ANSWERS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS (Cost to taxpayers)

Mr Koo Tsai Kee asked the Minister for Finance what is the cost taxpayers have to bear every time a question is filed and answered in Parliament.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: The imputed cost of answering a question raised by an MP in Parliament is estimated to range from $500 to $1,300 depending on the complexity and nature of the questions asked. This imputed cost is not necessarily a real incremental cost that taxpayers have to pay as the preparation of responses to MPs' questions constitutes only a part of the duties of public officers. In other words, the imputed cost may not be saved even if MPs ceased asking questions altogether.

However, I should point out that every time a question is raised by a Member of Parliament, the Minister and public officers of the Ministry concerned do spend considerable time and effort to ensure a satisfactory answer is given. If the questions asked by MPs are pertinent and not frivolous, the time and effort spent is well worthwhile as they provide Ministries with an opportunity to explain and clarify Government policies or rules and regulations. On the other hand, if the questions asked are repetitious or of marginal public interest, the time and energies of public officers may be diverted from more urgent matters.

Mr Koo Tsai Kee (Tanjong Pagar GRC): Sir, will the Minister tell the House whether the price of democracy, ie, $500 to $1,300, is high or low for each question filed in Parliament?

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: As I said, it is not a real cost in the sense that you cannot remove it by not asking questions. I am merely making an appeal that if you ask questions, make sure that the questions are relevant, in which case the Government would be very happy to respond. In other words, it is well worth it.