Hansard, 1955-06-29

Mr Alfred Arthur Williams, Chief Secretary (Acting).

I am sure that hon. Members would wish to join with me in congratulating the Hon. the Attorney-General on his appointment as Chief Justice of Tanganyika. Mr Davies has been in this country since 1938, serving in the then Federated Malay States as Deputy and later as Acting Legal Adviser until 1941, when he was appointed Solicitor-General of Singapore. After the War, on the 1st of April,1946, he was appointed Attorney-General, and in that capacity he has served continuously as a Member of the Singapore Legislature. He will be leaving us shortly to take up his new post. Singapore will be losing an Officer who has, in his own sphere, contributed a great deal to her progress. Tanganyika is fortunate, indeed, to have obtained the services of Mr Davies, and I wish him and Mrs. Davies all happiness in their new life in that country.

asked the Chief Minister what action has been taken up to date to secure the services of an Economic Adviser to the Government and to appoint an Economic Commission.

Sir, one of the first tasks of the Government on taking office was to take steps to secure the services of Dr. Benham as Economic Adviser to the Government, and Dr. Benham was interested. There was correspondence in some detail, but finally, for domestic reasons which transpired during the negotiations, he found it impossible to accept that post. Thereafter, Professor Arthur Lewis of Manchester University was approached, and he seemed interested, but the most recent communication received from him indicates a definite refusal. We are now in communication with another suitable economist of international reputation. We are hopeful, and I can add no more to it at this present juncture. As regards the appointment of an Economic Commission, Sir, that will naturally have to await the appointment of an Economic Adviser, as we wish to obtain his advice on the constitution and personnel of the Commission.

asked the Chief Minister what consultations have taken place between himself and the Australian Government representatives on the subject of sending Australian troops to Singapore; and whether he will make a statement on the subject, as far as the interests of the people of Singapore are concerned.

May it please you, Sir, as I understand the question, it is asking what consultations have taken place between me and the Australian Government representatives on the subject of sending Australian troops to Singapore; and whether I will make a statement in so far as the interests of the people are concerned. I would like to indicate to the hon. Member that there has been no official request to station Australian troops in Singapore, and consequently there have been no formal consultations with the Australian Government representatives on the subject. The House is, however, aware that it has now been decided to station these troops in the Federation. It has always been our view, Sir, that to station Australian troops in Singapore at this political juncture might be misunderstood. In so far as our own defence is concerned, I think I should add, Sir, that it is the view of this Government that it should support the maintenance of British forces in Singapore until such time as we are in a position to provide the means for our defence.

asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry whether he will state what plans the Government has in view for the carrying out of its declared aim of attracting private capital from both local and overseas investors for the purpose of expanding trade and industry, and of raising the standard of living of all the people of Singapore.

May it please you, Sir, it is a question that seeks a thesis and somewhat, if I may say so, inappropriate for an oral answer, but I shall do my best. In the two months since His Excellency's Address outlining our commercial policy, Government has established a Trade Advisory Council. It has, as the House is aware, been in communication with our great trading neighbour, Indonesia, with a view to improving our commercial relationship. Furthermore, plans for an Industrial Development Corporation, to encourage local industries along the lines that have been so successful in Hong Kong, are now under intensive study. The Report of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is being studied in detail, Sir, and the question of the establishment of a Central Bank is being pursued. The appointment of an Economic Adviser and an Economic Commission, of which this House has heard, and which it is hoped will certainly take place in the course of this year, will assist in blueprinting an overall commercial, industrial and fiscal policy for the next few years. In the meanwhile, Sir, assistance in the industrial and commercial fields is taking the form of attention to individual applications on their merits, encouragement to the extent of granting hard currency, and allowing immigration of key personnel, where necessary, for the development of industry in this territory. I would also draw attention to the Labour Ordinance which is before the House this morning and which is the first step in Government's plan for the amelioration of employer-employee relations and the establishment of industrial stability, so necessary for the encouragement of capital to take advantage of tie opportunities that are available in this country. I think I ought to add, Sir, that the provisions for technical education which are now afoot would, it is expected, considerably assist in the industrialisation, so necessary for our future welfare, the absorption of the unemployed of today, and the youth seeking employment of tomorrow.

Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Minister give more detailed information regarding the means the Government will use to attract private capital from both local and overseas investors; for example, by means of giving income tax reliefs, initial or annual or both, on the cost of factory construction and initial plant?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have indicated that the question of the establishment of an Industrial Development Corporation is proceeding apace. To what extent our taxation policy may be directed towards giving relief for the encouragement of industry will await, Sir, the advice of our Economic Adviser and the establishment of the Industrial Development Corporation. But it is intended that that Industrial Development Corporation, when established, should give assistance of a very practical character and perhaps financial aid for the establishment of industry.

Sir, does not the Minister agree that as much haste as possible in this matter is necessary, so that we can go forward swiftly to expand our industries which are so necessary to us? I feel that -

Confine yourself to the question, please.

Does he not consider that awaiting an Economic Adviser, which I realise is being searched for diligently, is holding up this very necessary development?

No, Sir.

How soon does the Minister for Commerce and Industry expect the Industrial Development Corporation to be established? Can he indicate any time limit?

I regret I cannot add further to my statement. Sir, I would not wish to mislead the House, but I can assure you that the plans are under intensive study.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works what progress has been made up to date in regard to the construction of the proposed Post Office at Jalan Kayu.

There is financial provision in this year's Estimates for the building of a Post Office at Jalan Kayu. A site has been selected near the junction of Yio Chu Kang Road and Jalan Kayu, and the site is awaiting the approval of the Planning Co-ordination Committee. Thereafter, the land will be acquired and building will proceed.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether, in view of the development of the Thomson Road area between the 4th and 8th milestones, the Government have plans for building a Post Office in the area; where is the building intended to be situated; and when is it likely to be open to the public.

The Government has plans for building a Post Office in the Thomson Road area. A site has been selected in the Thomson Village. It is proposed to ask for financial provision for the Post Office in next year's Estimates. If the provision is approved, it should be possible for the Post Office to be completed about the middle of next year.

In the meantime would the Minister consider establishing postal agencies in the area?

I must have notice of that question, Mr Speaker.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether he is aware that the people living in Thomson Road (between the 4th and 8th milestones) and Yio Chu Kang Road (between the 6th and 11th milestones) do not have public telephone facilities; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that adequate public telephone service is available in those areas.

The Singapore Telephone Board has a development programme for this year and next in which priority is given to the areas which most urgently need telephone facilities, and I understand from the Board that the areas specified in this question are included in their development programme.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works if he will state the Government's policy on Nationalisation of Singapore's Road Transport, with particular reference to the Singapore Traction Company whose Charter expires in June 1955.

Since the hon. Member's question about the nationalisation of road transport was put, the subject has been debated in the Assembly, and it has been decided that a Commission should be appointed to examine the public passenger transport system and to make recommendations. In that debate I informed the Assembly that it was the intention of the Government to nationalise passenger transport. The decisions on how and when this would be done would be taken in the light of the recommendations of the Transport Commission.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether, in view of the declared policy of the Government, viz., the unification of Singapore and the Federation of Malaya, and of the belief of the Government in Socialism, the Government intends to bring the internal Airways system under public ownership; and whether this matter will be brought up for consideration by the Federation of Malaya Government and the Joint Co-ordination Committee at an early date.

The agreement entered into between the Governments of Singapore and the Federation and the Malayan Airways provides that on or before the 30th of April, 1956, the Governments shall either conclude a mutual agreement with the Company for the renewal of the agreement or its replacement by a new one upon agreed terms and conditions, or give notice to the Company that they do not propose to extend the agreement after its expiration on the 30th of April, 1957. The agreement also provides that neither Government will take any decision affecting the duration of the agreement without the prior concurrence of the other Government. And I can assure the hon. Member that it is proposed to discuss with the Federation Government at an early date the future of the internal Airways system of the Malay Peninsula.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether, in view of the increased convenience of the travelling public that will result from the efficient running of an Internal Island-wide Train Service, Government will consider instituting an enquiry into the desirability and practicability of such a service in Singapore, the initial step being a shuttle service between Johore Bahru and Clifford Pier.

The possibility of using local railway transport to supplement road transport has, of course, been widely discussed for many years and has been under consideration in connection with the planned development of the residential areas of Singapore. The problem was studied by the International Bank Mission, and further consideration will be given to it in the light of the recommendations of the Bank Mission.

asked the Minister for Education whether, in view of the declared policy of the Government to afford equal treatment for all schools and all teachers, Government school teachers will be permitted to contest the forthcoming City and Island Council Elections; and whether women teachers in all schools will be paid the same salary and allowances as their counterpart male teachers.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the question involves service matters which are under the portfolio of my friend the Hon. the Chief Secretary. I shall ask the Hon. the Chief Secretary to answer that question.

Sir, the answer to the first part of the question is that Government teachers, in common with other civil servants of equivalent status, are forbidden to take any part in political activities. They will not, therefore, be allowed to offer themselves for election to any statutory body representative of the community or of any section of the community. The answer to the second part of the question is that it is not intended to make any change in the existing rates of salary and allowances for Government teachers.

Will the Chief Secretary state why he does not consider it necessary that women teachers in all schools be paid the same salary and allowances as their counterpart male teachers?

I think, Sir, that the question of equal pay for men and women raises major social and economic issues which cannot be adequately answered in a supplementary question.

Sir, will the Minister state whether he will give consideration to the granting of the same specialist allowances to married lady teachers as to single lady teachers?

I think the Hon. The Chief Secretary would rather have notice of that question.

11. Inche Mohamed Sidik Bin H. A. Hamid asked the Minister for Health if he will state what the policy of the Government is regarding the Family Planning Association.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has no set policy regarding the Family Planning Association. I assume from the question asked by the Member for the Southern Islands (Inche Mohamed Sidik Bin H. A. Hamid) that he is anxious to know whether this Government will make further monetary contributions towards this Association. Well, the question is highly controversial, as hon. Members of the House know, from the recent articles in the Press. It also involves the conscience and religious convictions of the individual. So the Government has thought it proper that an opportunity should be afforded the House for a debate and a free vote at the appropriate time. Members on both sides of the House, whether they be on the Front Bench or the Back Benches, will therefore have an opportunity to vote individually according to their conscience.

asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare what action has been taken on the representations made to him in regard to increased Government aid to those people who have either lost, or suffered damage to, their homes, chicken pens, pig sties and cattlesheds as a result of the hailstorm which occurred on 9th April, 1955, at Kampong Cheng San and Kampong Jalan Hwi Yoh.

Sir, the grant which was made to those people who lost, or suffered damage to, their homes, chicken pens, pig sties and cattlesheds as a result of the hailstorm which occurred on 9th April, 1955, at Kampong Cheng San and Kampong Jalan Hwi Yoh was not made from Government funds, but from the Silver Jubilee Fund. The families were informed that they could apply to the Public Assistance Section of the Social Welfare Department for further relief under the usual Public Assistance schemes if they required it. Only two families applied; one of these was eligible and is receiving assistance.

