PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (Implementation of recommendations)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Finance what measures his Ministry contemplates to take in regard to the observations and recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee contained in Paper Parl. 4 of 1979.

The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Report of the Public Accounts Committee is presently being studied by my Ministry. The Committee's observations and recommendations will be implemented, where practicable.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Sir, while it is encouraging to hear from the Minister for Finance that his Ministry is studying the observations and recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee (Paper Parl. 4 of 1979), could he also enlighten the House as to when his Ministry will put the recommendations of the PAC into practice?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, the Report and recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee have always been considered seriously by my Ministry. Where necessary, we enter into correspondence either with the Auditor-General or with the Public Accounts Committee if the replies, which we furnish through the Auditor-General, appear to be unsatisfactory to the Committee. There are, of course, other recommendations which are capable of immediate implementation, and in such cases we would certainly take action immediately.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, if that is the case, could the Hon. Minister assure this House that his Ministry will monitor closely the progress reports of the Auditor-General contained in the Report of the Public Accounts Committee?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, I give the Member an assurance that we will do whatever we can to expedite consideration and implementation of the Report.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Thank you.