Hansard, 1968-12-09

I have been informed by the President that, on the day stated, he assented to the following Bills:- 7th December, 1968 (i) Economic Development Board (Transfer of Assets) Bill: (ii) Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill: (iii) Singapore Council of Social Service Bill: (iv) Hindu Endowments Bill: and (v) Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) (Amendment) Bill. ( P. COOMARASWAMY) Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

asked the Prime Minister whether it is an appropriate time now to consider the lowering of the minimum age qualification for electors from 21 to 18 years and the introduction of the necessary amending legislation.

Sir, this is not the appropriate moment to consider this innovation, for we have many more important things to do. I am aware, of course, that in some Commonwealth countries this subject is agitating the minds of some people. In the Australian House of Representatives on Friday, 22nd November of this year, a proposal to reduce the voting age to 18 was rejected. I think the best policy for us is to see what the others do.

asked the Minister for Finance if the Govern ment will consider introducing the Metric System at this stage of the Republic's development so as to conform with the practice obtaining in most developed countries.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the conversion of the British system of measurement the so-called pound- foot-gallon system to the metric system has been engaging the interests of many countries of the world in recent years, especially those in the Commonwealth and the United States. There is no doubt about the many advantages of the metric system which is based on scientific conception and has a direct parallelism with the universally-used decimal system of numbering. Since the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875 in Paris by 18 pioneering countries, more than 85 nations have adopted the metric system officially. They represent roughly more than 60 per cent of the world's aggregate gross national product. More than 50 per cent of the world's trade is based on the metric system. The percentages will be greater when the United States adopts the metric system. While both the United Kingdom and the United States of America are signatories to the Metre Convention, it was only in May 1965 that the United Kingdom declared its intention of using the metric system, and it was only until this year, i.e. 1968, that the U.S.A. decided to initiate a three-year study on the transformation to the metric system. Australia, Canada and South Africa are believed to be seriously considering its adoption. However, the change-over to the metric system involves not only a basic change in the system of measurement of the country, e.g., the replacement of old measuring devices and machines by new equipment and the resultant costs, it would also require a national re- orientation towards the use and conception of the new system of measurement. This indeed was the reason why the United Kingdom and the United States, though among the first signatories of the Metre Convention, are only now considering its adoption. It is generally true to say that the earlier the change-over is brought about, the less expensive the operation will be and the less difficult will be the problems associated with the conversion. Transformation to the metric system, however, is a long process. The traditional habits of thinking and conceiving of quantities and comparing them with each other grow up with one from childhood. It is not just a simple matter of changing the physical equipment required for weights and measures, but a change in thinking and conception in the new units of quantity is also required. A successful change-over could only be brought about with the agreement and co-operation of every sector of the economy industry, trade, education and so on, and not by Government enforcement alone, although Government initiative is required. This is a problem of great complexity affecting the whole society. School text-books, for example, would need to be re-written when we adopt the metric system. Despite the many problems associated with the change-over as well as the large financial costs that would be involved, it would be desirable to adopt the metric system in the end. In fact, a study has already been initiated at our Industrial Research Unit to look into the many problems connected with the change-over. An ECAFE adviser on Industrial Standardization, who had earlier assisted in the conversion to the metric system in India, has estimated that a period of five to six years would be required to bring about the desired change in Singapore.

3. Mr Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the policy of the Government to promote home ownership by workers of Housing and Development Board flats, the Government will consider revising the present rate of assessment, which is 36 per cent of the annual value, or the basis of assessing the annual value, of flats purchased under the Board's "Home Ownership Scheme".

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Property Tax Ordinance prescribed a single rate of 36 per cent from 1st January, 1961. However, to give relief to owner- occupiers, it was decided that they should be allowed to pay property tax at the previous rates. This resulted in a multiplicity of rates, and some owner-occupiers were allowed to pay 18 per cent, 23 per cent, 27 per cent or 36 per cent. The rationalisation of property tax rates for the whole island has been under study, and it is the intention that the anomalies will be removed. Special concessions to Housing and Development Board flat dwellers will not be fair to other residents living in the same area.

Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Government consider exempting purchasers and transferors of Housing and Development Board flats from paying increased stamp duties, the legislation of which will be contemplated in the near future?

Sir, the answer is "No".

Will the Parliamentary Secretary kindly throw some light on the removal of anomalies in the assessment rates -whether they will be revised upwards or downwards.

Sir, the whole subject is now under study and the question of assessment rates will be rationalised. At the moment, I cannot say anything more than that.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider conducting a further campaign to remind civil servants that courtesy and willing assistance are expected of them at all times when dealing with members of the public.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1959, after the P.A.P. Government assumed office, steps were taken to ensure that civil servants deal with members of the public with courtesy. Rudeness and discourtesy to the public were made disciplinary offences, and disciplinary regulations were amended to enable a Permanent Secretary to appoint a Division I officer to make enquiries and deal with such complaints speedily. The statistics of the Central Complaints Bureau, which was set up in 1962, show a steady decline in the number of complaints, dropping from 1,064 cases in 1963 to 604 cases in1967. Not all of these complaints were justified. Today, it cannot be said that discourtesy among civil servants remains a major problem. In view of this, a further campaign is not deemed necessary. Of course, isolated instances of discourtesy may still occur. To eradicate these, members of the public can do their part by giving full details of such cases to the Heads of Departments concerned or to the Central Complaints Bureau or to their respective Members of Parliament.

asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether his attention has been drawn to complaints by the public against Government officers in certain departments for their arrogant attitude and incompetency: and (b) if he will take steps to maintain administrative efficiency at a high level and ensure that Government officers adopt a proper attitude when dealing with the public.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there are more than 50,000 Government employees. In the first eight months of this year, 17 complaints of discourtesy and 15 of bureaucratic behaviour have been made to the Central Complaints Bureau. These figures do not support the implication in the question by the Member for Sembawang that this is a problem of grave magnitude. The present disciplinary procedures are adequate for dealing with offences of this nature.

(In Mandarin): Sir, members of the public who wished to apply for a certain thing wrote to the departments concerned but the letters were said to have been mislaid. Was this not the negligence of the officers concerned? There are instances where squatters were affected by resettlement. When they applied for resettlement, they were asked to obtain other information. Was this not a case of trying to make matters difficult for the public'?

Mr Speaker, Sir, on the question of lost correspondence, if the Member for Sembawang can give particulars of such allegations to the heads of the relevant departments, I am sure they will be looked into. I am afraid I did not quite catch his second question. Will the hon. Member please repeat it?

I think the first part of the supplementary question of the Member for Sembawang referred generally to the civil service. I think the second part of his question had to do with the Land Office and I do not think it need concern you now, Mr Tang.

(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir,I will submit particulars of my allegations to the relevant Ministry.

asked the Minister for Finance what measures are in force to prevent a waste of public funds by the resignation of a civil servant who has been sent abroad for further or specialised training at considerable public expense.

Mr Speaker, Sir, when an officer in the civil service is selected for a training course or scholarship award, he is required to sign a bond with the Government in which he undertakes to serve the Government for a specified period, normally five years, after completing his course. He is also required to provide two sureties guaranteeing his performance. In the event of any breach, the officer will be required to compensate the Government by payment of liquidated damages, the amount of which is calculated according to the amount the Government has expended on him and the period (or the remaining period) which he is obliged to serve the Government. So far, the incidence of officers resigning before completing the period of their bond is low - 17 out of 479 who returned from overseas during the period 1964 to 1968. And in every case, there is no loss of public funds, as the Government is able to recover the amount of liquidated damages stipulated in the bond.

asked the Minister for Finance if civil servants are dismissed from the Service for indebtedness as a rule; and whether he will consider applying a rule to give a civil servant, who is indebted, a second chance to prove his worth in the Service if his case deserves it.