Sir, since this House last met, events have occurred of a very disturbing character. Political Parties represented in this House have, through the Press, heaped abuse upon the Government for its handling of these events. Yet today we have the extraordinary position that not one single member of these political Parties has seen fit to challenge in this House the action of the Government. Though no Member of the Opposition seeks a debate, I consider it my duty to report to this House the facts as I know them. There is, Sir, a clique of P.A.P. politicians who masquerade as trade unionists. On Friday, 10th June, I received from one of them what they called "an ultimatum to the Government", indicating that unless the Government settled the outstanding dispute between the Harbour Board and its Staff Association, more than 20 trade unions, wholly unconnected with the dispute, would be called out on a sympathy strike. For several days prior to that Friday, Sir, the Press had been giving considerable publicity to a statement of a member of that clique, threatening an island-wide sympathy strike. Sir, this Government has made repeated and earnest efforts to bring about a settlement between the Harbour Board and its Staff Association, but there never was question, and there can never be question, of Government seeking to compel an employer or an employee to surrender to the terms of the other party. On the same day, Sir, that I received this so-called "ultimatum", reports began coming in of a very disturbing character, of intimidation of trade unions in an attempt to compel them to join the sympathy strike. These reports suggested that some of the same forces as those which brought about the tragedy of the recent riots were at work, and indicated that there was a strong possibility that organised violence might flare up under cover of the confusion of the sympathy strike. Our advisers, Sir, urged immediate action to protect peaceful citizens. Security arrangements were finalised, and I saw this P.A.P. clique on that Friday night. When they left my office at 8 p.m., I believed that there would be no sympathy strike and that I would on the following morning receive a communication from them. I did not hear from any member of this clique on the Saturday morning, and the emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers on that Saturday afternoon considered reports of heightened activities and intimidation in furtherance of this sympathy strike which was set for the following Monday. I made repeated efforts that Saturday afternoon to get members of this P.A.P. clique to see me. They did not appear. The Government was naturally very anxious to avoid unrest and violence which would cause considerable harm to our people and our commerce. We were anxious to avoid using the Emergency Regulations. I dislike the Emergency Regulations, intensely. It was, however, an urgent question of protecting the people against an imminent threat of violence. In these circumstances, on Saturday evening, authorisation was given for the arrest under the Emergency Regulations of a small number of persons believed to be the sparking points of this threatened violence. Immediately after this meeting, Sir, at 8 o'clock I sought once more to persuade members of this clique to see me, and despite my urgent request, they kept me waiting for one hour, and finally appeared at nine. At 9.20 p.m. they issued a statement agreeing to call a meeting of trade unions to consider calling off the sympathy strike. That statement, Sir, materially modified our original plan of arrests. A few arrests, however, were made and the headquarters of the P.A.P. pseudo trade unionists were searched. As a result of this, the P.A.P. clique promptly sought to prostitute the trade union movement and worked frantically for the next few days to call out workers of the Colony on strike, not for the purposes of bettering the conditions of the workers, not for any question of the welfare of the workers, but openly coercing Government into releasing the men it had arrested - an action thought necessary for the welfare of the people. There was at no time any suggestion, Sir, from this clique or its associates that this House should assemble in order to consider the action of the Government which they so loudly decried, and for which they were prepared to put this country to such inconvenience and such risks. It was an open effort to substitute mob government for government by the people's elected representatives. Widespread intimidation and rumour-mongering were resorted to. The security forces were constantly on the alert, Sir, and the knowledge of the strength of these security forces and of Government's readiness to use them, as well as the few arrests which had been made, are believed to have been the reasons for the absence of violence during those days. As hon. Members are aware, large numbers of workers, reaching a maximum of 15,000, excluding those who were on legitimate strike, were induced during those days to go out on strike, dislocating passenger transport and considerably inconveniencing the public, and alarming capital. Government made arrangements for the transport of school children, and later for members of the public. The threat by this P.A.P. clique to the democratic process collapsed, Sir, after five days, when the workers under their domination, led by the Singapore Traction Company workers, openly revolted against being used as pawns in a political game, and the threat to reinstate a general strike on the 26th of June failed to materialise. In all, there were eight persons arrested - two are facing open trial in our Courts; four have been released as the danger of violence in which they might be used had passed, and I would like to assure hon. Members that their release was in no way accelerated nor conduced to by the strike, or the threat of a further strike. Government takes the view, Sir, that the Emergency Regulations should not be used, except for urgent and grave reasons. In these circumstances, only two of the eight continue to be detained. I would add, Sir, that it is our desire to present to this House at an early date suggestions for an improved procedure under the Emergency Regulations which would satisfy the public desire for open justice and the vital need for executive power to nullify the activities of those who seek to rule by violence. The normal citizen of Singapore accepted the inconvenience of these strikes with good sense, with cheerfulness, and with loyalty, that made the defeat of this subversive attack on the Government possible. I consider it necessary to explain to this House why the Government did not act in the drastic manner that the circumstances seemed to require. We had the knowledge, Sir, that illegal strikes were being fomented for purely political purposes entirely unconnected with any trade dispute whatsoever. We had the knowledge of the persons who were fomenting these strikes. We had the knowledge of a large number of persons behind the scenes who were acting as lieutenants of the P.A.P. clique that was fomenting the strikes. We had the knowledge of a small group of persons who might be used as sparking points for violence during these illegal strikes. It would have been easy to make a clean sweep of a large number of these people to such an extent as to prevent the general strike and subsequent threatened violence from materialising. I would point out to this House, however, that a very large section of our working population is illiterate; that it has for generations developed an antipathy to Government as such; that the widespread arrests which were indicated would have involved a large number of persons in the P.A.P. movement. The forces that seek chaos in this country would have found it easy then to convince the common worker, Sir, that executive power was being abused with the intention of destroying political opponents, and of destroying the worker's movement by depriving him of his so-called leaders. The ingrained traditional antipathy to Government as such by a large section of our working population would have been only too ready to accept such an explanation, particularly as force and the Emergency Regulations are closely associated in the public mind with colonial rule. The people have not had the time, Sir, to recognise the very real distinction between past governments and this Government. In those circumstances, we might have done irreparable harm to the cause of democracy for which we exist. The Government deeply regrets that the loyal citizens of this Colony should have suffered inconvenience and even run some risk in order that the illiterate worker should have the opportunity to learn for himself the extent to which his trust was being abused, and how his welfare was being sacrificed for the political ambitions of his so-called leaders. The Government hopes that this loyal section of the population will realise the tremendous importance of the task of attracting the loyalty of the illiterate worker to the democratic process, of making him realise that this is his Government, and of achieving the harmonious welding of all sections and all interests in this territory into a unified loyalty. It is the Government's belief, Sir, that the democratic process, which is now rapidly gaining ground, can best serve the welfare of all the people and can adapt itself to the pace of change that the public may demand at any time. The misled workers who went out on strike at the behest of this P.A.P. clique have, in fact, begun to realise to what extent their welfare was sacrificed, and the trade union movement prostituted, for the personal, selfish political ends of some so-called leaders. To that extent it has been a victory for the democratic process, where there could have been a very grave setback, irretrievably losing the potential loyalty of a large mass of our population. This is but the commencement of the process, and as the Government gives further evidence of its deep desire for the welfare of the worker and the masses of this territory, it is hoped to attract and consolidate this loyalty of this illiterate section of the population. I wish to express the gratitude of the Government for the patience and the loyalty of a large number of the citizens of this Colony in a time of stress, and for the sense of responsibility and stability shown by many trade union leaders who did not permit their unions to be prostituted. I would like to assure this House that we have the strength to meet all emergencies that may arise, and we will use that strength when we consider it necessary for the welfare of all the people of this territory. In the meanwhile, Sir, I hope Members of this House and the loyal citizens of this country will continue to be patient with our forbearance in this vital formative period of democracy.

"to amend the Rubber Shipping and Packing Control Ordinance, 1950 (No. 12 of 1950)", presented by the Minister for Commerce and Industry (Mr D. S. Marshall); read the First time; to be read a Second time on Tuesday, 26th July, 1955, and to be printed.

"to make provision for the authorisation of measures for the control of traffic, at places where children cross roads on their way to or from school, by persons other than police officers", presented by the Minister for Communications and Works (Mr Francis Thomas); read the First time; to be read a Second time on Tuesday, 26th July, 1955, and to be printed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I hand to the Clerk a Certificate of Urgency signed by the Officer Administering the Government in respect of a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to amend the Central Provident Fund Ordinance, 1953 (No. 34 of 1953)". Certificate of Urgency handed in.

Have you typed copies of the Bill available?

Yes, Sir, I have.

Please continue, Mr Lim Yew Hock.

Sir, I have to introduce to this Assembly a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to amend the Central Provident Fund Ordinance, 1953 (No. 34 of 1953)".

May I have the typed copies, please? Bill read the First time.

Sir, under Standing Order No. 59, I hand in to the Clerk a sufficient number of copies of this Bill for distribution to hon. Members. Typed copies of the Bill handed in to the Clerk and distributed to hon. Members.

Mr Lim Yew Hock, will you move the Second Reading, please?

Mr Speaker, Sir, before I formally move the Second Reading of this Bill, I would like to explain to hon. Members the urgency, or the reason for the urgency, of carrying this Bill through all stages at this sitting. The Central Provident Fund Ordinance was enacted in 1953, and was to have come into force on May Day this year. However, soon after I took office in April, representations were made to me that amendments were necessary to the Central Provident Fund Ordinance. It was therefore decided to postpone the operation of the Fund so that these representations could be considered and any necessary amendments prepared. This, Sir, has now been done, and the Bill before the House is the result. It is important that there should be no further delay in putting into operation the Central Provident Fund so that it can start during the second half of this year. The amendments that are sought today, Sir, are necessary to ensure the smoother working of the Fund - hence the Certificate of Urgency. Sir, clause 2 of the Bill provides for the operation of the Fund as from July 1st, and for the refund of any deductions which may have been made before that date. But it also provides that if both parties agree, such deductions may be paid into the Fund. Many of the changes embodied in these amendments are minor changes, suggested by the Board to ensure, as I said earlier, Sir, the smoother working of the Fund. The purpose of these is set out in detail in the Objects and Reasons, and I do not think it is necessary for me to dwell on them. There are, however, several changes of substance and importance. Clause 6, Sir, and the new Schedule to which it refers, provide that employees who earn not more than $200 per month do not have to contribute to the Fund, though their employers must still make their contributions of 5 per cent of their wages. It was put to me, Sir, that the lower-paid workers in present circumstances cannot afford to lay aside 5 per cent of their wages each month, even though it is to provide an investment for the future. It can hardly be denied that this is true, and that these lower-paid workers should therefore be exempt from contributing to the Fund. A special provision is put into the Schedule so that an employee whose wages are between $200 and $210.50 in any month shall not pay a full 5 per cent contribution, but only so much as would reduce the net amount he would receive as pay for the month to $200. Without this provision, an employee whose wages were in this zone would have less to take home than the employee whose wages were only $200. Clause 17 (a), Sir, amends subsection (2) of section 21 of the principal Ordinance so that private provident funds or schemes will not be eligible for approval unless they were established before 11th December, 1953, the date of enactment of the Ordinance. The Ordinance in its present form requires the Board to approve of any private fund or scheme established by an employer at any time, if it provides pecuniary benefits for the employees of not less value than the benefits provided under the Ordinance. Employees who are members of any fund which is approved will not be liable to contribute to the Central Provident Fund, nor will their employers be liable to contribute in respect of them. If this is permitted, Sir, it means that employees can be removed from the scope of the Central Provident Fund at any time by the setting up of new schemes, and the number of employees covered by the Fund will diminish. The cost of supervising these schemes would have to be met by the Board which would be receiving no income from investments in respect of them. What is even more important, Sir, is that it would, in practice, be impossible to ensure that contributions to numerous funds were paid correctly, or that employees received the full benefits due to them. This amendment would prevent this anomalous state of affairs, though it would not, of course, prevent an employer from setting up another scheme in addition to participating in the Central Provident Fund if he so wished. Clause 17 (b), Sir, seeks to add additional subsections to section 21 of the Ordinance, and a new subsection (8) gives power to the Board to exempt non-domiciled employees getting more than $500 per month as wages who already enjoy adequate retirement benefit rights. There are certain employees in Singapore who have pension rights under various schemes provided by their employers, or under government schemes in other countries, and who are not domiciled in Malaya, to whom it may be reasonable to give exemption from contributing to the Central Provident Fund. Such schemes cannot generally be amended to bring them within the provisions of the Ordinance. Nevertheless, the retirement benefits provided by these schemes may be quite adequate in comparison with the amount which would be payable from the Central Provident Fund on reaching the age of 55, particularly in the case of employees whose wages are over $500 per month, for whom the Central Fund contribution is at the rate of less than 5 per cent of their wages. It is proposed to give the Board under this new subsection powers to exempt such individual employees if they apply for exemption. Clause 21, Sir, in addition to exempting employees earning not more than $200 per month, as I have already mentioned, substitutes contributions at the flat rate of 5 per cent for the present set scales. This will greatly facilitate the calculation of the amount to be deducted, especially in cases where wages are paid daily or weekly and the amount paid on different pay-days is variable. As the law stands at present, the calculation of the contribution in these cases is very complicated, and in the case of big employers, would involve considerable expense and waste of time. The new Schedule will avoid this. Mr Speaker, Sir, one of the suggestions made to me was that monies paid out of the Fund on the death of an employee should not be subject to estate duty unless they exceed some limit to be decided upon. I am in sympathy with this suggestion, but it needs careful consideration in relation to other financial matters. It is not urgent, because estates up to $1,000 in value are already exempt from estate duty, and it will be some time before any member's share of the Fund will be more than $1,000. I give my assurance that before the matter can arise, this suggestion will be further considered carefully and sympathetically. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

Sir, I rise to second the motion. Question proposed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Hon. the Minister for Labour and Welfare whether Gazette Notification No. 890 fixing the date for the commencement of the Central Provident Fund has been withdrawn?

Sir, while congratulating my hon. Friend the Minister for Labour and Welfare on the important amendment which he made in regard to the Schedule in respect of employees who are receiving a wage rate exceeding $10 but not $200, I would like to point out to this House that those employees in this category will be taking home a much smaller sum. If calculated on the basis of $200, it comes to about $2,400 for a period of 20 years. I think this sum is very low. When proposals were made to amend this particular Schedule, I thought that the Government would come in and give aid to these workers; in other words, the Government would consider contributing a certain percentage as their contribution, thus enabling these workers to take home a very substantial sum on retirement. As I see it, these employees stand to lose. I am wondering whether Government has any plans to supplement the retirement benefits of employees in this category. I feel that they deserve Government's earnest consideration.

