ANSWERS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS DEMANDING STATISTICAL DATA (Cost to taxpayer)

Mr Heng Chiang Meng asked the Minister for Finance what is the typical cost to the taxpayer of preparing answers to Parliamentary questions demanding statistical data which are not readily available and, more importantly, which do not appear to be of significance to the public.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, please allow me to answer on behalf of my Minister.

The cost of preparing answers to parliamentary questions varies a great deal and depends on the nature and complexity of the questions posed.

The cost to the taxpayer arises principally from two components:

(1) Imputed cost of Ministers', senior officials' and clerical officers' time involved in preparing the answers and also overtime costs.

(2) Computer time spent on extraction and compilation of statistical data.

Most questions raised by Members of Parliament relate to Government policies or are requests for information of general interest. Answers to these questions can be provided without incurring excessive effort or costs as the Government already has collected this information either for publication or for planning purposes.

However, there are occasions when requests are made for detailed statistical information which is not readily available so that the compilation of an answer will require much effort and cost. Members are, however, strongly urged to consider carefully their requests for information so as to ensure that public funds are not wasted on the production of answers to questions which have little public relevance.

Sir, as an example, Members of this House may like to know that the Member for Potong Pasir has a Question for Written Answer addressed to the Hon. Minister for National Development. He asks for the number of HDB tenants who are in arrears in the mortgage instalments for more than 60 days from the years 1975 to 1985 with breakdown in amounts by nine categories. The Hon. Minister has, in his written answer, replied that it would cost not less than $200,000 in terms of manpower and computer cost for HDB to provide all the information.

Sir, let me assure Members that where information sought by Members' questions are of public interest and relevant to the good performance of this Government, no effort will be spared to provide the answers. But where questions are asked seeking excessive statistical detail without a thought for the cost consequences, Government may find it necessary to provide partial answers so as not to waste public funds.