Mr Speaker, Sir, under civil service regulations, an officer may be dismissed from the service on account of indebtedness. This extreme punishment, however, is meted out only in bad cases. Thus, out of 123 cases of indebtedness which came before the Public Service Commission for the period 1st January, 1966, to 30th June, 1968, 53 cases resulted in dismissal and nine in compulsory retirement. A first offender is normally given a warning only, if the amount of debt is small and his work and conduct are satisfactory. Cases of dismissal usually involve officers who are habitual borrowers with a long history of unsettled debts. Such officers are generally found to be of questionable integrity and are unfit for retention in the service. The Government is anxious to retain the better and more efficient officers in the service and would be prepared to give an officer who is indebted a second chance in deserving cases.

asked the Minister for Finance (a) how many public officers were serving in an acting capacity on 1st October, 1968, and how many such officers have acted for more than two months; and (b) whether there are officers "officiating" in unfilled posts in the Service, the number of such "officiating" officers in the various Ministries and departments, and why such "officiating" capacity is necessary.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there was a total of 946 public officers serving in an acting capacity as on 1st October, 1968, of whom 785 have acted for more than two months. Most of the acting posts are in Division I 363 out of 946 as at 1st October, 1968. The reasons for this large number of acting posts have been the expansion of the service and the establishment of new Ministries and Departments (for example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and Defence, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Technical Department in the Ministry of Education) and the difficulty in recruitment. This situation should improve with the promotion exercise to be conducted soon. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes". The number of officers "officiating" in unfilled posts in the service as on 1st October, 1968, was 47. Such "officiating" appointments are necessary as, in some cases, there was no suitable officer in the next lower grade available to act. Under present regulations, where a post is more than two grades higher than that of the officer's substantive appointment, he may only "officiate" in the higher grade. "Officiating" appointments may also be necessary in the professional services if, there is a shortage of qualified officers. Here, capable but unqualified officers in lower grades in the same department are asked to "officiate" pending the recruitment of qualified officers. Lastly, where there is a shortage of officers in certain grades of appointment and where officers in other classes of appointment are suitable, they are asked to "officiate".

asked the Minister for Finance the number of licences for (i) television receivers, and (ii) radio sound receivers, issued during the year ended 31st October, 1968.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of television and radio licences issued during the year ending 31st October, 1968, is as follows: Television Radio Combined Television and Radio Sound Receivers 110,176 110,176 Radio only - 78,920 Rediffusion - 20,081 ------- ------- 110,176 209,117 ======= =======

asked the Minister for Finance what percentage of the weekly Toto takings is apportioned to the first prize; and, on the average weekly prize money, what is the estimated first prize for the fourth week immediately following three consecutive weeks during which that prize has not been won.

Mr Speaker, Sir, of the total stake moneys collected weekly for the 6-out-of-49 draw, half the amount is set aside for prizes. Fifteen per cent of the prize money is apportioned to the first prize. Assuming weekly average sales of $200,000, the prize money for the first prize will be in the region of $60,000 for the fourth week if it has not been won for three consecutive weeks. However, Singapore Pools (Private) Limited guarantees a sum of $100,000 for the first prize even though the accumulated sum is less.

asked the Minister for Defence the number of cases of head injuries suffered by scooterists, motor-cyclists and pillion-riders in road accidents during the period 1st May to 30th September, 1968; in how many such cases were the injuries (i) serious but non-fatal: and (ii) fatal; and what percentage of the serious and fatal cases were instances of persons not wearing crash helmets.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there were 670 cases of head injuries suffered by the scooterists, motor-cyclist, and pillion riders in road accident from 1st May to 30th September this year. Of this number, 138 cases were serious but non fatal, and 28 cases were fatal. 97.8 percent of the serious cases and 100 percent of the fatal cases were instances were no crash helmets were worn.

Will the Minister consider making it compulsory by law for scooterists and motor-cyclists to wear crash helmets'?

Mr Speaker, Sir, we prefer to popularise the use of crash helmets through education rather than by legislation.

asked the Minister for Defence (a) what action is taken on information received from members of the public of vehicles which emit excessive exhaust smoke; (b) how many cases of prosecutions there were against owners or operators of vehicles emitting excessive exhaust smoke between 1st January and 30th September, 1968; and (c) what were the results of such prosecutions.

