Hansard, 1972-06-02

PERMISSION TO MEMBERS TO BE ABSENT Under the provisions of clause 2 (d) of Article 30 of Constitution of Singapore, I have granted permission to the following Members to be or to remain absent from sittings of Parliament (or any committee of Parliament to which they have been appointed) for the periods stated: - Mr Sim Boon Woo (Changi) - from 3rd to 30th April, 1972. Mr Chan Chee Seng (Jalan Besar), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs from 7th to 20th April, 1972. Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten) from 13th April to 10th May, and from 30th May to 26th June, 1972. Mr Hon Sui Sen (Havelock), Minister for Finance from 16th to 27th April, 1972. Mr S. Rajaratnam (Kampong Glam), Minister for Foreign Affairs from 21st to 25th April, 1972. Mr N, Govindasamy (Telok Blangah) - from 5th to 16th May. 1972. Mr Chor Yeok Eng (Bukit Timah), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health from 8th to 20th May, 1972. Dr Augustine H. H. Tan (Whampoa)- from 10th to 25th May, and from 31st May to 9th June, 1972. Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol) - from 1st to 8th June, 1972. Mr Chua Sian Chin (MacPherson), Minister for Health from 3rd to 20th June, 1972. Mr Ong Pang Boon (Queenstown), Minister for Labour from 4th to 27th June, 1972. Inche A. Rahim Ishak (Siglap), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 5th to 15th June, 1972. Mr Lim Kim San (Cairnhill), Minister for Education from 6th to 25th June, 1972. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin (Geylang West), Minister for Communications - from 29th May to 6th June, 1972. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

ASSENTS TO BILLS PASSED The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the dates stated: - 29th March, 1972 (i) Singapore Armed Forces Bill; (ii) Supply Bill; and (iii)Development Loan Bill. 12th April, 1972 Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill. 2nd May, 1972 (i)Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill; (ii) National Productivity Board Bill; (iii) Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill; (iv) Voluntary Sterilization (Amendment) Bill; (v) Controlled Premises (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Bill; (vi) Science Council of Singapore (Amendment) Bill; (vii) Timber Export Industry Board (Incorporation) (Amendment) Bill; (viii) Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill; (ix) Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation Bill; (x) Ngee Ann Technical College (Amendment) Bill; (xi) Ngee Ann Kongsi (Incorporation) (Amendment) Bill; and (xii) National Maritime Board Bill. 4th May, 1972 Sentosa Development Corporation Bill. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) asked the Minister for Communications if he will ascertain from the Port of Singapore Authority (a) in respect of the Authority's wharves at Tanjong Pagar, for the first quarter of 1972 and the corresponding period of 1971 -

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) The take-home pay of Port of Singapore Authority workers for the first quarter of 1972 was affected slightly. The cause is partly because of the new tariffs. However, there are other factors such as the decline in trade between Japan and the United States with the rest of the world. The PSA is watching the position closely and will take every measure to ensure that no hardship will be caused to its workers. (a) In respect of the PSA wharves at Tanjong Pagar for the first quarter of 1972 and the corresponding period of 1971:-

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) From the answer, it is obvious that there is a reduction in workload resulting in a reduction in take-home pay. Sir, can the Minister tell the House what concrete steps has the PSA taken to alleviate this hardship arising out of the reduction in the take-home pay? Also as a result of the reduction of workload, will there be any redundancy in PSA amongst the employees?

