens by descent and suffer the adverse presumption of disloyalty since the child on reaching adulthood would have to make an oath of renunciation and of allegiance and loyalty to the State.

Now even criminals serving in prison have the satisfaction despite their overt disloyalty to the State and country, of having their children born citizens of Singapore by birth and that too in a State-subsidised hospital. But our ambassadors and mission staff in this respect, you might say, come off much worse than criminals.

Further, as I have noted earlier, the child born abroad is a citizen only if the child's father at the time of the child's birth is himself a citizen by birth or registration. This is a recent amendment which makes it more unfavourable for the child of an ambassador or a mission staff born abroad. Since the child of a mission staff born abroad would be a citizen by descent, that child on reaching adulthood and marrying and, in turn, having a child who is born abroad would not be a citizen at all. This works out most unfavourably for our ambassadors and their staff abroad. In other words, there is an in-built deterrence in this situation which prevents or discourages officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serving abroad from advising their children to serve in the Foreign Service abroad in future, because the grandchild will not be a citizen at all, if born abroad in the future.

The solution to this freak situation, as it appears to me, is to amend the Constitution to include a proviso, as it has been done in other Constitutions, to make the child born abroad a citizen by birth if, at the time of the child's birth, his father himself is a citizen and in the service of the State. Aside of that I do not see how this problem can be solved, apart from taking the course of action of making it possible for the wife of the ambassador or the mission staff serving abroad to come back to Singapore for the birth of her child. This, of course, would entail considerable expenses and the officials in the Treasury would shrink back in horror. It is unfortunate that this unpleasant situation has been allowed to go on to this date, and I would urge the Minister to take measures to remedy this situation in fairness to our ambassadors and mission staff presently serving abroad and who may be serving in the future.

The Chairman: Mr Barker, would you like to answer these questions first?

The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr E. W. Barker): Yes, Sir. With your permission, I would rather deal with three of them instead of six at one go.

First, the Member for Punggol who is interested in the ASEAN Secretariat. From its modest beginning in 1967 when the ASEAN Declaration was signed in Bangkok, ASEAN has steadily grown into an effective and lively regional organisation. ASEAN has now 11 Permanent Committees and seven Ad Hoc Special Committees to deal with the ever-increasing activities which come within the ambit of intra-regional cooperation.

However, ASEAN has not remained closed and exclusive. ASEAN continues to seek close contact and cooperation with its immediate neighbours as well as with other nations and regions. ASEAN has now established an official dialogue with the EEC, Australia and New Zealand. Even the United States is also keen to have such a dialogue with ASEAN. Until now, these varied activities of ASEAN were dealt with by the national secretariats in the member-countries, and as ASEAN grows these activities will also widen in scope and character.

The time has therefore come for ASEAN to have a central Permanent Secretariat to coordinate all these activities. Hence, the decision of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to establish such a secretariat for ASEAN in Jakarta is not only another indication of the viability and permanency of ASEAN but also of the need to streamline and to coordinate its growing activities.

In January this year a meeting of the ASEAN senior officials from the establishment of the Secretariat was held in Thailand, and it was decided tentatively amongst other things that the proposed Secretariat shall be a compact and efficient body designed to meet the needs of ASEAN. The Secretariat will have a Secretary-General whose rank will be equivalent to that of an Ambas sador; three Bureau Directors responsible for economic, science and technology, social and cultural matters, will assist the Secretary-General. The other staff of the proposed Secretariat consist of a Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Officer, an Administrative Officer, a Public Information Officer, two Auditors and an Assistant to the Secretary-General. Serving Government officials in the ASEAN countries will be selected to fill the various posts in the proposed central Secretariat. It is hoped that this Secretariat may come into being some time this year.

4.30 p.m.

In reply to the Member for Sembawang - the provision of $2 million has been entered under subhead BAA 4001 for staff and expenses for established missions abroad. The creation of new posts of Ambassadors as and when the need arises will be made by the issue of an Establishment Warrant. This is necessary because, until a firm decision has been reached to establish a new mission, it will be pointless to provide for more posts of Ambassadors.

