Ong Pang Boon
Singapore
“At the same time, our shoulders should be broad enough to accept criticism and even admit mistakes if need be, and be prepared to make the necessary changes. This does not mean pandering to the baser instincts of the people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry will certainly give every assistance to the villagers in clearing the debris, especially if they are left over by the contractors. I will appreciate if the Member can also let the Ministry know who are these contractors and we will prosecute them. CONSTRUCTION BRIGADE (Progress) 2.”
“The Ministry is now monitoring the results of the programme and is happy to note that there are some improvements in the cleanliness of our public toilets. It would prosecute managements of public toilets who fail to provide proper maintenance.”
“A comprehensive programme to monitor the air and sea environment in the vicinity of the Complex has been drawn up. Engineers and technicians from the Ministry and other departments have been sent for overseas training on the surveillance of petrochemical complexes.”
“The professional or other misconduct for the purposes of revocation must be of such a nature as to render, in the opinion of the Attorney-General, the notary public unfit to practise as such. This amendment is dealt with in clause 4 of the Bill.”
“All flats of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) including those at Blair Plain are rented out to employees on monthly tenancies and are not provided as part of their terms and conditions of service. These flats are therefore not service quarters.”
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“Sir, if that is the case, I will look into the guidelines again and make the necessary amendment. Dr Augustine Tan: Sir, I just have a point of clarification to raise here. If I remember correctly, there used to be a policy which prevented work permit holders from changing employers before having worked for a period of five years. Is that policy still in force?”
“So the question of hindering or obstructing labour mobility does not arise.”
“Sir, I am afraid I would not be able to reply to this question. But since he has raised it, I am quite prepared to look into the matter and give him a reply in writing. The Member for Whampoa wants to know the extent of NWC implementation among the industries. We do make annual surveys of the extent of NWC implementation, not just among the unionised sector but also the non-unionised sector. Since he is interested, rather than burdening Members of this House, maybe I could send him a copy of this report because it is quite a lengthy one. As far as work permit policies are concerned, there is hardly any change. The policy is not to impose a quota at present. It is the view of the EDB as well as the Ministry of Trade and Industry not to arbitrarily impose a quota at present, but to allow the high wage policy to work its course. That means we will review this question in another two years' time. If by that time it is found that the high wage policy has not been effective in forcing the labour-intensive and the inefficient industries to upgrade and save labour, then I think this question of making it difficult for employers to recruit work permit holders will be looked into seriously. If a quota is necessary, probably a quota would be imposed. But right now, the thinking is to allow this high wage policy to work its course. I think the NWC recommendation that wage increases should not be extended to job-hoppers was made before this new high wage policy was introduced. Although there was such a recommendation, in practice, it was found impossible to carry out. In fact, very few employers were prepared to, carry out the recommendation of the NWC on this matter. So although there was this recommendation, in practice, it was never carried out.”
“As for the specific case he mentioned about the director of a cinema who failed to turn up on two occasions at, the Labour Ministry to sign a collective agreement, I must say that I was not aware of it at the particular time. If what he said is true, I would say that the officer handling the case could have been more firm in dealing with the employer. He should have notified me immediately and I would have directed the employer to turn up or bring him to court. The Member for Kampong Kembangan raised the question of setting up an Industrial Affairs Council within the National Productivity Board, I think it is better we leave the National Productivity Board to concentrate on matters relating to productivity rather than venture into matters of industrial relations. In January, we had a seminar on Industrial Relations in the 80's where the employers, unions and the Ministry's representatives took part. In fact, I am waiting for a report on the proceedings of this seminar and the concrete recommendations made at this seminar. But, nevertheless, it is my view that matters of industrial relations should be dealt with by the Ministry and we should leave the NPB to do its main job, that is, to consider ways and means to raise productivity.”
“The Member for Toa Payoh may also be interested to know that skilled foreign workers issued with a three-year work permit are eligible to apply for permanent residence after completing two years of employment in a job relevant to their skills or qualifications. They may also rent HDB or JTC apartments. They and their immediate families may receive treatment in Government hospitals and clinics at rates applicable to Singapore citizens. Their children may attend schools here and pay old rates of school fees. So as far as skilled work permit holders are concerned, our marriage policy is, in fact, very liberal. There is no difficulty at present to get married after working, say, for a period of about two years. The Member for Toa Payoh paid compliments to the Industrial Relations Division of my Ministry. I must thank him for that. However, he has observed that some employers wilfully do not attend conciliation meetings chaired by officials of my Ministry. This is true but it rarely occurs. The Member for Toa Payoh is correct in saying that the Commissioner for Labour cannot compel the attendance of the employers at conciliation meetings held under section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act. However, if an employer wilfully refuses to attend such meetings, the Commissioner can notify the Minister who is empowered under section 22 (1) of the same Act to compel his attendance. An employer who refuses to comply with the Minister's direction to attend is guilty of an offence and is liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to both imprisonment and fine. So far, employers have complied with such directions.”
