SINGAPORE AIRLINES (Equity holdings)

Dr Toh Chin Chye asked the Minister for Finance what is the percentage dis- tribution of equity in Singapore Airlines (SIA) among Temasek Holdings, SIA staff, Overseas holdings and others.

The Minister for Finance (Dr Hu Tsu Tau): Mr Speaker, Sir, the percentage distribution of equity in Singapore Airlines as at 25th February 1986 is as follows: Temasek Holdings - 62.95% SIA Staff - 18.30% Overseas Holdings - 14.13% Others - 4.62% ------- Total 100.00% -------

Dr Toh Chin Chye: I wish to thank the Minister for the data he has given. May I ask him if a publicly listed company other than SIA had its share price pushed up from $4 to $6.90 in the space of two months, will the Minister ask the SES or the SIC to make inquiries?

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand the implied company is Singapore Airlines. As to the reason for share price fluctuations, in this particular case, the shares were rather unfortunately listed during the period when there was a bear market. So they fell below the issue price. Those who sold at that time, I think, had reason to regret because it was obvious that the shares were fundamentally sound and ought to have been held. So their recovery was no surprise.