On a point of clarification, Sir, and reserving my right to speak, may I ask that the Member for Bukit Panjang's question be answered by the Hon. the Minister for Labour and Welfare?

Sir, if reference is made to clause 2 of this Bill, it will be seen that by inference the date of commencement of the Central Provident Fund Ordinance has been postponed to 1st July, 1955.

Mr Speaker, Sir, on Monday, 4th April, Gazette Notification No. 890 was published, stating that the Central Provident Fund would come into operation on the 1st of May. To our knowledge, nothing has appeared in the Gazette authorised by the Governor either to withdraw or extend the date of the coming into operation of this Ordinance. But on the 28th of April the Minister announced that the date of commencement was to be postponed. I think, Sir, it is highly unconstitutional for any Minister to postpone the operation of any law that has been passed by the Legislative Council and which has not only received the sanction of the Governor, but also a date for the operation of which has been definitely fixed. It seems to me that on this particular point the Minister for Labour and Welfare had two courses open to him: either he should have had the consent of this Assembly to postpone the operation of that Ordinance -

Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. Is the hon. Member speaking to the motion? It seems to me, with respect, Mr Speaker, Sir, that he is speaking to what might have been a motion of censure for an action which suspended the operation of law, out it has no reference whatsoever to the motion now before they House.

I think, Mr Chief Minister, that the Member for Paya Lebar (Mr Lim Koon Teck) is probably talking on the principle involved in clause 2, where the date given for the coming into operation of the Ordinance is the 1st July, as against a previous date. Mr Lim Koon Teck, please carry on.

- either that; or he should have allowed the Central Provident Fund to commence on the date on which it was fixed, and he can easily have brought in all these amendments which he wants to do today. In fact, many, if not most, firms have already complied with the law requiring this Fund to commence as from the 1st May, and this has necessitated clause 2 of this Bill to legalise actions of employers for deducting contributions to the Provident Fund as from the 1st May. Now, as the Minister has said, there is not a great deal of new matters in this Bill, the most important of which is the right of those workers drawing less than $200 per month not to contribute to the Fund. In such cases, only the employers are to contribute. Well, this is only a matter of compromise, and I do not think it is of great importance either way. On the other hand, I do not think that this Bill should have taken the Minister two months to draw up, and taking such a long time over it, it has made it necessary for him to apply for a Certificate of Urgency from the Governor. I submit, Sir, that Certificates from the Governor should only be -

Order, order. I do not think any hon. Member can question a Certificate of Urgency.

I am not questioning it, Sir.

No hon. Member can question a Certificate of Urgency from the Governor. If he does so, he is indirectly offending against Standing Order No. 31 (8), where the conduct of the Governor shall not be referred to in any circumstances.

No, Sir, I know that section well. I am not questioning the act of the Governor at all. I am only remarking that if the Minister had taken one of the two courses I have outlined, it would not have been necessary to appeal to the Governor in such cases. The other point is this: he has had nearly two months, and yet we have only notice of this Bill, Sir, less than 30 hours ago. We had made a protest against such short notice, but we were referred to section 22 of the Standing Orders, subsection (3) of which reads: "Except where it is otherwise provided in any Standing Order, not less than seven clear days' notice of any motion shall be given unless it is in the name of a Minister, in which case one clear day's notice shall be sufficient." Sir, this is a special privilege given to a very responsible Minister of the Government, and a special privilege should only be used -

Order, order. You are still criticising indirectly the Certificate of Urgency. We are now debating the Second Reading, and you must confine yourself to the general merits and principles of the Bill.

We are only voicing our dissatisfaction -

Order, order. You can voice your dissatisfaction by not taking part in the debate or by getting the right later on to speak on the Adjournment.

Well, I reserve my right to speak on the Adjournment.

Mr Lim Yew Hock, in reply?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already replied to the point raised by the Member for Bukit Panjang (Mr Goh Tong Liang). In regard to the point raised by the Member for Seletar (Mr Nair), he states that by assisting the workers who receive less than $200 in that they need not now have to contribute to the Provident Fund, they would, when they retire, receive less money than they would have got had they contributed themselves. There is nothing, Sir, in the proposed amendment to prevent any member of the Fund, who is in receipt of less than $200, to contribute himself if he so desires. In regard to the point raised by the Member for Paya Lebar, he says that the Ordinance should not have been postponed and that it should have been allowed to operate as from the 1st of May. I have pointed out in my speech, Sir, that soon after I took office I had received a lot of complaints from the workers who demanded that the date of operation of the Ordinance should be postponed. They expressed a genuine fear that the Ordinance was not in their interests and they brought up certain points to substantiate their views. It is as a result of their representations, Sir, that it was felt necessary, in the interests of the large majority of workers, that the Ordinance should not come into operation on the 1st of May. I do not think, Sir, that the Member for Paya Lebar would now object to the Second Reading of the Bill, thereby delaying the coming into operation of the Ordinance.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Mr Lim Yew Hock, will you move the Committee stage?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I move, That this Assembly do now resolve itself into Committee to consider the Bill.

I beg to second the motion. Bill considered in Committee.

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 -

Mr Chairman, owing to a typographical error, the marginal note to clause 2 has been omitted. The marginal note should read "Date of commencement".

Thank you. Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 3 -

Mr Chairman, Sir, in paragraph (c) of this clause, have we omitted the female of the species? We do not see the word "she".

Mr Chairman, Sir, I understand from the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance that the masculine embraces the feminine! Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 4 to 20 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 21 -

Mr Chairman, Sir, before this Bill was placed in this House with a Certificate of Urgency, I discovered -

Are you moving an amendment?

No, Mr Chairman.

Will you wait until I propose the Question? Question proposed, "That clause 21 stand part of the Bill."

Mr Chairman, Sir, before this Bill was tabled with a Certificate of Urgency, I attempted, through the Chief Minister, to get this House a chance to make its contribution to this Bill. I have waited till this last clause to raise this point: that because only one clear day's notice was given, and no more, no one has anything constructive to contribute to the discussion of this Bill. There was a terrific outcry against the Provident Fund Bill -

You are confining yourself to the Schedule?

I am. One of the complaints was what this Schedule has now attempted to correct. Contrary to the expectations of the Progressive Party, the Ordinance did not bring them the required results in the last elections. It was their brain-child, and it was rejected because little things, like people who earn less than $200 having to contribute, although they could not afford to do so, were not taken into consideration. Now the Minister for Labour has had consultations with mysterious representatives who have convinced him that $200 is the line of demarcation. It may be right, it may be wrong. I had always believed that the purpose of this Assembly is to allow the people as a whole to make their representations, and to make their views known, on any particular piece of legislation. It is because of this important principle that I say to the Government that this amendment is entirely theirs. Nobody has contributed anything to it. Nobody knew anything about it until it was tabled. Notice was given, as one Member has said, about 36 hours ago. I have not calculated the number of hours, but I think everybody is agreed that very few in this Assembly, other than the Minister for Labour, really know -

Point of order, Sir. Is it permissible, on the motion now before the House, to make this attack upon Government, and, if so, will Government be granted an opportunity to answer it?

As I see it, the Member for Tanjong Pagar is commenting on the Schedule, and in particular on the $200 level.

That is so, Mr Chairman.

Now, if he goes beyond that - I am watching him very carefully - I will try and stop him. Government, of course, will have an opportunity to reply.

I am grateful for the indication that my movements are being watched very carefully. I am told that quite a number of my colleagues are also being watched carefully, and they are also very grateful for that information. I wish, however, to make this point clear: that this is the Bill of the Minister for Labour. We have no chance to contribute to it. We do not know why $200 has been chosen. Who told him this magic figure? Or how did he work it out? It is for him to take the whole responsibility for this amendment, and for the Labour Front Government - Hon. Members: Coalition!

I beg your pardon! One keeps forgetting these little things! [Interruption.] But it is for them to bear the responsibility. If there is anything amiss, it is entirely theirs.

Mr Chairman, Sir, I would not seek any subterfuge in answering the attack that has been made. It is not a question of the $200 now. It is a question of the House not having been given enough time. With your permission, Sir, I should like to answer that attack. May it please you, Sir, the Government is fully conscious of the need that this House should have sufficient time to consider all important legislation. There is no question whatsoever about that, and Government has taken steps, and will continue to take steps, to see that Members are advised long in advance of any material legislation that will be introduced. The question of the $200 limit was aired some six weeks ago and published in the newspapers. It is true that it has not been circulated to Members, but when the Member for Tanjong Pagar tells us that he seeks no responsibility and has nothing to contribute and cannot understand that $200, we on the side of the Government accept very gladly the responsibility for this contribution to the public welfare. We know that the P A.P. has nothing to contribute. That we have always understood. Sir, it is the conduct of the P.A.P. that has recently set back the welfare of the workers to a considerable extent, and I do say this: that the delay in the printing and in bringing forward this piece of legislation to the notice of hon. Members has arisen out of such conduct; and it is our desire to see that the second half of the year should see the commencement of this legislation, so important for the worker. And we do not wish to see his welfare further postponed. That the P.A.P. cannot see anything to contribute after 36 hours' deliberation is no matter for surprise, nor a matter for regret.

Not only the P.A.P.!

Question put, and agreed to. Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported, without Amendment.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I move, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read the Third time.

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." In the Governor's Address on 22nd April, 1955, it was announced that the Government intended to introduce a Labour Bill to replace the present outmoded Labour Ordinance, and today the new Bill is before hon. Members for its Second Reading. The old Ordinance arose out of, and was designed to meet, the need to protect the large numbers of Indian and Chinese immigrants who were recruited at that time of rapid expansion of the tin and rubber industries. Its emphasis, naturally enough, tended to be on the control of conditions of immigrants, and on the provision of satisfactory living accommodation for the immigrants. Inevitably, large portions of the old Ordinance have become meaningless for present-day Singapore. Nevertheless, those provisions of the old Ordinance, which have proved their value over the years of the operation, have been retained, and their meaning has been considerably clarified to enable them to be more readily understood by the workmen. For example, the power of the Commissioner for Labour to hear claims for wages, etc., is retained. This has proved a free and speedy method for a workman to settle such claims, and he is thus spared the expense and formality of laying his complaint in a Civil District Court. There are many new features which bring the Bill into line with the latest International Labour Office's Conventions on labour conditions. The definition of "workman" has been widened to include drivers, and by making United Kingdom departments functioning in the Colony liable to inclusion as employers, the workmen employed by them are brought within the scope of the Bill. An entirely new part has been added, Sir, regulating the recruitment of workmen, which gives effect to the principal provisions of the I.L.O. Convention on this subject. Another new section makes main contractors jointly and severally responsible with sub-contractors for the wages of the workmen, even though they are engaged directly by the sub-contractor. In the past, Sir, a great many of the claims for arrears of wages heard by the Commissioner for Labour had involved defaulting sub-contractors, and the workmen had suffered considerable hardship. Under the Bill, Sir, more protection is given to children and young persons. The employment of children under 12 is prohibited, and I am given powers to prescribe minimum rates of pay. To make certain that there will be no abuses associated with their employment, all children and young persons will be registered, and the Commissioner for Labour has powers to require that they should be medically examined in order to ascertain their fitness for the employment proposed. Maternity allowances were compulsory under the old Ordinance, but were based on they female workers' wages. Under the new Bill, these allowances are fixed, in order to give effect to the principle that these benefits should be sufficient for the full and healthy maintenance of the mother and her child. Other sections of the old Ordinance, Sir, have been amended to give greater protection to workmen. For example, the workmen can now claim up to 4 months' arrears of wages instead of 3, under the section guaranteeing the priority of workmen's wages. Hours of work have been reduced from 9 to 8, with overtime at one and a half times the ordinary rate for any hour in excess of 8. If the workman works on rest days, he is to receive double pay, or a substitute day of rest. And in passing, Sir, I would like to mention that I have given notice to move an amendment for a 44-hour week. Sir, the Bill is in 17 parts, and the purpose of these parts is given in the Objects and Reasons. This Bill, Sir, is designed to protect artisans and manual workers, but I am very conscious that there are other classes of workers in Singapore, such as shop assistants and clerical workers, who need more protection than they enjoy at present. These classes of workers may rest assured that they have not been forgotten. It is my intention to introduce further legislation to ensure that they, too, have fair conditions of employment. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bill was brought up to replace the old Ordinance which, as the Minister for Labour and Welfare has said, is now outmoded. We welcome such a change, but I think it should have been brought in much earlier. So far as it goes, we find that during this short period since this Bill was printed - on 21st June - a matter of about ten days, reactions have not been unfavourable. However, I think for a Bill of this type, which affects a great portion of the people in Singapore, people should have been allowed time to air their views. We have seen in the papers a protest from some of the trade union groups, and I believe that if there were more time, probably industrialists, employers and employee unions would have come forward, either with criticisms or with better suggestions. Sir, the Bill, as we see it, can be accepted generally in principle, it has brought nothing very new. As I see from the Comparative Table, we have introduced into this Bill what has already been introduced in other parts of the world. We have inside it the I.L.O. and other sections from Burma and India, and the Children and Young Persons Ordinance. Nothing objectionable could be found in that, and I think there is nothing very revolutionary. I believe, too, that good employers would have by this time carried out most of these laws without any urging from the Government. However, I maintain that to allow the very short time of a week for the Second Reading of a Bill of this size is not correct. Most of the old Members of this Assembly probably have read the Bill a number of times, but I think for other Members who have come into this Assembly only very recently, they should be given time to read the Bill through carefully, consider it, and gather opinions from all interested bodies, in order to make their contributions. Like the other Bill which has just been passed, I believe, Sir, this Bill would have probably about the same effect. There will be plenty of Ayes on the Government side, but we may not be able to take part in it as fully as we would like to. For this matter, however, it is important that this new Bill should come into effect as soon as possible. And I would suggest that the Committee stage of this Bill be not taken today, but be postponed for a month. Perhaps by that time we will have gathered sufficient material for discussion. I have noticed, too, from the Bill that there is a clause concerning medical examination of workers, and it requires that workers be brought to the Commissioner for Labour for examination. Probably in this instance it might help workers, if they are large in numbers, for the doctors to examine them at the factories, rather than for large numbers of people to go and crowd themselves in the Labour Office to be examined. I think that clause should be amended for that purpose when it comes to the Committee stage. Sir, before I conclude, I would like to remind the Government side that party government should always operate on a line that will enable the Opposition to have some chance of discussing a Bill. It is, indeed, very undemocratic for the Government side, who knows everything, to keep everything back until the very last minute, and then pounce on the Opposition. We are not lawyers. A Bill of this nature, even given to a lawyer, probably would have taken him quite a lot of time to read over; and as laymen, trying to understand what lawyers want to put into words, it would take us far more time. If this Bill were placed in the hands of an ordinary labourer, he would not even understand a little bit of it, unless it has been explained to him.