Mr Speaker, Sir, usually on receipt of information from members of the public regarding vehicles emitting excessive exhaust smoke, action is taken under section 37 (1) of the Road Traffic Ordinance whereby the Deputy Commissioner of Police or the Registrar of Vehicles may require the owner of any licensed vehicle to produce his vehicle for inspection. At the time of inspection, a policeman is present and if the car inspected emits excessive exhaust smoke, a report is made by the police officer present and appropriate action is taken, whether or not an informant is prepared to give evidence in court. The police send an offer of composition of $20 to the owner of the vehicle. If the owner of the vehicle refuses to accept the offer of composition, a summons is taken out against him. For the period 1st January, 1968, to 30th September, 1968, a total of 2,938 reports were made against vehicles emitting excessive exhaust smoke. In every case, the owners of the vehicles were offered a composition of $20. A total of 502 summonses have been applied for and are due to be issued by the Traffic Courts.

asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether there have been cases of contraventions of the National Service Ordinance, and how many; (b) what penalties have been meted out to the offenders; and (c) if he is satisfied with the manner in which the Ordinance has been implemented.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there were 448 cases of contraventions since the National Service Ordinance came into effect. The main types of contraventions are - Before enrolment, wilfully failing to turn up for registration or wilfully failing to appear for medical examination when directed to do After enrolment: (a) failure to report for training; and (b) being absent from training without leave. Out of the total of 448 were dealt with in court, pending, 154 pending police investigations, and eight are missing. On the whole, I think the Ordinance has been satisfactorily implemented. If we compare the number that has responded to national service with the number of convictions, the percentage is almost negligible. This in itself shows how successful national service has been.

2.55 p.m.

"to amend the Stamp Ordinance (Chapter 170 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to provide for the imposition of a tax on services rendered by statutory boards', recommendation of President signified; presented by Dr Goh Keng Swee; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to provide for the administration of oaths and the levy of fees by diplomatic and consular officers", recommendation of President signified presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour (Mr S. Rajaratnam); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207 of the Revised Edition) and for purposes connected therewith", presented by the Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

2.58 p.m. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the Second and Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 and the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968, be taken today." - [Dr Goh Keng Swee].

3.00 p.m. Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [Allotted Day].

No notice of amendments has been received in respect of any of the three Supplementary Estimates. Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 16 of 1968. The summary is on page 2. The sum of $121,530 for Head 0201 ordered to stand part of the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $52,260 for Head 1101 ordered to stand part of the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $102,560 for Head 1201 ordered to stand part of the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $152,600 for Head 1301 ordered to stand part of the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968.

Question, "That the sum of $428,950 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 16 of 1968," put, and agreed to. Resolution to be reported.

Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 25 of 1968. The summary is at the foot of the page. The sum of $430.000 for Head 0201 ordered to stand part of the Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $19,000,000 for Head 0401 ordered to stand part of the Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $230,000 for Head 0803 ordered to stand part of the Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968.

Question, "That the sum of $19,660,000 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 25 of 1968", put, and agreed to. Resolution to be reported.

First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 24 of 1968. The summary is on page 2 of the Paper. The sum of $113,140 for Head 11 ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $150,000 for Head 31 ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $917,000 for Head 40 ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $125,700 for Head 52 ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development of Expenditure for 1968. The sum of $305,000 for Head 90 ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968.

Question, "That the sum of $1,610,840 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 24 of 1968", put, and agreed to. Resolution to be reported. Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to certain resolutions. Resolutions reported "That the sum of $428,950 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 16 of 1968." "That the sum of $19,660,000 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public ser vices shown in the Third Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 25 of 1968." "That the sum of $1,610,840 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public ser vices shown in the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 contained in Paper Cmd. 24 of 1968."

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament doth agree with the Committee on the said resolutions."

Question put, and agreed to. Resolutions accordingly agreed to.

Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to Thursday, 12th December, 1968. -- [Mr Yong Nyuk Lin]. Adjourned accordingly at Ten minutes past Three o'clock p.m. to Thursday, 12th December, 1968.