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) Mr Speaker, Sir, there has been no reduction at all in take-home pay because of the improved productivity. What has happened, of course, is that the port workers earn a full month's wages for working 19 to 20 days of the month, and for the rest of the month they go on holiday. I think this is the reason for the impression that there has been a reduced workload at the port. However, since 1964 the PSA has guaranteed its daily-rated port workers a monthly minimum earning computed under an arithmetical formula of 26 times the sum of the individual worker's daily basic salary, plus his cost of living allowance, average shift allowance payable, plus 30 times his daily housing allowance. This minimum earning does not include any incentive bonus payment, which is dependent on productivity. I would like to add this further information to assure the Member for Telok Blangah that the integrated gang labour during the first quarter of this year had an average of 25 days' work, and most of them earned either more or less than what they earned last year. For the period January to March 1972, as compared with the same period for 1971, out of a total of 2,122 integrated gang labourers, 1,376 had increased earnings whilst 746 had decreased earnings. The port and shipping industry is an industry in which there can be no consistent level of work. On some days, more work is performed above the average requirements, while on other days there are shortfalls. It is for this reason that the PSA has resorted to a pool of casual labour who could be asked to supplement the normal labour force on those occasions when the demand for labour exceeds the supply, and who also act as substitutes for permanent labourers who are on leave or absent. Casual labourers consist of unemployed workers registered with the Ministry of Labour and also with the Pont Authority. The registration of these casual labourers does not imply that the PSA will automatically offer them work daily. But on those days when the casual labourers report and offer themselves for work and should there be no work, a payment of $1 is made to each worker so as to assist him to recover his travelling expenses. The present poo1 of casual labourers has been on the register since February 1971. The total number is about 424 as at the end of March 1972. During the first quarter of 1972, no casual labourer has less than 14 days' work in a month. In fact, casual labourers have an average of 19 days' work per month. However, it is the policy of the Port Authority to gradually ease out the pool of casual labourers into the general labour pool, and this should be so particularly at this moment when there is a shortage of labour in Singapore, and it is important that we should not keep such a large pool of casual labour around the port. But after consultation with representatives on the Board, we have agreed that the pool should be eased off gradually so as to enable the casual labourers to re-adjust themselves to another form of work. What I have said, Mr Speaker, points out the fact that the improved methods which have been adopted at the Port have increased productivity, and the fact that the average worker is earning a month's salary in half the time that he used to do should ordinarily be regarded as a boom to the industry. But it is unfortunate that at this period when there is a recession in world trade, particularly between Japan and the United States, the slack or the leisure time which should have been occupied in fruitful work has not been made available. I am afraid the Port Authority is not responsible for this, as it is not in control of the world economic situation. However, I would like to assure the Member for Telok Blangah that no gang labour registered with the Port Authority will be regarded as redundant labour.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) Just one more supplementary question, Sir, lf, by the increased output of the workers, they are able to earn 20 days' wages for work which they would normally perform in 16 days, as the Minister has said just now, would the PSA guarantee 26 days' wages as they had been promised, irrespective of the fact whether work is available for them or not? In respect of easing out casual labourers who are just staying behind and doing nothing, when is it going to take place?

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) I have in my answer earlier, Mr Speaker, said that this has been going on since 1964, and the PSA has assured these daily-rated port workers a monthly minimum earning which has been computed 26 times the sum of the individual worker's basic salary, plus cost of living allowance, shift allowance, housing allowance, and so on. This is still going on.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) Sir, if the vessels are not berthed alongside the wharves, how can the labourer get more pay? So many vessels are in the outer roads discharging cargo by putting it into lighters which then take it to the wharves. Sir, will the Minister take action to see that no ship must be allowed to unload in outer roads, but must come alongside the wharves? Only then will the labourers get more work and more pay.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY - WHARVES AT TANJONG PAGAR - (Reduction in usage and effects) Mr Speaker, the answer to the statement made by the Member for Anson is an English quotation which says that "You can take a horse to the water, but you cannot make him drink". The reason why the port worker earns more money is due to the increased tariffs, although there are even fewer number of ships coming in. I think that gives him the right answer.

PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION - (Sports promotion through community centres) asked the Minister for Culture if the People's Association will give full support to the National Sports Promotion Board by mobilising all its resources at the community centres in bringing about a new milieu in sports in the Republic.

PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION - (Sports promotion through community centres) Mr Speaker. Sir, there :s large scope for co-operation between the National Sports Promotion Board and the People's Association in respect of promoting and organising sporting activities. The National Sports Promotion Board has been established to encourage, develop and promote sports on a national basis, whilst the People's Association has, among its objectives, the responsibility of organising and promoting group participation in social, cultural, educational and athletic activities for the people of Singapore. It can be seen that the People's Association cannot mobilise all its resources at the community centres just for the promotion of athletic activities, as the role of the People's Association embraces a much wider scope. However, the Association will be willing to contribute its share in bringing about a new milieu in sports in the Republic. The Director of the People's Association is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the National Sports Promotion Board and close co-ordination between the two organisations can be expected.

PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION - (Sports promotion through community centres) Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister indicate in what way can the People's Association contribute towards this objective?

PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION - (Sports promotion through community centres) It can contribute, for instance, by allowing the ordinary use of the community centre premises. Apart from that, very much depends on the sports organisations and the management committees of the community centres in the respective constituencies.

CHARLTON PARK AREA - (Building of public swimming pool) The following Question stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting - 3. To ask the Minister for Social Affairs, as there is no public swimming pool in the rural and suburban areas, if he will consider the request of the Member of Parliament for Upper Serangoon that a swimming pool be built as soon as possible in the Charlton Park area because of the large number of primary and secondary schools in the vicinity of that area. Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu) rose -

CHARLTON PARK AREA - (Building of public swimming pool) Mr Hwang Soo Jin.

CHARLTON PARK AREA - (Building of public swimming pool) Question No. 3. Sir.

CHARLTON PARK AREA - (Building of public swimming pool) Mr Speaker, Sir, in new residential areas, adequate sports facilities have been included as part of the overall requirement of community services. Admittedly, there are older residential areas, including outlying areas of Singapore, for which sports facilities are still lacking. Both the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Social Affairs are aware of the need to plan for more sports facilities in these areas but these must be based on the felt needs of the people. Increasing emphasis will be placed in the future in providing more sports and recreation facilities to meet the requirements for such facilities as more and more people take to leisure and the competitive sports as spectators and participants. It is, therefore, proposed to set up a committee comprising representatives of the Ministries of Social Affairs, National Development and Education and the National Sports Promotion Board to make an overall review of the requirements for sports facilities in relation to the Singapore population and on geographic and demographic considerations and to relate the results to general policy and planning. As regards a swimming pool for the Charlton Park area, the Minister for Law and National Development has indicated to me that his Ministry would be prepared to give every due consideration to the proposal, and the National Sports Promotion Board has been requested to look into the request with a view to ascertaining that there is a real need for the facility and that it will be fully utilised by the people in the area.

CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES - (Adequacy of) asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) what are the activities carried on in children's centres and creches; and (b) if the number of creches presently run by his Ministry is adequate; whether there are plans for the opening of new creches; and if one of those creches can be situated in a locality convenient for the use of residents in the Tanjong Rhu Housing Estate.

CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES - (Adequacy of) Mr Speaker, Sir, the Social Welfare Department is currently operating eight children's centres. These centres provide elementary education and training for non-school going children between the ages of five and 15 years. In addition to classroom work, the children are taught arts and crafts, basketry. sewing and carpentry, physical training, games and kindergarten activities depending on their age. They are given one light meal a day and are provided with regular medical and dental care. The Social Welfare Department, working in close liaison with the Ministry of Education, also looks into the arrangements for the admission of the children into regular schools. In 197!. 489 children have been so admitted. As the number of non-school going children is on the decline and as the People's Association is operating a large number of kindergarten classes, there is a diminishing need for children's centres. The Social Welfare Department, therefore, has no plan to expand this programme. The Department also operates ii creches. These creches offer a day-care service for young children so as to enable their parents to give of their best while at work. The nutritious meals provided in the creches will help overcome malnutrition among young children of working parents and the kindergarten training given to them will give them a better start in life. For our present needs, the 11 existing creches and two more under construction - one in Toa Payoh New Town Centre and the other in the Kallang Industrial Estate - would appear to be adequate. In its long-term planning, however, the Social Welfare Department has included the establishment of creches in Queenstown and other Housing and Development Board estates where there is a high concentration of working mothers. The Department will look into the need for setting up a creche in the Katong/Tanjong Rhu area for possible inclusion in the Housing and Development Board's plans for the development of the reclaimed land along the East Coast of Singapore. Additionally, the Government is encouraging the private sector, particularly the industrial establishments, to provide creches where there are a large number of working mothers as employees.

CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES - (Adequacy of) Mr Speaker. Sir, can the Minister tell us how long it will take for the long-term development plan that he has described to mature in respect of the development of more creches'? This need is especially felt in view of our intention to encourage more women to join the work force.

CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES - (Adequacy of) Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sorry I cannot tell the Member off-hand. It is a long-term policy. I personally would like to see the creches built as soon as possible. However, there is the question of funds, and also other aspects have to be considered.

CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES - (Adequacy of) Mr Speaker. Sir, can I obtain from the Minister a more specific assurance that a creche will be built to serve the people living in the Tanjong Rhu housing estate, because the sea front is still a couple of miles away from where I would personally like the creche to be?

CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES - (Adequacy of) Mr Speaker. Sir, will the Member put in an application and send it to me?

WOODLANDS NEW TOWN - (Facilities and amenities) asked the Minister for Law and National Development to give details of the proposed educational, social and other facilities and amenities that will be provided by the Housing and Development Board in the new Woodlands New Town now being built.

WOODLANDS NEW TOWN - (Facilities and amenities) Mr Speaker, Sir, under Stage I of the new town development, 15,000 flats for about 75,000 people will be built in Woodlands. A large commercial centre with shopping facilities, cinemas, cooked food centres and parking facilities for vehicles awaiting customs clearance will be developed near the Customs and Immigration check point at the Causeway. A post office, a maternity and child health centre, a creche, a Public Utilities Board collection centre, a commercial hall and an area office of the Housing and Development Board will also be provided. Woodlands New Town, to be developed by the Housing and Development Board over a period of about 15 years, will eventually cover an area of about 2,500 acres. Most of the residents in the satellite town will be employed in the industrial and other economic activities within and around the township. Residential development will follow the neighbourhood principle, similar to that in Queenstown and Toa Payoh. A market and cooked-food centre will be provided in the shopping centre of each neighbourhood. Sites for schools will be set aside for primary, secondary and vocational education. A few community centres will be built in each neighbourhood, together with sports and recreational facilities.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Training and educational facilities for Estate Officers) asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board what training and educational facilities are afforded Estate Officers in order to equip them for improved performance as well as help them in their career development.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Training and educational facilities for Estate Officers) Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board has two training schemes for its Estate Officers. Those with the Higher School Certificate undergo an in-service training programme before taking the external examinations of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (R. I. C. S.) to become professionally qualified and eligible for promotion to senior officers. Those with University degrees also undergo an in-service training programme in order to enable them to attain the professional qualification of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. These graduates are exempted from appearing for the first professional examination of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Training and educational facilities for Estate Officers) Mr Speaker, Sir, among the courses for Estate Officers would the Minister also consider including courses in public relations, so that unnecessary misunderstanding between the Housing Board officials and the public may be avoided?

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Training and educational facilities for Estate Officers) These courses form part of their training. However, in view of the Member's comment, I will look further into these allegations.

SUPREME COURT JUDGES - (Revision of salaries) asked the Minister for Law and National Development if the time is now not ripe for the salaries of the Judges of the Supreme Court to be revised upwards to keep them in line with the salaries of Judges of the Supreme Court of Malaysia.