Are you discussing the merits of the Bill?

I am talking of -

On a point of information, Sir. If the hon. Member would permit, it might assist him. May it please you, Sir, the Government is conscious of the complexity of this Bill and its importance for the welfare of a tremendous section of the population. The intention is that it should go to a Select Committee to report back in six weeks, so that everybody should have an opportunity of studying the Bill. I hope that helps my hon. Friend, Sir?

Thank you, Mr Chief Minister. I think if the Government takes such an attitude as suggested by the Chief Minister, we will definitely be satisfied.

Sir, it is very sickening that Members of this Assembly often plead for time. I have heard it often, but I do believe that on a measure of this kind, of which Members are fully aware, they should not take two weeks or one month to express an opinion in principle. As legislators we can easily understand the various clauses in this Bill if we have some idea of what labour conditions are, and if individuals cannot understand I presume their Party would be in a position to brief them. I have no such complaints, Sir, but I am very glad that the Chief Minister has expressed the Government's intention to refer it to a Select Committee. If the Government had not made that announcement, I would have moved formally that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee. Sir, I have a large number of people in my constituency who are employed by the Services, and I take this opportunity on their behalf to express their appreciation for including them in this Bill. I would also inform this House that their confidence in this Government is increasing, as measures of this kind which would benefit those employees are being introduced. The hours of work, which was a subject of very keen discussion in labour circles, has now been resolved. For a long time the manual workers of this country have been struggling hard in negotiating with their employers for less hours of work, and I think the amendment envisaged by the Minister is really a good move in the right direction. I have heard it said that 48 hours can be worked by any manual labourer, and it is also argued that this is being done all over the world. But we in this part of the world are situated differently. Our climatic conditions do not allow our manual labourer to work for 8 hours a day. The Singapore Trades Union Congress, Sir, has declared, in one of their statements to the Press the other day, that various clauses in the Bill need special consideration, and I do hope that the Select Committee which is going to examine this Bill will invite representatives, not only of the Singapore Trades Union Congress but of all those trade union organisations which are interested in the welfare of their employees, to give their evidence. As a result of this, when the Bill comes up at the next Assembly sitting, it will be one which will have no criticism from any quarter.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the measure under discussion is a wise and far-reaching one, and the Government is to be congratulated for the initiative it has taken to implement it. Singapore has just passed through a phase of acute industrial unrest, and it is to be hoped that at last something is going to be done for the worker. Sir, when I look at this Bill, one problem seems to be needing urgent attention. In a large number of industrial concerns, no steps have been taken to bring the worker into the general scheme of things and convince him that he is also a part of the industry. On the other hand, the feeling is stressed to the worker that "You are asked to do certain things. If you like to do them, you do so. Otherwise you get out and look for a job elsewhere." Sir, it is my considered opinion that a new scheme be set up to bring the worker and management into Advisory Boards, bodies which will send representatives of the workers and management to discuss the day-to-day problems in a spirit of friendship and co-operation. When this measure is done, there will be a lessening of the tension and frustration that exist today, and this will lead to industrial peace and prosperity.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome the statement of the Hon. the Chief Minister that this Bill will be referred to a Select Committee. There are therefore only two small points which I would like to bring to the attention of this House, and subsequently to the Select Committee to be appointed. The first refers to clause 3, sub-clause (2), which reads as follows: "The Governor may also appoint such other officers with such powers as may be necessary for carrying into effect the provisions of this Ordinance, and may incur such expense as may be necessary for the purpose." I take it, first of all, Sir, that it does not mean that the Government will not have to come to this House for the sanction of such sums as may be required from time to time. Further, I would like my hon. Friend the Minister for Labour and Welfare to indicate what expenditure will be required per year on new staff. I am not suggesting that this important new Labour Code can be operated without staff, but we on this side of the House would like to have some idea of the cost involved. The other matter to which I wish to refer is maternity benefits, with particular reference to clauses 94, subclause (2), and 96. These read as follows: Clause 94.-

Mr Lim Yew Hock, in reply?

Mr Speaker, Sir, in reply to the points raised by the Member for Tanglin (Mr John Ede), I would like to assure him that they will be fully considered by the Select Committee that is to be appointed. I would, however, like to explain why it had been found necessary to fix the date of payment as one week after the date of confinement. It is because it is difficult for any employer, or even the female worker herself, to know when she is going to be confined. But this matter -

On a point of clarification, Sir. It is perhaps more difficult to know one month before when the benefit period starts! [Interruption.]

In regard to all the other points raised, Sir, as the Bill will be referred to a Select Committee, they will, of course, be taken into consideration when the Select Committee deliberates on the Bill.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.

May it please you, Sir, under the provisions of Standing Order No. 48, I now move, That this Bill be committed to a Select Committee. As hon. Members know, no notice is required of this motion. In view of the experience of the public of Select Committees in years gone by - they had a habit of babbling like the interminable brook - may I express the hope that the Select Committee's Report will be in your hands, Sir, in time for debate during the August sitting of this House?

Sir, I second it.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Bill be committed to a Select Committee.

Please name your Members, Mr Chief Minister.

Under the provisions, Sir, of Standing Order -

I will explain the position, Mr Chief Minister. Standing Order No. 62 does not refer to a Select Committee on a Bill, as you can see. "A Select Committee other than a Sessional Committee shall be appointed on motion made after notice given ...". There is some sort of defect in that Standing Order, but my ruling is that Standing Order No. 62 does not apply to a Select Committee on a Bill. You could, of course, move that the Members be appointed by the Committee of Selection.

I am deeply obliged, Sir, for your ruling. In the circumstances, may I seek leave to move, That the Members of the Select Committee be nominated by the Committee of Selection.

I beg to second.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the Members of the Select Committee be nominated by the Committee of Selection.

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the main changes which this Bill seeks to make to the principal Ordinance flow from the introduction of a Ministerial system of government, but the opportunity has also been taken to include in this Bill two other amendments which are considered by Government to be desirable. Those are clauses 2 and 3 of the Bill. Clause 2 of the Bill purports to amend section 29 of the principal Ordinance which provides that: "Where a written law confers power on any person to do or enforce the doing of any act or thing, all such powers shall be understood to be also conferred as are reasonably necessary to enable the person to do or enforce the doing of the act or thing." Experience over the past few years has shown that it is desirable that such powers should be more particularly expressed in the law, and clause 2 of the Bill, as Members will see, expressly gives the power to prohibit and control and includes the power to provide therefor by licensing; and the power to grant a licence, permission or exemption includes the power to impose conditions. This new provision, Sir, finds a place in most modern Interpretation Ordinances of other territories, and it is long overdue in this Colony. Clause 3 is designed to provide that section 32 of the principal Ordinance shall he amended so that substantive appointments may be made to offices without delay when the former holder proceeds on leave prior to retirement or transfer. This clause 3, Sir, follows the usual pattern of clauses in the Interpretation Ordinances of other territories, and, indeed, finds a place in our own Order in Council. The remaining clauses deal directly with the Ministerial system of government, and I venture to think that they are fully and adequately explained in the Objects and Reasons attached to the printed copy of the Bill. I venture to think that there is nothing controversial in those provisions, or at least nothing that should cause any undue concern to Members on either this side of the House or the other side. I therefore beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Committee stage, what day?

Now, Sir. Bill considered in Committee.

Clauses 1 to 8 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported, without Amendment.

Third Reading, what day?

Now, Sir. I beg to move, Sir, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read the Third time.

Sir, I have the authority of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government to move, That this Assembly, in accordance with section 343 of the Municipal Ordinance (Chapter 133) sanctions the raising of a loan of $30 million by the City Council for the purposes stated and under the conditions specified in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 6 of 1955. Sir, at a special meeting of the City Council held on 24th June, it was unanimously resolved to borrow a sum not exceeding $30 million by the creation of Debenture Stock issued at 96, bearing interest at 4%, and redeemable at the option of the City Council between 1970 and 1980. For this year the City Council has budgeted for expenditure on loan account totalling approximately $40 million. This budget, in the main, concerns extension schemes already in being for the Electricity, Water and Gas Departments. Towards this expenditure, at the beginning of this year, the City Council had in hand a sum of $1� million, being the unexpended balance of the 4% loan raised in November of last year. This sum is now exhausted and loan account expenditure has, in the meantime, been financed to the extent of almost $7 million from surplus revenue balances. It is clear, therefore, that the coffers of the City Council must be replenished as soon as possible. It was originally intended to float this loan at a discount of 2�%. Recently, however, interest rates have hardened slightly, and the Council is now advised that, in order to bring the terms of this new loan into line with current market conditions, the rate of discount should be increased to 4%. This variation in the terms of the loan will have the effect of increasing the redemption yield from 4.15% to 4.25%, and should have the effect of making the loan attractive to investors. As I have already stated, it is proposed to use the proceeds of this new loan mainly for the further expansion of the City Council's electricity, gas and water undertakings. During the years from 1948 to 1954 the City Council has borrowed approximately $140 million mainly for the development of these undertakings. It is now possible to see the results of this expenditure. The funds have clearly been put to productive use. The increase in output of the three utility departments has been most marked. In the case of electricity, for example, in 1948 sales averaged 300,000 units a day. At the present time, they average 800,000 units a day. In the case of water, sales have risen from 27� million gallons a day in 1948 to 46 million gallons a day at the present time. In the case of gas, sales have risen from 600,000 cubic feet a day in 1948 to 1� million cubic feet a day at the present time. As Singapore develops, the demand for these services will increase at an even faster rate than it has in the past, and I think hon. Members will agree that money cannot be invested better than in such undertakings. Sir, I beg to move.

Sir, I rise to second.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, in accordance with section 343 of the Municipal Ordinance (Chapter 133) sanctions the raising of a loan o $30 million by the City Council for the purposes stated and under the conditions specified in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 6 of 1955.

Sir, as the hour is now past twelve, do you wish me to continue?

Let us try this one, shall we?

