BEGGARS (Accommodation in welfare homes)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether he is aware that there has been an increasing number of beggars in the crowded streets and eating places recently and if he will take steps to accommodate those unfortunate people in welfare homes.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Chan Chee Seng) (for the Minister for Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs regularly checks public places for the presence of beggars. Patrols are carried out twice a day by Social Welfare officers. This has been done since 1965. For the 10-year period from 1965 to 1974, an average of about 300 beggars per year were contacted by the Social Welfare Department. However, in 1975 the number of beggars contacted dropped to 202. In the first quarter of 1976 there were only 43. These figures indicate that far from there being an increase in the number of beggars in public places, there has been a drop in number.

Beggars who are found to be destitutes are admitted into the Department's Homes for the Destitutes if they need shelter and care. The aim of admitting beggars into such homes is not just to accommodate them. The real objective is to provide them with some training for those who can be trained and thus enable them to take up employment and return to independent living in the society. Unfortunately, the number who can be helped in this way is hopelessly small.

I should also point out that a number of beggars or apparently destitute persons do have families who, for one reason or another, do not wish to assume the responsibility for their care. The biggest problem that the Social Welfare Department faces is in motivating their families to take care of them. The policy has been that, wherever it is possible, such destitute persons will be discharged to the care of their families.