One of the major difficulties in setting up missions abroad is to find persons of calibre and experience to fill Head of Mission appointments. Therefore, the provision of $2 million is adequate for any urgent expenditure that might be required in setting up missions before recourse has to be made to the Treasury for additional funds.

The Member for Sembawang is interested in West Asia. The Government recognises the position West Asia now holds internationally, and the Ministry will therefore spare no effort in, creating goodwill between Singapore and West Asia and will actively encourage official and private visits to West Asia to seek more areas of cooperation with the countries there. If manpower and finance permit, it is the intention to establish diplomatic missions in two or three countries of West Asia and to complement residential home-based staff with a system of Consuls or Honorary Consuls.

The Member for Serangoon Gardens has a point. Under Article 55 (1) of the Singapore Constitution, a child of a member of our foreign office staff born abroad and registered at a consulate or embassy of Singapore becomes a Singapore citizen by descent. However, I am aware that foreign service officers, who are parents of children born abroad and by registration become citizens by descent, are disturbed by this. The reason is that, under the provisions of Article 55 (2) of the Constitution, a minor who becomes a citizen of Singapore by descent may lose his citizenship status if he does not take the oath of renunciation, allegiance and loyalty in the prescribed manner and within the stipulated period, which is within 12 months after reaching the age of 21 years. These officers rightly feel that since they are required by Government to serve abroad, their children born outside Singapore should enjoy the same citizenship status as the children of home civil service officers born in Singapore.

I consider this to be a proper matter for the Ministry concerned to look into with a view to finding out ways and means whereby foreign service officers' children born outside Singapore could, by registration at a Singapore consulate or embassy, become citizens of Singapore by birth rather than by descent.

Mr Sim Boon Woo (Changi): Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the deteriorating situation in Vietnam and Cambodia and the absence of US forces in the region, particularly in South-east Asia, and the very recent announcement by the new Thailand Prime Minister-designate that the 25,000 US troops will have to be pulled out from Thailand - all these appear to me to cause a threat to the security of the countries in South-east Asia and Singapore - would the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs inform this House what alternative arrangements will be made to fill the vacuum, and is any military arrangement being considered by ASEAN to safeguard the security and political stability of its member-countries?

Mr Barker: Sir, whether American troops withdraw from Thailand or not is a matter for the Thais and Americans. As for the conflict in Indo-China, it is an internal matter for the people of these countries to decide. We are witnessing a civil war between two parties. In dealing with each country, our Government has consistently adopted a policy of non-interference and has recognised the government in situ as the government in power, irrespective of its ideology.

In our view the security of Southeast Asia is best ensured by the existence of a multi-polar balance of power. The presence of a number of powers including the major powers will enable Singapore to safeguard its sovereignty and independence since the choice of alignment with individual states on particular issues would depend on the merits of each case. On the other hand, single power hegemony may mean that our freedom of action could be limited by the need to avoid antagonising the dominant power even when our interests are adversely affected.

As for ASEAN, there are no multilateral military arrangements being considered by the member countries. Each country maintains its own defence forces. ASEAN's most useful role would be to serve as a catalyst for regional economic integration and assist in fostering closer links between Southeast Asian leaders.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, a few days ago our Foreign Minister led a delegation to China. May I express my regards for a successful mission by this important delegation. May I know the purpose of this trip and the benefits it will bring to Singapore? May I also ask to what extent will it help to Improve relations with the Republic of China, and will it help to establish diplomatic relations between Singapore and China? I feel this is the right time to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. We have been neglecting a country that is too huge to be neglected. In fact, it has been neglected too long, just because of a few countries in the West and maybe in the East too.

Sir, sometime ago the Shah of Iran visited Singapore. Before that a Singapore delegation visited the Middle East countries. This is a good sign. What have we done so far in furthering or improving our relations with the Middle East countries? The Middle East counries are now playing a very crucial part in world trade and world politics. It is high time that Singapore too played an important part in bettering trade relations and diplomatic relations with the various Middle East countries. We do stand to benefit a very great deal by establishing a close relationship with these countries.