Before speaking to the motion standing in my name, I seek permission to touch on one or two connected subjects. As hon. Members are aware, a new Customs Ordinance was enacted in February of this year. This Ordinance consolidates and amends the law relating to the collection of revenue on intoxicating liquors, tobacco and petroleum. It is hoped to bring this law into operation in the near future, when the existing Liquors Revenue Ordinance, Tobacco Duty Ordinance and the Petroleum Revenue Ordinance will be repealed. In preparation for the coming into force of the new Ordinance, it is necessary to promulgate the rules and regulations and subsidiary legislation required to implement the law. Hon. Members will have noticed that today there have been tabled three Sessional Papers, which include the regulations and rules which have been made by the Governor in Council under the new Customs Ordinance. These rules and regulations have been published in the Gazette for the information of the public. Sessional Paper No. 20 contains the Liquors Licensing Regulations, 1955, which supersede the Liquors Licensing Rules, 1937. Several amendments have been incorporated in these new Regulations, mostly connected with bringing existing procedure into line with modern conditions. The opportunity has been taken to incorporate certain recommendations made by the Liquors Licensing Law Committee. No change in fees has been proposed. Sessional Paper No. 21 contains the Customs Regulations, 1955, which have been made by the Governor in Council under section 114 of the new Ordinance, and which consolidate and amend the Liquors Revenue Rules, 1937, the Tobacco Duty Rules, 1948, the Petroleum Duty Rules, 1948, and the Petroleum Revenue (Heavy Oil Engined Vehicles) Rules, 1948. Here again, the amendments proposed are mostly procedural, and they are aimed at making the Customs Department more efficient and adding to the convenience of the public. Sessional Paper No. 22 contains the Customs (Duties) Order, 1955. This Order reintroduces the rates of duty on tobacco, petroleum and liquor which were in force under the old Order. No change is at present contemplated. It is also necessary to introduce legislation connected with the special rates of tax on vehicles using heavy oil and diesel oil. This brings me to the motion standing in my name. As hon. Members are aware, this duty is imposed under section 16 (2) of the new Ordinance. Before moving the motion, Sir, which I have the authority of His Excellency the Governor to do, I would like to draw attention to a clerical inadvertence which has occurred in the terms of the motion. Hon. Members will note that the words "traction engines" and "motor cars" appear in the motion when, in fact, under the new Ordinance the term used is "motor vehicles". I should therefore, with your permission, like to amend the motion as follows: In the third line of the motion, I should like to substitute for the words "traction engines and motor cars" the words "motor vehicles". In the first line of section (a) of the Schedule in the motion, I wish to substitute the word "vehicle" for the word "car"; and under section (c) of the Schedule, I should like to delete the words "traction engine" and substitute therefor the phrase "motor vehicles constructed for the conveyance of passengers". I have here a copy of the amendments. Copy handed to Mr Speaker.

The motion will then read - shall I read it?

Can I just look through this first, would you mind? Have hon. Members got those amendments? Hon. Members indicated assent.

Mr Hart, they are in order; they do not involve any material change in any principle, and I therefore allow the amendments.

Do you wish me to read the whole motion, Sir?

I think you had better, now that it has been amended.

The motion then reads: That this Assembly resolves that the scales of the special tax leviable under section 16 (2) of the Customs Ordinance, 1955, on motor vehicles which are equipped with engines using heavy oil or diesel oil as fuel or fitted with producer gas attachments shall be with effect from the date of the coming into force of that Ordinance the scales set out in the Schedule hereto: - SCHEDULE (a) For every motor vehicle constructed for the conveyance of passengers (other than a hackney carriage) - twice the amount of the computed annual licence fee prescribed for a motor vehicle of the same class or description under section 45 of the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1941. per annum $ (b) For every hackney carriage - for each passenger up to 20 for which the vehicle is licensed 36 for each additional passenger in excess of 20 24 (c) For every motor vehicle constructed for the conveyance of passengers - Weight unladen Not exceeding 30 cwts. 360 Exceeding 30 cwts. but not exceeding 40 cwts. 600 Exceeding 40 cwts. but not exceeding 50 cwts. 720 Exceeding 50 cwts. but not exceeding 60 cwts. 960 Exceeding 60 cwts. but not exceeding 70 cwts. 1,040 per annum $ Exceeding 70 cwts. but not exceeding 90 cwts. 1,280 Exceeding 90 cwts. but not exceeding 100 cwts. 1,440 Exceeding 100 cwts, but not exceeding 110 cwts. 1,580 For each additional 10 cwts. or part of 10 cwts. in excess of 110 cwts. 240 Provided that the tax leviable on road rollers shall be one half of the above rates. These rates, Sir, are the same as are enforced at the present moment. The only alteration suggested in this motion is that provision will be made in the resolution for a rebate of tax on road rollers. This, at the present time, is made by the Governor in Council under the Fees Ordinance. It is considered more appropriate that it should be included in this resolution. Sir, I beg to move.

I rise to second. Question proposed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have had occasion to ask both my learned Friends on either side of me what the expression "hackney carriage" means. It is rather a hackneyed phrase, and I do recommend that in future legislation the words "hackney carriage" be substituted for something much more fitting for the modem types of vehicles we use today.

I am afraid I have not couched my motion precisely, and what I said verbally does not coincide with what is written in the amendment which I handed to you, Sir. I will read from the amendment. In section (c) of the Schedule, I said, in reading out the amendment: "For every motor vehicle constructed for the conveyance of passengers" - when, in fact, I should have read "not constructed for the conveyance of passengers".[Interruption.]

I see, yes. Hon. Members must make a note of that. Section (c) of the Schedule should really read: "For every motor vehicle not constructed for the conveyance of passengers". I will put the Question now. I will read the whole motion, so that there can be no doubt about it. Original Question, as amended, put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly resolves that the scales of the special tax leviable under section 16 (2) o the Customs Ordinance, 1955, on motor vehicles which are equipped with engines using heavy oil or diesel oil as fuel or fitted with producer gas attachments shall be with effect from the date of the coming into force of that Ordinance the scales set out in the Schedule hereto: - SCHEDULE (a) For every motor vehicle constructed for the conveyance of passengers (other than a hackney carriage) - twice the amount of the computed annual licence fee prescribed for a motor vehicle of the same class or description under section 45 of the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1941. per annum $ (b) For every hackney carriage - for each passenger up to 20 for which the vehicle is licensed 36 for each additional passenger in excess of 20 24 (c) For every motor vehicle not constructed for the conveyance of passengers - weight unladen Not exceeding 30 cwts. 360 Exceeding 30 cwts. but not exceeding 40 cwts. 600 Exceeding 40 cwts. but not exceeding 50 cwts. 720 Exceeding 50 cwts. but not exceeding 60 cwts. 960 Exceeding 60 cwts. but not exceeding 70 cwts. 1,040 Exceeding 70 cwts. but not exceeding 90 cwts. 1,280 Exceeding 90 cwts. but not exceeding 100 cwts. 1,440 Exceeding 100 cwts. but not exceeding 110 cwts. 1,580 For each additional 10 cwts. or part of 10 cwts. in excess of 110 cwts. 240 Provided that the tax leviable on road rollers shall be one half of the above rates.

I think it is an appropriate time to suspend the sitting. I will take the Chair again at half past two. Sitting accordingly suspended at 12.23 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. Sitting resumed at 2.30 p.m.

