THEFT AND VANDALISM IN SCHOOLS (Particulars)

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon asked the Minister for Education, since his Ministry stopped recruiting watchmen for schools in 1979, how many cases of theft and vandalism occurred in schools outside school hours up to the latest convenient date, and what was the total loss in monetary terms.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Mr Tang Guan Seng) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister.

For the period 1979 to 1986, 333 theft and vandalism cases occurred in schools outside school hours. The total loss in monetary terms was $242,000 or $30,000 per year.

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon: Sir, in order to curb theft and vandalism in schools and also to allow the grassroots organizations to utilize the school facilities and at the same time provide employment for the retirees, will the Parliamentary Secretary consider allowing the schools to hire their own watchmen?

Mr Tang Guan Seng: While I appreciate the points made by the Member for Yuhua, the Ministry has no plan to employ more watchmen.

As regards the use of school facilities, I notice that a similar question has been tabled for Oral Answer next Tuesday. So I will give a reply next Tuesday.