MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND EDUCATION (Replies to letters)

Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education in the normal circumstances how promptly he replies to letters addressed to him by the general public including Members of Parliament.

The Minister for Home Affairs and Education (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, to answer the question adequately it would be necessary first to study the time lag between the receipt of each query and the despatch of the relevant reply. This is a simple though time- consuming task because quite a number of letters are received every day. However, it would almost be impossible for me to identify which query was dealt with under normal circumstances and which was not, because normal circumstances defy a workable definition.

The time taken to reply to a query depends very much on the nature of the query. For example, routine enquiries regarding the arrest of particular individuals should normally not take more than a week. Enquiries about the likely time of release of detainees would take a little longer as more checking is involved. However, enquiries in which there are serious allegations of abuse of power, assault or even death resulting from assault, will take even longer because to be fait to all parties concerned the allegations must be thoroughly investigated before a reply is given.

All officers in my Ministry have been given instructions to attend promptly to queries from Members of Parliament and the public. Generally, they should not take more than two weeks to give a reply unless it is a case requiring further investigation.

Mr Ho See Beng: Mr Speaker, Sir, in the Minister's experience, if a complaint of assault is made to him, how long will he take to reply?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, I have already answered that question. It all depends on the nature of the complaint and how serious was the assault. If the assault results in serious injury or death, of course, it will take a longer time because we have got to be fair to all parties concerned. I do not believe in giving a reply unless a proper and thorough investigation has been carried out.

Mr Ho See Beng: Sir, I am not satisfied with the answer. The Minister said. "it will take a longer time." I want to know how long is "longer time."

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, it will depend on the nature of the case.

Mr Ho See Beng: One month, two months?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: It could be three weeks. It could be four weeks. It could be one month or more.

3.30 p.m.