SUPREME COURT JUDGES - (Revision of salaries) Mr Speaker, Sir, the salaries of Judges as well as members of the legal service are related to the salary scales of the professional and administrative grades in the civil service. The salaries of the Judges in the Supreme Court will be revised in the overall revision of salary structures in the civil service, which is now under close examination by the Ministry of Finance.

LICENSED CHIT FUND COMPANIES - (Publication of names) asked the Minister for Finance if he will, in the interest of chit fund subscribers in particular and the public in general, request the Commissioner of Chit Funds to publish at regular intervals the names of companies that have been granted licences, including temporary ones, under the Chit Funds Act,

LICENSED CHIT FUND COMPANIES - (Publication of names) Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes. A full list of all licensed chit fund companies will be published in the Government Gazette annually in the month of April. In between, my Ministry will make periodic announcements of newly-licensed chit fund companies. For the present, let me say that when the Chit Funds Act came into force on 14th January, 1972, the Commissioner of Chit Funds received 89 applications from companies carrying on chit fund business on 1st October, 1971, for licences to conduct chit fund business under the new Act. The Commissioner issued provisional licences to 84 of these companies. Of the remaining five applications, three were rejected because they were not carrying on chit fund business on 1st October, 1971, and the other two withdrew their applications. The names of companies which were granted provisional licences were gazetted on 28th April, 1972. On 30th March, 1972, the Commissioner directed all chit fund companies to comply with the minimum capital requirements of the Chit Funds Act. This requires a chit fund company to have a paid-up capital of not less than 5200,000, half of which must be deposited with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Of the 84 companies issued with provisional licences, 49 companies which have a paid-up capital of not less than S200,000 have deposited half of their paid-up capital with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The names of these are as follows: 1. Aik Poh Company (Private) Limited 2. Ann Lee Trading Company Limited 3. Asia Trust Company (Private) Limited 4. Billion Chit-Fund Limited 5. Bodmah Chit-Fund Corporation Limited 6. Central Asia Syndicate (Private) Limited 7. Central Tontine Fund Corporation Limited 8. Ch'ng Fatt Enterprises (Private) Limited 9. Chong Lien Trading Company (Private) Limited 10. Commons Enterprises (Private) Limited 11. Fong Tat (Private) Limited 12. Gemini Chit-Fund Corporation Limited 13. Great Union Company (Private) Limited 14. Guan Hong Hung Limited 15.Hwee Lian Trading Company Limited 16.Ideal Benefit Fund Corporation (S) Limited 17.Kiaw Lee Credit (Private) Limited 18. Kim Hong Corporation Limited 19. Leta Limited 20. Lethong Chit-Fund Limited 21. Lian Seng Chit Fund Corporation Limited 22. Libra Chit-Fund Corporation Limited 23. Luck Seng Trading (Private) Limited 24. Maximum Enterprises (Private) Limited 25. Minerva Chit Fund Company Limited 26. New Era Travel & Tour Services (Private) Limited 27. Pan Malayan Underwriters (Private) Limited 28. Poh Hong Company Limited 29. Poh Thye (Private) Limited 30. Public Chit Fund Corporation Limited 31. Safety Chit Fund Limited 32. Sah Lee Credit Corporation (Private) Limited 33. Security Chit Fund Limited 34. Sentosa Corporation (Private) Limited 35. Service Centre Limited 36. Soon Lee Tontine Fund Corporation Limited 37. Southeast Asia Tontine Corporation Limited 38. South Valley Enterprise Limited 39. Stallion Corporation Limited 40. Tai Heng Lee Tontine Fund Corporation Limited 41. Taikent (Private) Limited 42. Tai Tat Trading Company Limiter! 