CAPITATION GRANTS TO AIDED-SCHOOLS

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education (a) what are the current rates of capitation grants given to aided schools; and (b) in view of the contribution to Singapore by aided schools, if he will consider revising the rates to take into account the high cost of running the schools.

The Minister of State of Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, the current rates of monthly capitation grants given to Government aided-schools are as follows: Rate per pupil Level per month Primary $1.10 Secondary 2.40 Pre-University 3.50 Junior College 6.20

The rates are based on costs incurred on similar items in Government schools.

My Ministry is aware of the increasing cost in running schools. Hence, the rates of capitation grants are revised periodically. The last revision took effect on 1st January 1982. The next revision is expected to take place at the end of this year.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Sir, in view of the small class size and the additional facilities that are being provided in aided SAP schools, would the hon. Minister of State of Education consider giving them enhanced capitation grants for them to meet the higher recurrent cost?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Sir, the SAP schools are indeed receiving additional capitation grants to make up for shortfalls arising from higher costs and the lower amount of miscellaneous fees collected by them because of the smaller class sizes. The additional grant is based on the difference between the smaller class size of an SAP school and the standard class size of a regular secondary school. SAP schools are also given special grants to enable them to run their language laboratories and to provide air-conditioning for their library, music and AVA rooms.

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi (Kampong Kembangan): Sir, a supplementary question with the intention of seeking clarification. In replying to the questions posed by the Member for Kampong Ubi and also the Member for Punggol yesterday, the Minister of State stated that the request for allocation for funds for ECA and Youth Festival was not approved by the Ministry of Finance but the Ministry of Finance has allowed the Ministry to make use of the Education fund. Can the Minister of State once again confirm that this is so?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Sir, I thought I confirmed it in no uncertain terms yesterday.