Sir, every year a few ASEAN training awards are given and a few of our local personnel have been trained overseas. May I know how many awards have been given so far, and how it has benefited Singapore as far as foreign policy is concerned? Is there any scheme whatsoever to increase the number of training awards or to send our personnel on longer periods of training to gain more experience in foreign policy, etc.?

Sir, I would also like to know the recent meetings of our ASEAN partners on the controversial issue of the safe passage in the Straits of Malacca. What new formula for the safe passage of the Straits has been proposed? How far has Singapore's trade been affected by these restrictive regulations which are being considered? Do we stand to gain or lose by these new regulations? Could the Minister elaborate on the subject?

Mr Barker: Sir, if the Member for Anson wants to know what purpose is served by the trip to the People's Republic of China by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, perhaps he should wait for his return. In the meanwhile, I will do my best to answer.

Sir, in fact, this is the first visit by a Singapore Minister to China. It has provided a useful opportunity for an exchange of views on international, regional and bilateral matters. This visit has enabled the Minister to engage in face-to-face discussions with members of the Chinese Government and they must have obtained a clearer understanding of Singapore. Another beneficial aspect of the visit is that it has enabled the two sides to discuss ways and means of expanding trade with each other.

Our Government has stated on several occasions that we recognise the People's Republic of China. However, we shall wait for our closest neighbours to establish diplomatic relations before doing so. In the meanwhile, exchanges of visits and every other form of cooperation will be explored. We have, in fact, had several exchanges of sports teams since Singapore responded to participate in the Afro-Asian Table Tennis Tournament in 1971. The Chinese badminton team has been here, and so has their soccer team. Sixteen delegations from professional and business organisations have visited China since 1971 and there will be more such visits this year. Extensive trade ties exist with China. In fact, China is our 12th largest trading partner.

As for improving relations with West Asian countries, I have nothing further to add to what 1 have said in reply to the Member for Sembawang. As for ASEAN awards, my Parliamentary Secretary will give the Member for Anson more information in a little while.

As for the Straits of Malacca, I have partly answered the queries earlier this afternoon. But perhaps I should repeat that the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore met in Singapore in February to consider and agree upon measures to enhance the safety of navigation in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore with particular reference to the safe passage of Very Large Crude Carriers. The meeting did not discuss matters pertaining to the status of the Straits, the three countries agreeing that the proper forum for this question is the Law of the Sea Conference, now in progress at Geneva.

4.45 p.m.

As a result of the meeting, a Traffic Separation Scheme for the Straits is expected to be implemented. Experts of the three countries are studying the details involved. Essentially, the Scheme demarcates certain areas in the Straits for vessels in passage, with the objective of avoiding collisions. It will be implemented in such a manner as to minimise disruption to traffic through the Straits; the whole objective being the avoidance or minimization of collisions and accidents.

It has been recognised that owing to the depth of the Straits and other topographical factors, there is a limit to the physical capacity of the Straits to carry very large vessels exceeding a certain draught. A group of technical experts from the three countries has been formed to study the limitations that should be imposed on these vessels and to submit recommendations to the Ministers.

With your permission, Sir, could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs to answer the question on ASEAN awards?

The Chairman: Yes.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Ong Soo Chuan): Mr Speaker, Sir, I notice that the Member for Punggol also has an amendment (The amendment standing in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting reads as follows:(3) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Head AAA 4001.) on the same subject. Could the Member for Anson therefore wait until the Member for Punggol has spoken, when I will then deal with the whole subject?

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Yes.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, in rising to speak after the Members for Sembawang and Anson, I find that they have covered the subject from A to Z that I have nothing else to comment.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, in view of the reply given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The Chairman: At this stage I propose to take a suspension.

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

Mr Speaker: Order. I suspend the Sitting and shall take the Chair again at 5.20 p.m.

Sitting accordingly suspended at 4.47 p.m. until 5.20 p.m. Sitting resumed at 5.20 p.m.