Sir, I have the authority of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government to move, That this Assembly resolves that the sum of $17,320,223 should be supplied to the Government under the Heads of Expenditure and for the services specified in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 5 of 1955. Sir, the applications under items 105 to 109 have already been approved under the delegated authority obtained from the Assembly at the last sitting and are now submitted for covering approval. With regard to item 105, a new compressor is required for the refrigerating plant at the Fishery Station, Bedok. Cold storage accommodation is provided there at a rental of $10 a day for the fish trade to enable it to accommodate glut supplies. The existing compressor was installed in 1937, suffered from lack of maintenance during the Japanese time, and is now becoming rapidly unserviceable. Item 106 refers to the supply of four Radio-Telephony sets for the Master Attendant's launches to enable communications to be maintained between launches and between the shore and launches in times of emergency; for example, during a fire when all visual signalling is impracticable. Item 107 refers to the post of the Serjeant at Arms. Hon. Members will recall that this post was entered in the Estimates for 1955, but the question of salary was left in abeyance until Mr Speaker returned from the United Kingdom and until the identity of the officer selected to hold the post was known. Mr Speaker returned late in March, and it became a matter of some urgency to appoint a Serjeant at Arms, and it was decided to offer the post to Che Mahmood at a salary of $650 per month. I am very glad to say he saw his way to accept, and this sum is now required to supplement Head "Legislature" to enable his salary to be paid with effect from the 21st of April. Item 108 refers to a duplicator required by the Government Medical Store. The present duplicator was salvaged from a Japanese dump and has now been condemned. As regards item 109, this extra equipment is rendered necessary by the fact that it has been decided that certain categories of Government servants should contribute towards the Central Provident Fund. Items 110 to 130 are submitted for the approval of the Assembly. Item 110 seeks approval to create a Grade B post for Mr McNeice. It has been announced already that Mr McNeice will be seconded for duty in connection with the committee that is considering the City and Island Council Bill and other connected matters. He may also be required for other services. His duties will be full-time, and he will not be able to devote any time to the City Council. It is therefore necessary to create a Supernumerary Grade B post for Mr McNeice, and thus free the post of the President, City Council, for the substantive promotion of another officer. Item 111 is an application for supplementary provision for the Singapore Airport. Approximately $3.8 million has been provided in the Development Estimates for 1955. It is now estimated that the work, which will be completed in 1955, will cost approximately $10,000,000. You will notice that under item 130 provision of C.D. & W. money to the extent of $1.4 million is sought, and that under item 134 a revote of $208,340 is requested. These, with the supplement sought under item 111 and the money provided in the Estimates this year, will make up the sum of $10,000,000. This will be required for the runway, taxi-tracks and parking aprons which, it is estimated, will cost this year $3.8 million; roads $1,000,000, electrical installations $1,000,000, and so on. I should say, at this stage, that the latest estimate of cost for the Singapore Airport is $46,000,000, of which $10,000,000 will be provided by C.D. & W. Fund and $3.9 million by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the United Kingdom. Items 112, 115, 117 and 125 can, with convenience, be taken together, since all arise out of the revision of superscale salaries which took place last year. With regard to Item 112, the post of Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce was previously graded IB, M.C.S. When the revision of salaries took place, all other Class IB M.C.S. posts were upgraded to Grade E, with the exception of this particular post. The result of the salaries revision in this case was not an upward revision but a downgrading. Since then, it has become quite clear that the post is under-graded at Grade F, and that the duties and responsibilities attached to it warrant Grade E and that is now proposed. Item 115 refers to the post of Chief Inspector of Schools, which again was graded on revision at Grade F. Having regard to the expansion of educational facilities and the great increase in responsibility which falls on the shoulders of the Chief Inspector of Schools, it has been decided that the post should properly be graded at Grade E. Item 117 refers to the post of Director of Botanical Gardens, which should be upgraded to Grade F. Hitherto, before the revision of salaries, it was placed on the same grade as Director of Museums and Deputy Director of Broadcasting. On revision, these posts were graded Grade F, but the post of Director of Botanical Gardens was left, for no understandable reason, at Grade G. It is now clear that the responsibilities and status of the Director of Botanical Gardens merit upgrading, and it is now proposed that the post should be Grade F. Lastly, item 125 - Deputy Government Printer - on revision of superscale salaries, the salary of this post was fixed at $1,300, which was in the middle of the professional officers' timescale. There was no real reason for creating this special superscale salary. It is now thought desirable, especially having regard to the duties performed by the Deputy Government Printer, that it would be better to substitute the upper segment of the timescale. Passing now to the other items, we come to item 113 - Customs Secret Service. Rewards are paid from time to time for information which leads to the apprehension of smugglers and to the seizure of dutiable goods, and some of the rewards are substantial. $100,000 was provided in the Estimates, and that is now exhausted, and there are one or two substantial rewards remaining to be paid. In 1954, expenditure under this Head came to over $300,000, and it is possible that expenditure this year will be of the same order. Therefore, we seek a supplement of $200,000. Item 116 - Refunds of Estate Duty - it sometimes happens that estate duty is overpaid and a refund has to be made. At the present time, there is a case outstanding, where duty has been overpaid to the extent of $27,000, and we seek to supplement the Vote, which stands at $10,000, by $26,907. Items 118 and 119 refer to two posts lit the Ministry of Lands - one for a (G.C.S. Clerk and one for a Stenographer. My hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing, finds that his Ministry is understaffed, and he seeks the creation of these two new posts. Item 120. About two months ago, when the question of entertainment allowance for Mr Speaker was considered, it was felt that, like the Ministers, he might call upon the block Entertainment Vote when he had to entertain. This is now clearly quite unsuitable, and it is desirable that Mr Speaker should have an entertainment allowance of his own. It is not subject to any scrutiny or control by the Treasury. It is therefore proposed that we should give him an entertainment allowance of $400 a month, which is the same as that for the Chief Justice and the Chief Secretary. Provision is now asked to pay this allowance from the 1st of August this year. Item 121 seeks further provision for the upkeep of Mr Speaker's house and grounds. Hon. Members will recall that at the first sitting of the Assembly, I sought provision for precisely this service. That provision was based on an estimate of my own as to the sum required to upkeep Mr Speaker's house and grounds. Now, I fear I have rather under-estimated the matter. Neither did I allow for sufficient servants nor did I propose to pay them enough. I am now satisfied that I have under-estimated the matter and now seek further provision to enable Mr Speaker to employ the minimum staff required to maintain his house and grounds till the end of the year. This provision also provides for the employment of one "Tukang Kebun". Item 122 is a very substantial item. It was decided in August last year to invite the members of the Colombo Plan Consultative Committee to hold their next meeting in Singapore. It was considered appropriate that this should be done in a year of great constitutional development in Singapore. This invitation was extended in Ottawa and was accepted with very great pleasure. The meeting will fall into two parts. Firstly, in the last week of September and the first two and a half weeks in October, there will be a meeting of officials from all the member countries to consider the progress of the Colombo Plan over the previous year, to consider the reports from the various member countries, and to draft the statistical and annual reports of the Colombo Plan itself for presentation to the meeting of Ministers. In the third week of October, Ministers from all the member countries will attend and will discuss questions of policy arising from the implementation of the Colombo Plan, economic developments of East Asia and other kindred matters. It is quite clear that this is going to be a very considerable undertaking. A very high standard has been set at previous meetings in London, Karachi, New Delhi and Ottawa and it is considered that Singapore should endeavour to achieve the same standard. The arrangements which have been made so far in the Treasury are now being made under the supervision of a Committee of Members of this House, consisting of the Assistant Minister for Commerce and Industry, the Member for Paya Lebar (Mr Lim Koon Teck), Mr Sutherland and myself. I think all arrangements are up to date, and I feel confident that we will be able to stage a conference in the same way and as successfully as has been done in other countries. It will, however, be a costly undertaking. The Victoria Memorial Hall will have to be redecorated, and the first floor arranged and prepared as the main conference chamber. On the ground floor will have to he built office accommodation for various delegations. This has been done at previous meetings in the past. A secretariat for the conference will have to be set up, and will have to consist of able officers. A very high standard of ability will be required to run this conference. Accommodation will have to be provided for all delegations in accordance with precedent. Transport will have to be provided, and there will have to be a certain amount of entertainment, particularly at the Ministerial level. We have estimated that the total cost will be somewhere between $270,000 and $300,000. I cannot say at the present time just exactly how much will be spent. Every effort will be made to reduce expenditure as much as possible, but I think it will be of the order of $270,000 to $300,000. Members will also recall that this expenditure has already been accepted in principle by the entry in the Estimates for 1955 of a token vote for the cost of the Colombo Plan Conference. Item 123 refers to anti-malarial and other health precautions which have to be taken at the Singapore Airport to comply with international civil aviation standards. Previously, we sought a vote of $100,000 for drainage works and $25,000 for the laying of a piped water supply. Now, we find that further drainage work is required and certain equipment will have to be bought for anti-malarial work. Hence, we seek a supplement of $20,000. Item 124 refers to the construction of accommodation for a Police Ghurkha contingent at Mount Vernon on Bartley Road. This work falls into two phases. The total cost is about the order of $3,000,000. Phase I has been virtually completed. A small revote of $200,000 is asked for later on in the Schedule. The P.W.D. now find that they can press on with Phase II this year. It was intended to enter provision for Phase II in the Estimates, but it was inadvertently overlooked. We now seek $1,250,000, which is required to complete Phase II. Item 126 seeks authority to create a post of Superintendent of Prisons. Under he Criminal Justice (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance, and I think under section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1955, provision is made for two new types of detention. I think they are called "corrective training" and "preventive detention", the object being that while a prisoner is detained, provided that he co-operates with the prison authorities, he will be sent out into the world, on completion of his sentence, fit to take his place in society. As I say, the co-operation of the prisoner is required. It is, however, essential that a man of great experience in this type of work be obtained to carry out the scheme and, at the same time, to train other officers to expand and continue the scheme. Item 127 seeks provision for the staff required by the Chief Minister in his office of the Chief Minister. It was, I think, envisaged at the time when the Constitution was drawn up that, as far as the Chief Minister was concerned, the emphasis would be on a portfolio and that the officer holding the portfolio would be Chief Minister in addition. The Constitution has developed very considerably in the last two months, and we find that the Chief Minister has responsibilities which are quite distinct from and certainly not less important than those arising from the Ministry of Commerce. It has been found that if he is to do his work as Chief Minister, he requires a very capable staff, and the staff which he requires is shown in the first portion of item 127. The second portion of item 127 makes provision for the Economic Adviser and for the staff required for his sub-office. These posts, of course, will not be filled until an Economic Adviser is appointed. Item 128 makes provision for stationery and other matters of a similar nature required by the Chief Minister's office. Item 129 seeks provision for new office furniture and equipment. Item 130 seeks the authority of the Assembly to draw $1.4 million of the $10,000,000 grant from the C.D.& W. Fund for expenditure on the Singapore Airport this year. Now the remaining items, that is items 131 to 229, make up a very formidable list of Revotes, the majority of which refer to public works and capital works. These are presented in this Paper in the form in which it has been customary to use in the past; but having seen it in print, I now appreciate that it would be desirable, and it would have been clearer to hon. Members, if I had given details in columnar forms; for example, if I had laid out this Paper in the following way in columns: Amount voted in 1954:Amount spent in 1954: Balance unspent at the end of 1954: Amount revoted in the 1955 Estimates: Additional revote now required - that would give hon. Members all the information about the revotes which they required. This new layout will be followed in future. In the meantime, however, I have all the necessary information here, and I will be only too glad to supply it to hon. Members in connection with any item they may wish to raise. Of these applications for revotes, items 134, 136, 137, 138, 140, 142, 145, 156, 161 to 169, 171, 176, 183, 184, 192, 193, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 223 to 227 are unforeseen revotes, in addition to revotes already shown in the annual Estimates. How these are arrived at I will make it clear by quoting an example. Let us imagine that provision has been made in the Estimates for a school costing $300,000. By the time September comes round, when the Estimates are being finalised, the Director of Public Works considers that a certain amount of work will have to be left over to be done in the following year and the estimated cost of that work is $100,000. He therefore seeks authority to enter a revote of $100,000 in next year's Estimates. After September, something unforeseen happens - perhaps a dock strike in the United Kingdom or delays in delivery of material - and when the accounts are finally closed, it is found that instead of $100,000 worth of work undone, $150,000 worth of work was left undone. Therefore, it becomes necessary to seek an unforeseen revote of $50,000. The remaining items in the Schedule refer to revotes which were completely unforeseen when the Estimates were drawn up in September last. Either the money for the project is voted too late to be spent in 1955 or else something unexpected happened after September, 1954, which prevented it from being spent. In the case of these unforeseen revotes - and when I say unforeseen revotes, I refer to the last category which I mentioned - where work has had to go on, advances have been made by the Treasury in accordance with previous practice. This practice is, in my opinion, open to objection in so far as it commits funds without the sanction of the Legislature, and it was partly to overcome this objection that I sought power at the last sitting of the Assembly to approve revotes in certain circumstances in advance of the covering approval of the Assembly. However, I appreciate the constitutional apprehensions of the Member for Tanjong Pagar in this connection, and it has now been arranged that applications for necessary unforeseen revotes will be made at the last sitting of the Assembly in each year. These revotes will merely be rough guesses of the amount left over unexpended at the end of the year, but will enable work to continue uninterrupted into the next year. In the middle of the year, as we are doing now, after the accounts are closed, we will come forward for an unforeseen revote of the balance remaining unspent. This will obviate the need to authorise advances as has been done in the past, and, at the same time, obviate the need to approve revotes in advance of the approval of the Legislature, as was proposed in the last sitting. The power given to the Government at the last sitting of the Assembly will consequently only be used in cases of emergency. All these applications for revotes have been examined with care in the Treasury and by the Finance Committee of the Council of Ministers to make sure that the need for the work continues and that no more is asked for than is required to complete the job. The services and projects themselves were approved by the Legislature in the first instance, because they were regarded as being essential services and works of top priority. There are some 90 items altogether. It will take too much time if I have to explain each one in detail. In any case, not all hon. Members are interested in all the applications. In the circumstances, it would probably be better if I left it, to hon. Members to speak on those items in which they are interested and to seek further information. Sir, I beg to move.

I second it. Question proposed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have listened with considerable care to the remarks of the Hon. the Financial Secretary in his presentation of this motion, and I am somewhat less bewildered now that we have had his explanations of some of the details, than I had been in the last two days by the mass of figures on the Paper before us. Sir, before you give hon. Members, as I hope you will, the opportunity of raising as many points as they desire - on as many occasions as they desire - I wish to make a few general observations regarding financial procedure and to ask my hon. Friend for clarification regarding such procedure. It is our right, indeed our duty, as Members of this House to keep a jealous watch on the expenditure of public money, and I am not entirely convinced that this House is being asked to vote this sum of over $17,000,000 in entirely the proper manner, so that we can be reasonably certain that this huge sum will be or has been properly spent. I put these views forward with considerable diffidence, but I must confess myself to being a novice in the intricacies of government finance, as indeed perhaps are many hon. Members present, and our problem has not been made easier by the fact that this motion and the financial details involved reached hon. Members only two days ago. At the risk of repetition, I must add my protest to those of my colleagues at the way in which the business of this Assembly is being conducted -

Order, order, Mr Ede. Your observations on financial procedure could be referred to the Standing Orders Committee or you could bring those points forward by way of a substantive motion. What is before the House is a motion asking that the Assembly resolves that a certain sum should be supplied to the Government for certain expenditure. The procedure may be open to criticism, but I do not think this is the proper time to criticise the procedure as such.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I be advised as to whether I may ask questions on different items, taken as a whole or separately, as we proceed through the items?

Hon. Members will remember that I did lay down a procedure last time we dealt with a resolution of this nature. I think the most satisfactory way is for Members to raise points on any one item, and then I will invite discussion on that particular item only. When all Members have spoken on that particular item, I will invite suggestions or criticisms on another item. In other words, we will take item by item as they are raised.

Sir, on page 2, item 113, Subhead 4 - Customs Secret Service. Last year, Sir, as the Hon. the Financial Secretary stated, there was an expenditure of about $300,000 on Secret Service, and I see that there is every prospect of repeating this amount. Sometimes it may be even more. Sir, I wonder whether this procedure of giving rewards to the Customs Service to find out the culprits is a very desirable thing to do. I feel that it amounts to a bribery from the Government side, and that the existing personnel should be asked to strengthen the service in order to enable the culprits to be caught, rather than being paid a reward for bringing these culprits to book. I feel, Sir, that investigations should be made into tile existing procedure of finding culprits and to see whether economy could be effected in spending this money. I do not think the public of Singapore can afford to pay $300,000, or sometimes perhaps more, or a similar sum entirely for a secret service of this nature. There are so many other social services in abeyance. The other point, Sir, I wish to raise -

Order, order. Have you finished with that item?

Yes, Sir.

Item 113. Mr Hart, would you like to reply now, or would you like to reply right at the end?

I think probably it would be better, Sir, if I reply item by item. Sir, first of all, I would like to say to the Member for Seletar that the efficiency of the Customs Service is our constant preoccupation, and I should also like to say that, in my opinion, it is a most efficient service. Secondly, I would like to say that these rewards are not paid to members of the Customs Service. They are paid to members of the public who are prepared, in some cases, to risk their lives to give us notice of attempts to smuggle dangerous commodities into the territory. In many cases, the value of the goods seized as a result of this information exceeds many times over the amount of the rewards paid. In my opinion, this money is well spent. Rewards over a certain amount are not paid without reference to me. I am satisfied that no rewards have been paid wrongly or unwisely.

Mr Speaker, Sir, if I may be permitted to take several items coming under the heading of Personal Emoluments with Token Votes -

Will you name them?

It is 110 - "Personal Emoluments, Subhead 1, item (new) - Supernumerary Officer, Grade B ($2,075) ... $10.00 (Token) - Commerce and Industry - Personal Emoluments, Subhead 1, item (2) - Deputy Secretary to Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Grade E" -

Item 112, is it not?

112 - Head 12. Head 15, item 1l5 - "Chief Inspector of Schools, Grade E ... $10.00 (Token): Botanical Gardens - Head 18, item 117 - Director of Botanical Gardens, Grade F ... $10.00 (Token)". Head 23, items 118 and 119 - there is no quarrel with that at all. Head 33 Printing Office - "Personal Emoluments, Subhead 1, item (2) - Deputy Government Printer ... $10.00 (Token)", and Head 34 Prisons - "Personal Emoluments". Sir, as I understand the Hon. the Financial Secretary, they fall under two categories. One, in the case of the item under Head 34, was necessitated by a revision in the Criminal Procedure Code. The types of punishment meted out made necessary a different kind of officer to fill a new appointment. The others, as far as I can make out, fall under the other category of regrading as a result of the constitutional changes. Going from Grade F to Grade E, for instance, in the case of the post of Deputy Secretary to Ministry of Commerce and Industry -

On a point of information, Sir. The items to which my hon. Friend the Member for Tanjong Pagar refers, excluding item 110 which refers to the post necessitated by Mr McNeice's transfer to other duties, do not arise out of any constitutional change. They arise as a result of the revision of superscale salaries which took place in the middle of last year.

