NON-REPLIES TO LETTERS FROM PUBLIC (Action against civil servants)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Finance what action will be taken against those top civil servants who usually ignore replying to letters from members of the public.

The Senior Minister of State for Finance (Mr Goh Chok Tong) (for the Minister for Finance): Sir, I am afraid that the Question raised by the Member for Thomson is cast on the lines of its more famous or, should I say, infamous predecessor, "Have you stopped beating your wife now?" I am therefore unable to answer the question in a way I think the Member would like the answer to be given.

However, I can assure the Member that if he has specific instances of top civil servants not replying to letters tom the public, I would appreciate it if he could let me know and I can promise him that appropriate action will be taken.