SPYROS FIRE VICTIMS FUND (Particulars)

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether he will make a statement on the monies received from the public for the victims of the fire on board the vessel Spyros; how much of it had been paid out; and if there is any balance, how and by whom it is being administered.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, the total amount of donations received from the public for the victims of the fire on board the vessel Spyros was $3,929,366.51. $3,909,366.51 had already been paid out to 62 injured workers and families of 69 workers who died in the accident. There is still a sum of $20,000 set aside to pay the families of four deceased Greek crew. This sum has not been collected as their family particulars are still not known. The Fund was officially closed in February 1981.