SERVICEMEN INJURED IN TRAINING

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence if he will say how many persons were injured whilst undergoing army training in 1985.

The Minister of State for Defence (BG Lee Hsien Loong) (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1985, a total of 102 servicemen suffered injuries in training which led to varying degrees of permanent disablement. A further 58 servicemen suffered such injuries in work mishaps.

Mr Jeyaretnam: The Minister of State said there were 102 servicemen who suffered injuries. Would he say whether there were any suicides last year in the Army?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, the 102 servicemen suffered injuries in training. None of these were suicides. There were suicides in the Army. But these were not related to training.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Would the Minister of State say whether any of the injuries to any of these men were sustained because they were compelled to continue with training, for example, doing push-ups, when they had complained that they were unable to continue with whatever training they had been asked to do?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not have details of each incident. But if the Member for Anson is aware of any such cases and if he will present me with the facts, I will investigate the matter.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Would the Minister of State confirm that, at the beginning of this year, there was a serviceman who sustained severe injuries because he was compelled to carry on doing push-ups after he had complained that he was unable to continue? Would he look into that and let us have a report?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have no names and no dates available from the Member for Anson. Should he supply me with the particulars, I shall look into them. And should he table a Question before the House, I shall answer it.

Mr Jeyaretnam: My question is: will the Minister find out whether there was a case of a serviceman who was compelled to do push-ups who was then injured as a result of it - he suffered very serious injuries and was discharged - and report to the House?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, if a Question is tabled, I shall answer it. Particulars will, of course, be given.

Mr Jeyaretnam: I ask you now.

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I await the Question.