43. The Tenth Mile Chit Fund Corporation Limited 44. Tolley Corporation (Private) Limited 45. Trusted International Corporation Private Limited 46. Unica Corporation Limited 47. Yak Hong Hung Trading Limited 48. Yee Soon Corporation Limited 49. Yue Hong (Private) Limited When the provisional licences issued to these companies expire on 30th June, 1972, they will be issued licences to carry on chit fund business provided they have satisfied the Commissioner under Section 7 (2) of the Act that they have fulfilled all the requirements of the law. In addition to the above companies, the following companies which although they have yet to increase their capital to the minimum amount of S200,000 have each paid $100,000 deposit to the Monetary Authority of Singapore: 1. Bee Loon Tontine Corporation Limited 2. Ching Dtien Credit (Private) Limited 3. Jamonic Corporation (Private) Limited 4. Regal Chit Fund Limited 5. Rolling Enterprises Limited 6. Soon Tack Trading (Private) Limited 7. Tajong Trading Corporation (Private) Limited These companies, provided they meet the requirement under the law to raise their paid-up capital to not less than $200,000 and also that they have satisfied the Commissioner under Section 7 (2) of the Act that they have fulfilled all the requirements of the law, will be granted chit fund licences when their provisional licences expire on 30th June, 1972. Finally, the following companies have a minimum paid-up capital of $200,000: 1. Capital Credit (Private) Limited 2. Great Central Company (Private) Limited 3. Kian Beng Hang Trading Company (Private) Limited 4. Liang Siah Enterprise (Private) Limited 5. Poh Aik Enterprise (Private) Limited 6. Unit (Private) Limited 7. Yew Sing (Private) Limited These companies have to take action to comply with the $100,000 deposit requirement before their applications for Chit Fund licences will be considered when their present provisional licences lapse on 30th June, 1972. There remain 21 companies which do not meet the minimum capital and deposit requirements of the law. While these companies will not be issued with new chit fund licences on 1st July, 1972, it is the intention to permit the following 11 companies sufficient time after that date to conclude their chit fund business: 1. Circular Credit (Private) Limited 2. Gainway Credit Corporation (Private) Limited 3. Goodness Enterprises (Private) Limited 4. Great Asia Credit (Private) Limited 5. Hong Hong (Private) Limited 6. Kely (Private) Limited 7. Lian Hin Enterprises Private Limited 8. Sinhin Hang (Private) Limited 9. Tat Yong Enterprise (Private) Limited 10. Tenly Corporation Limited 11. Torundo Enterprises Private Limited In the case of the remaining 10 companies, apart from not meeting the capital and deposit requirements of the law, they have conducted their business in a manner that is below the minimum standard required of chit fund companies under the Act and will, therefore, be asked to cease business as soon as possible. These companies are: 1. Ban Seng Credit (Private) Limited 2. Buan Yak Thai (Private) 3. Business Associates and Chit-Fund Corporation Limited 4. Evermore International Corporation (Private) Limited 5. Hock Lee Credit Corporation Limited 6. Li Ming Enterprise (Private) Limited 7. National Chit Fund Limited 8. Steady Company (Private) Limited 9. United Chinese Credit Corporation (Private) Limited 10. Wind-ward Enterprise (Private) Limited

LICENSED CHIT FUND COMPANIES - (Publication of names) Sir, will the Minister inform the House whether surprise checks and inspections of the books of chit fund companies are being carried out by the Commissioner of Chit Funds office?

LICENSED CHIT FUND COMPANIES - (Publication of names) Of course, these inspections are being carried out. I thought I have made it clear from the very detailed breakdown of the companies that we have made investigations into the nature of the activities of these companies and have categorised them, so that we can tell which companies are likely to be given licences and those which we have decided may be below the minimum standard.

LICENSED CHIT FUND COMPANIES - (Publication of names) Sir, my point is this: is it the standing practice to send out people every now and then to carry out surprise checks even on those companies which have been fully licensed?

LICENSED CHIT FUND COMPANIES - (Publication of names) Yes, Sir. The idea is that we shall inspect all these companies from time to time, as we do at times banks and insurance companies, and try and get them to regularise their activities in accordance with the law. I think the standards which we have encountered in inspections of these companies are very much below the standards we expect of the other older finance companies.