Do I understand the Hon. the Financial Secretary to say that these superscale revisions had nothing to do with the creation of the various Permanent Secretaryships and Deputy Permanent Secretaryships as a result of the impending constitutional changes?

Yes, Sir. As I say, this was revision of salary - this question of revision of superscale salaries was embarked on long before there was any question of constitutional change.

July, last year?

The question of revision of superscale salaries started very considerably before that. It came to fruition about the middle of last year. These posts were, in fact, regraded on their merits as part of the service and had no relation to constitutional developments, the creation of Ministries, or anything like that. The post of Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry was the previous post of Deputy Director of Commerce and Industry. It still is and the officer holding it performs the same functions and the same duties. Mr Lee Kuan Yew rose -

Still on information?

Still on information, Sir. Do I take that explanation to mean that all these revisions would have been made in any event, regardless of the creation of these Permanent Secretaryships?

Sir, these are anomalies which have arisen out of the full scale revision of superscale salaries, and we merely wish to rectify the anomalies.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I may refer to the same items as the Member for Tanjong Pagar. I hope I am not encroaching on a matter of procedure again. I think it is a question of voting money. I would ask my hon. Friend to elucidate why Token Votes of $10 are given in each of these cases. I was under the impression that Token Votes are only inserted in an estimate because the grant cannot be estimated due to insufficient details being available, but in all these cases, the details of grades and salary scales are, in fact, stated in the Paper, and I see no reason why the proper amount required cannot be asked for now. I ask that, also because, if I may refer to item 127, it will be seen under that Head that a total vote has been asked for even in respect of the Chief Minister's Economic Adviser, who has not yet been appointed. I fail to see therefore the distinction between the different Heads, and I would like elucidation.

Sir, perhaps I may deal first with item 127, that is the Chief Minister's Office - that is a new office. We are creating, in effect, a new department. A new Head of the Estimates will appear in next year's Estimates. There is no money voted so far for this particular service. We are creating a new vote. With regard to the other items which were mentioned, we are merely adding a post to an existing establishment, and we have found from experience that no matter how accurately we estimate personal emoluments in any government, there are invariably savings at the end of the year. Consequently, when we create a post in any department, we usually ask for a token vote because we know that there will be savings available from the money already voted to pay the salaries. That is the explanation. Have I made myself clear?

On a point of information, Sir. Under item 127, are we to assume that these appointments to the Hon. the Chief Minister's office staff have already been made and that they are receiving salaries? If so, how is it that this was done ahead of the sanction of this House, unless there is some vote on account. I am not questioning the right of my hon. Friend to have an office staff, but I would like just to know what the procedure is.

I think that some of the incumbents of these posts are not yet known. They have not yet been appointed. Those officers who are already officiating in the Chief Minister's office are held against their existing posts and are on loan for the time being to the Chief Minister's office.

Under item 127 there appears a post of Press Liaison Officer ($690-30A-930/ Bar/ 960-35A-1,240). Sir, I understand that there is such a thing called the Public Relations Department with a very efficient, supposedly efficient, Public Relations Officer. May we please know more specifically the duties of this Press Liaison Officer?

I am delighted, Mr Speaker, Sir, to receive such a bouquet from the Member for Tanjong Pagar for the Public Relations Officer.

Orchids!

The Press Liaison Officer, Sir, that I require for my office - I find that I wish to be kept in constant touch with the opinion of the Chinese Press and people and, through the Chinese Press, the Chinese-reading public to be kept in constant touch with our views. The Public Relations Officer has discharged that duty very efficiently so far, but I should like to intensify that aspect of the work, and it is my idea to have an officer permanently attached to me for full-time service in that direction, an officer who has experience with the Chinese Press of the Colony.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am very glad that the Member for Tanglin has just told us that we are here to watch jealously that public funds are properly spent. From items 131 to 229, these figures or these estimates come under the headings of Revotes, and I take it that these figures were voted by the former Legislative Council where the Progressives were in majority.

They only had six seats.

Oh, only six seats! I am so sorry. [Interruption.]

Order, order.

I refer now to item 154 under Head D5 Governor - "Alterations to Government House", where a figure of $200,390 is supposed to be for alterations to Government House. We are here today to endorse the figure that was voted by the previous Council, and I am really alarmed that such a big figure for alterations of the building is now to be considered. I presume that this figure could build a big palace; I wonder if it is not too much or too low. The Hon. the Financial Secretary has just said that he is pleased to answer any queries that arise, and to give us details, and I am quite sure that Members of this House will be very glad if the Hon. the Financial Secretary will tell us the details of how this figure is arrived at.

This work has been completed. The sum was voted in connection with the creation of the chamber for the Council of Ministers, for the creation of the offices for the Clerk to the Council of Ministers and for his staff, and for alterations necessitated in another part of Government House by the fact that the Governor and his staff had to vacate their premises to make way for the Council of Ministers. The total sum voted was $220,300. Only $19,000 was spent last year because the work was only put in hand towards the end of the year, and all the money was spent before the new Government came into being.

The Council of Ministers are now comfortably housed!

Sir, may I know why that item has been shown under development estimate?

Which item?

That same item - Head D5, item 154.

Sir, the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Seletar's question is that it was the practice last year to put the majority of public works non-recurrent expenditure in connection with capital projects and building projects in the development estimates, and this supplement was voted under the particular Head in the development estimates for Government House.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I take items 132 and 133 as examples of any items under the Head "Revotes" which require some explanation from our hon. Friend? I have searched, I hope diligently, in the Estimates for those items 132 and 133 and expected them as having been voted for in 1954, but I cannot find them. How can we be asked to revote what appears not to have been voted in the first place?

The answer to that question, of course, is that the money was not voted in the Estimates. It was voted as a supplementary provision during the course of the year. As I said previously, the money which Government has to spend is made up of money which appears in the Estimates and is covered by the Supply Bill, and of money which is voted after the passing of the Estimates in the form of applications for supplementary provision. These two cases were applications for supplementary provision.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I then take it, when such a Paper as the request for money is brought to the House again, that all these apparent obscurities will be made clear by providing greater detail as the Hon. the Financial Secretary mentioned earlier?

As I have said earlier, Sir, I appreciate that this is not an adequate presentation of the revotes under present circumstances, and in the future I will set it out in columns, showing what has been voted in the Estimates, what has been spent, what remains unvoted, what has been revoted and what is required in the form of an unforeseen revote.

Sir, on a point of elucidation. Do we understand that from henceforth, in September every year, there will be a revote asking for expenditure which is not expected to be incurred in that particular year, but that a further revote will only be asked for on unexpected increases or unexpected delays in expenditure? I understand -

Order, Mr Lee. I think you are confusing the motion. Let us stick to the motion, shall we? That is a point which I think Mr Ede might probably raise on his substantive motion. It is a matter of procedure.

But, Mr Speaker, Sir, with great respect, I was seeking clarification of an explanation that the Hon. the Financial Secretary gave of how he proposed to give this House better control and better understanding of what was happening in the case of revotes, which in this particular case total about two-thirds of the amount involved in this -

It is not strictly within the terms of the motion, Mr Lee.

If I may, Sir -

Yes, certainly.

I will give an explanation now and settle the matter once and for all, if I may?

I think we are just wasting time on the whole matter. There are criticisms, and I quite agree they are very grave criticisms, on the procedure which is extant in our Standing Orders. I think the Standing Orders need a lot of revision as far as financial procedure is concerned, but we are now concerned with a motion which asks the Assembly to resolve that a certain sum of money be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure appearing in this Command Paper. What is to be done in the future, I think, is not within the terms of the motion. What we should deal with now is what is before the House.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I draw the Hon. the Financial Secretary's attention to item No. 222 - "Accommodation for Ministers' Offices - $278,140". It seems to me to be a very princely sum, and I hope the Ministers are well accommodated. [Interruption.] I would like some explanation for this amount spent.

This money, Sir, was provided for the creation of the accommodation required by the Ministers and their staffs, not just the Ministers alone; and, in certain cases, it did necessitate a certain reconstruction, particularly in the Ministry building at Palmer Road to accommodate the Minister for Health and the Minister for Education.

Mr Speaker, Sir, one final question. The motion before us reads: "That this Assembly resolves that the sum of $17,320,223 should be supplied to the Government ..." Yet on page 9 of the Paper concerned, you will read that the total amount to be voted is $17,324,748. The discrepancy is due to a sum of $4,525 which it is desired to delete. Surely any sums voted in the 1955 Estimates should not be deleted during the course of the year, but should lapse at the end of the year and become the subject of scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee in due course. Should not the gross sum be voted and not the net sum?

Sir, in making this application, I only seek the actual amount of money which is required. I do not want to ask for more money than is required, and the net sum required here is that shown at the bottom of page 9 - $17,320,223.

On a point of information, Sir. I still do not understand why these items amounting to $4,525 have been deleted. They have been estimated. So why do they not remain in the Estimates?

These are not deletions, Sir. They are estimated savings which have been shown in expenditure. I cannot give you the details because I came unprepared for that particular problem.

Sir, am I to understand that this is the only item of saving so far during the course of this financial year?

I cannot recall what appeared in previous messages. I have not got copies here, but I think you will find similar deletions if you refer back to the messages which have been presented before, not only in the life of this Assembly but in the life of the Legislative Council before it was prorogued. As I say, I regret that I cannot give you the actual details of this, because I came unprepared, but perhaps if you will see me in my office, I shall be delighted to give you the information.

Mr Speaker, Sir, can I come back to item 113 under Head 13, Customs Secret Service?

Yes, you can speak.

I think, if a reward has been given, we have received something in kind. What happens to those things? [Interruption.]

Order, please.

If goods such as opium and other contraband are seized, they are sold through the Crown Agents and the proceeds are credited to revenue.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly resolves that the sum of $17,320,223 should be supplied to, the Government under the Heads of Expenditure and for the services specified in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 5 of 1955.

Sir, in the unavoidable absence of the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing (Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat), I beg to move the motion standing in his name, That this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 30 of the Registration of Deeds Ordinance (Chapter 121), resolves that the Registration of Deeds (Amendment) Rules, 1955, made by the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing on the 28th day of May. 1955, and published as Notification No. S 157 in the Gazette Supplement No. 42 of 3rd June, 1955, as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 15 of 1955, be approved. As hon. Members are aware, it is a declared policy of this Government to afford every encouragement to persons in the low income group to own their own houses, and the Minister has been exploring ways and means to achieve this purpose. One ready and available method by which this purpose might be achieved is to facilitate the sale and purchase of flat units which could be made available to the public at prices substantially lower than those asked for houses and bungalows. As Members are aware, flat units may be sold and disposed of in the same manner as other interests in land, but it is difficult for the purchasers to obtain a satisfactory title by reason of the provisions of the Registration of Deeds Ordinance. Section 5 of that Ordinance provides that no deeds affecting land shall be admissible in court as evidence of title to any land unless and until they have been registered as directed by the Ordinance; and under the provisions of section 15 of that Ordinance, no deed may be registered unless the land affected by it has been surveyed and demarcated to the satisfaction of the Surveyor-General. With regard to flats, however, which entail a sub-division of a piece of land in horizontal strata one above the other, survey and demarcation of boundaries is difficult, if not impossible. There is, however, provision for exemption in the Ordinance, and there is contained in Rule 13 of the Registration of Deeds Rules. 1934, whereby the Registrar of Deeds is permitted to dispense with the compliance of certain provisions of the Ordinance. Paragraph 2 of that Rule allows the registration without the necessity for survey and proper demarcation of boundaries of leases for a period of 21 years, or less in certain cases. This provision, Sir, enables flats to be registered without difficulty, but the leasehold title thereby acquired is limited to 21 years. The amendment, which is the subject of this motion, enables the leasehold title of an indefinite duration to be secured for flat units, and will facilitate and, it is hoped, greatly encourage the building of flats for sale and for their purchase by members of the public within the low income group. This motion is one which I venture to think will have the full support of very Member in this Assembly. I therefore beg to move.

Sir, I second it.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 30 of the Registration of Deeds Ordinance (Chapter 121), resolves that the Registration of Deeds (Amendment) Rules, 1955, made by the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing on the 28th day of May, 1955, and published as Notification No. S 157 in the Gazette Supplement No. 42 of 3rd June, 1955, as contained in Sessional Paper No. S.L. 15 of 1955, be approved.

May it please you, Mr Speaker, Sir, this is the sixth sitting of this Assembly, although just two months have passed since we first met. During that period many of us have learned to respect the excellent Standing Orders which control our proceedings. There is, nevertheless, room, I would respectfully suggest, for improvement, for amendment of the Standing Orders, and perhaps for reviewing some of them. I should like, and I give it as a personal opinion, to see the hours of sitting changed from sittings during the day to sittings at night, which would enable members of the public who normally work during the day to follow our proceedings by being present in the Strangers' Gallery; and, perhaps, it would also assist the Ministers to give more time to their very pressing duties. In these circumstances, though I feel a little apologetic to the Member for Serangoon (Mr Lim Choon Mong), who himself has a motion down for amendment of two Standing Orders, I would suggest that it is not a matter for piecemeal reference, but rather for a comprehensive review, so that in the new session at least, we will have Standing Orders which, in the light of our experience, are more nearly adequate to our requirements. Sir, I move, That the Standing Orders Committee do consider and report on amendments to the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly which the Committee may deem necessary.

I second the motion.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the Standing Orders Committee do consider and report on any amendments to the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly which the Committee may deem necessary.

May it please you, Mr Speaker, Sir, I am indebted for the guidance I have received. As it now seems certain that it will not be necessary for this House to adjourn till tomorrow, I would ask leave of this House and from you, Sir, to move the suspension of Standing Orders in order to enable me to move, That the sitting do stand adjourned to the 26th of July, 1955. I now ask for leave to move my motion.

Have I the general assent of hon. Members that that should be so? Hon. Members indicated assent.

In the circumstances, Mr Speaker, Sir, I do formally move, That at the end of today's business this Assembly do stand adjourned to the 26th of July, 1955.

I second it.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That at the end of today's business this Assembly do stand adjourned to the 26th of July, 1955.

Motion -

Mr Speaker, Sir, I put in this motion, I should say, for quite some time before the Chief Minister has put in his for the amendment of the Standing Orders. The shortness of notice permitted for Government business has been one of the difficulties experienced by the Opposition, but since the Chief Minister has moved a motion, which has been agreed to by this House, that the whole of the Standing Orders be reviewed, I beg to withdraw my motion. Motion, by leave, withdrawn. Resolved, "That this House do now stand adjourned." (The Chief Minister). Adjourned accordingly at 3.44 p.m. to the 26th day of July, 1955.

Wednesday, 29th June, 1955

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will consider a review of the salaries and schemes of service in operation for personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy, with a view to eliminating the present disparity in salaries and schemes of service as between the personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy and the Singapore Police Force.

No. The rates of pay for the Royal Malayan Navy were revised in 1952 and were fixed to correspond very closely to the rates for equivalent ranks in the Malay Regiment and in local units of the Imperial Forces. The powers, duties, responsibilities, and general conditions of service of personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy differ so widely from those of the members of the Singapore Police Force that it is not considered possible accurately to compare the salaries and conditions of service of the two Forces.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will consider paying Housing Allowance to married personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy for the period they remain without accommodation provided by the Royal Malayan Navy, in keeping with similar practice in other Government Departments.

Although ratings are permitted to return to their homes when not on duty, they are all, whether married or not, accommodated in ships or in barracks while on duty. The question of Housing Allowance does not therefore appear to arise.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among Malayan Royal Navy personnel; and whether he will (i) approve the establishment of a civilian advisory board to assist the relevant authorities with a view to reviewing the Royal Malayan Navy regulations dealing with personnel, welfare and conditions of service; and (ii) consider the employment of a capable professional interpreter not only to interpret in cases of personnel charged with offences, but also to convey to the relevant authorities any complaints or representations the personnel might wish to make, in the interest of better relations between personnel and their superior officers.

The Honourable Member has not indicated the nature of the dissatisfaction he has in mind. On the specific points raised, the answer is that: (i) officers and men of the Royal Malayan Navy, unlike members of Volunteer and Cadet Forces, are subject to the Naval Discipline Act, and general regulations governing their discipline, organization and administration must conform with that Act. It would be contrary to established practice to consider setting up a civilian advisory board for any regular force; (ii) the Royal Malayan Navy has a Malay Welfare Officer whose services are always available to assist ratings. A Malay Regulating Petty Officer or other senior rating normally acts as interpreter in all cases involving charges or requests. The question of need for an interpreter will, however, be kept under review.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will take steps to eliminate discrimination between personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy and members of the other Armed Services in the matter of canteen facilities by providing N.A.A.F.I. canteen facilities for personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy.

It is intended to seek provision in the 1956 Estimates to arrange for canteen premises. It is hoped that if this is approved, the local N.A.A.F.I. authorities will be prepared to consider providing N.A.A.F.I. facilities for the Royal Malayan Navy similar to those provided for the other Armed Services In the meantime, Royal Malayan Navy personnel are permitted to use the N.A.A.F.I. canteen in the H.M.S. Terror.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will consider the provision of transport for personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy to and from their places of duty.

Unless the existing Royal Malayan Navy transport fleet is considerably expanded, at heavy cost, it will not be possible to provide transport for Royal Malayan Navy ratings for all recreational purposes off duty. They do at present receive bus tickets for such purposes at half price, the remainder of the cost being paid by Government.

asked the Chief Secretary whether consideration can be given to the granting of loans to the personnel of the Royal Malayan Navy for the purpose of building their own private houses.

Loans are not granted to personnel of the Imperial Forces to enable them to build their own private houses, and are only granted to Government servants who have not less than 5 years service on the permanent establishment; the normal period of repayment of the loan is 15 years. Royal Malayan Navy ratings enter the Force either on a special service engagement to serve for 7 years in the Royal Malayan Navy and 5 years in the Royal Malayan Naval Reserve, or else on a continuous service engagement for 12 years, followed by reserve service. A rating performing special service may, if he wishes and is considered suitable, transfer to continuous service, but in no case does any rating enter for more than 12 years service in the first instance, although at the end of that period he may re-engage for a further period of 10 years, after which he is eligible to retire on pension. It is not, therefore, considered possible to furnish loans sufficiently large to facilitate the building of houses and at the same time to recover these within the limited period of a rating's engagement. The question of providing accommodation, within the Royal Malayan Navy area, suitable for the families of ratings is under active consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government will take early steps to promote and operate television in the same way as broadcasting is by Radio Malaya of Singapore; or whether the Government will allow private enterprise to establish such a service.

Government is not at present prepared to spend public money on the operation of a television service, in view of the heavy financial commitments required on social services. Government is prepared to consider any proposition put forward regarding the establishment of a television service by private enterprise.

asked the Financial Secretary whether he is aware that drinkers of toddy, who under the existing law have to consume their toddy on the premises of the Government shops, have to do so squatting on the floor or in the open in the sun; and whether he will have immediate steps taken to have seats and shade provided at such shops.

Concrete benches are provided for the use of customers inside all five toddy shops now being operated in the Colony, but these are inadequate for the large number of customers attending during peak periods. Consideration is now being given to a proposal to enter provision in next year's Estimates to cover expenditure on additional seating accommodation and other desirable improvements.

asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether he is aware of the fact that there is no through road from Henderson Road to the entrance at Moh Guan Terrace in Kampong Tiong Bahru, so that it is impossible for the Police, fire engines or ambulances to get to the scene of any emergency breaking out in this area without considerable delay; and when will he take steps to construct such a road.

Responsibility for the planning and construction of access roads within the City limits lies with the City Council. The area mentioned is within the City limits and the matter is therefore one for the City Council to whose attention it will be brought.

asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that substantial and rapid increase of the residents in the Changi ward, particularly in the new settlement area at the 10th milestone, has taken place; and whether he will consider establishing medical and maternity clinics in the area.

I am aware that there has been an increase of the residents in the Changi ward, but have no information as to how substantial or rapid that increase has been in comparison with that of the general population. There are at present two permanent clinics in Changi ward and there are also the Loyang Clinic and Ulu Bedok Clinic located on the boundary line of Ponggol-Tampenis and Ulu Bedok wards which are also available to people of Changi ward living near those areas. In addition Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics are held twice a month at Ayer Gumeroh. The establishment of medical and maternity clinics in this area as in all other areas of the Colony is under constant consideration and examination of priority needs.

asked the Minister for Health what amount of subsidy or contribution, if any, is being granted from public funds to the Admiralty for the running of the Asian Hospital, H.M. Naval Base.

The provision for contribution to the Naval Base Asian Hospital is shown under Head 28, Item 36, page 139 of the 1955 Approved Estimates as being $180,000. The actual amount to be paid depends on the annual figures for bed occupancy at that hospital.

asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that there is widespread discontent among the workers of the Naval Base over the manner in which the Asian Hospital of the Naval Base is being run; and when will the demand by the Naval Base Labour Union on the Management of the Dockyard, for the appointment of a civilian doctor, be granted.

I have not received any information that there is widespread discontent among the workers of the Naval Base over the manner in which the Asian Hospital is being run, nor am I aware of any demand by the Naval Base Labour Union on the Management of the Dockyard for the appointment of a civilian doctor, and cannot say if or when it will be granted. I am, however, aware that the Admiralty is anxious that the Singapore Government should take over this hospital and preliminary discussions concerning such a change are now taking place.

asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that large areas in Kampong Tiong Bahru are without anti-malarial drains; and whether he will examine the matter and consider the early construction of such drains in such areas.

Kampong Tiong Bahru is, as far as I am aware, adequately provided with anti-malarial drains.

asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that Kampong Tiong Bahru, around the area where the anti-malarial and monsoon drains meet, is always flooded during rainy seasons; and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent such flooding.

I am not aware that this area is always flooded during rainy seasons. If the hon. Member will be more precise in his indication of the flooded area, I am confident that the City Council will investigate the problem.

asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare whether he will supply the following information regarding the admission from China of wives of Singapore residents, (a) the number of applications (i) approved and (ii) rejected during (i) 1953, (ii) 1954 and (iii) the first five months of 1955; (b) the number of applications still outstanding which were first lodged during (i) July-December 1952, (ii) January-June 1953, (iii) July-December 1953 and (iv) January-June 1954; further whether he is aware of the grave mental hardship being caused to families whose applications are only approved after periods of as much as two years or more, and what steps he will take to remedy this unsatisfactory situation.

No. of applications Approved Rejected 1953 1,622 273 1954 1,741 456 1955 (January to May) 550 98 (b) Number of applications outstanding July-December 1952 400 January-June 1953 430 July-December 1953 530 January-June 1954 500 Figures given under (b) are approximate. The Minister is aware of the hardship caused. Steps are being taken to obtain funds for the recruitment of temporary staff to clear up all outstanding applications as quickly as possible.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether any plans are being considered for the extension of the supply of electricity at the 14th Mile, Changi; and whether he is in a position to state when supplies will become available.

A scheme for extension of electricity supply to Changi Village has been prepared by the City Electrical Engineer, and action is proceeding to implement the scheme. It is expected that electricity will be available to the village by November this year.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing when will steps be taken to secure the extension of water supply to the Chai Chee Village, Changi.

The work of pipelaying for supplying water to Chai Chee Village, Changi, will commence this month and it is expected that water will be available by August this year.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing what schemes have been planned for development in Pulau Tekong; whether Kampong Serabian is included in these schemes; and what effect they will have on the residents therein.

Various development schemes in hand or under consideration for Pulau Tekong Besar include the construction of a new pier at Kampong Pahang, repair of the bridge and public latrine at Kampong Selabin (which the Honourable Member is presumably referring to as Kampong Serabian in his question), the construction of a light road from Kampong Selabin to Kampong Pahang at one end of the island and Kampong Pasir at the other end, and the purchase of about 6� acres of land at Kampong Pahang for future development. The schemes will result in improved amenities for the island residents generally.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing what is the exact acreage of the Crown Land in the Khatib area of the Sembawang Division at present vested or held by the Admiralty; and what acreage will be used in the near future by the Admiralty.

A written reply will be sent to the Honourable Member.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether he is aware that eviction orders have been given to a large number of inhabitants on the Bukit Sembawang Rubber Estate in the Sembawang rural area; and whether he will consider measures to provide assistance and alternative accommodation for the persons displaced as a result of such eviction orders.

I am informed that notices to quit have been given to a number of people resident on Bukit Sembawang Rubber Estate. I am not aware that eviction orders have been issued. The Government is not at present in a position to offer assistance or alternative accommodation to persons evicted from private land by order of the Court.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether he is aware of the urgent need for Public Telephones and for increased numbers of water stand-pipes in the villages of Sembawang rural area; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter.

Government is aware that more standpipes and public telephones are required in the rural area of the Sembawang District and the Rural Board has been giving consideration to these matters.

asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether he is aware of the real need for a market in the Thomson Road area (between 5th and 8th milestone); and whether he will take the necessary steps to build a public market in that area.

The Rural Board is considering the provision of a public market in the Thomson Village area.