“Sir, in our eagerness to protect our workers, especially the older higher paid workers in their jobs, we should not lose sight of the objectives of our development strategies in the 1980's which have been reiterated by the Minister for Trade and Industry in his Budget statement. To meet the challenges of the 80's, our existing industries have to upgrade and, wherever possible, mechanize, automate and computerise to save on labour and raise productivity. Such restructuring and reorganisation of production processes may lead to retrenchment of workers who would then be made available to the new or expanding high-value added industry. Where retraining of retrenched workers is necessary to fit them for other jobs, the Skills Development Fund will provide the financial resources for this purpose. I realise the trauma of being retrenched and the difficulties of having to find another job at an age when adjustment is most difficult. On the other hand, not to make the leap to a higher stage of economic development at a time when our economy is strong and our stock both in terms of political goodwill and financial reserve is high, we will be forever condemned to the rank of the underdeveloped countries, characterised by low income and low standard of living of its people. 3.30 p.m. The Member for Toa Payoh has also called for relaxation of the marriage policy where the work permit holder is a skilled worker. For his information, if the work permit holder is a skilled worker, the current marriage policy allows the couple to contract marriage without requiring the work permit holder to satisfy the five-year work requirement. Hence, there is no need to review the marriage policy for such cases.”
“Upon receipt of such notice or information, the Labour Inspectorate will conduct an investigation into the proposed retrenchment. This includes reasons for retrenchment, the number and profile of workers involved, and the benefits to be paid. Workers who will be retrenched will also be referred to the Employment Service for job placement. With the cooperation of employers and trade unions, the Labour Ministry is being notified of all retrenchment, especially in large companies. The Government takes a very dim view of any management that abuses its right to retrench. Although a management prerogative, the union can always discuss retrenchment with the management. In cases where management refuses to discuss, my Ministry can and will be ready to get both parties together. Unions should, in fact, refer cases to the Ministry where employers retrench older workers in the higher paid brackets under the guise of reorganisation. Investigations will be made to ensure that management has not abused its right to retrench. If it has, my Ministry will consider these cases under section 35 (2) of the Industrial Relations Act with a view to reinstatement of the retrenched workers. If these cases fall under section 81 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act, they will be referred to the Industrial Arbitration Court to consider reinstatement of the retrenched workers. Since existing arrangements regarding retrenchments are working well, I do not see the need at this stage to have mandatory retrenchment procedures. If at a later date it is found that a system of mandatory notification of impending retrenchment is effective in preventing abuses by employers, I am prepared to reconsider the matter again.”
“In my address to the National Convention on Industrial Relations for the 1980's on 10th January this year, I had cautioned managements that they should not, under the guise of upgrading, retrench older workers merely to save on the wage bill. I also urged them to be sensitive to the problems created by retrenchment and to consult unions to ensure the smooth implementation of a reorganisation programme. Retrenchments should be a last resort. Efforts must first be made to retrain and redeploy the redundant workers. The Member said that some companies retrenched workers who were mainly in the 40-49 age group. He may wish to know that during the period July 1979 to February 1980, 342 workers were retrenched partly as a result of the 1979 NWC wage increase. 82% of them were below 40 years old and only 18% were in the 40 and above age group. More than half of them have since found employment. No doubt more would have been employed if they were prepared to accept lower paid jobs. Herein lies the crux of the problem. A satisfactory solution is not easy to find. While the young may easily be retrained to equip them for other equally remunerative jobs, the older white-collar workers who are mainly in the senior clerical grades would present a difficult problem. On his proposal that mandatory reporting of retrenchment be introduced, I would like to inform him that my Ministry currently has a system requiring employers to give the Ministry and the trade union concerned at least two weeks' notice of any retrenchment, irrespective of the number to be retrenched. The employers' organisations are cooperating with the Ministry in obtaining their members' compliance on this matter. The trade unions have also been requested to keep the Ministry informed of impending retrenchments.”
“However, where employers have acceptable reasons for late payment, the liable interest could be waived in part or in full by the CPF Board. In the case cited by the Member for Khe Bong, had the cheque with the date written as "2-11-1980" been presented to the CPF Board, it would have been accepted and not returned to the employer for the date to be changed into the locally accepted form. In fact, American companies as well as some local employers had had their cheques accepted by the Board even though the dates on their cheques were not written in the locally acceptable form, that is, with the date first, then the month and the year. The CPF Board returns cheques to employers for correction only when ambiguities are found. In such cases, if late payment results, the Board will waive the interest, provided it is satisfied that the ambiguities are not made intentionally for the purpose of delaying the payment of contributions. In the particular instance quoted by the Member for Khe Bong, I shall ask the CPF Board to reconsider the case again and, if it is a genuine case of misinterpretation, I shall ask the Board to refund the interest to the employer concerned. The Member for Toa Payoh has asked for the establishment of the mandatory system of retrenchment to be reported and also an avenue to establish that retrenchments are actually bona fide. He also said that some employers took undue advantage of the recent NWC increases to reorganise and in so doing retrenched the older and higher paid staff. My Ministry is aware of the likelihood of abuse of the present move to restructure our economy and of the problems that can arise out of retrenchment.”
“When ready, they will be submitted to the Government for consideration. 3.15 p.m. I agree with the hon. Member for Alexandra that there is a need to revise the present wage coiling of $750 per month provided under the Employment Act and the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Ministry is aware that over the years since the wage ceiling was last fixed in 1968 for the Employment Act, the wages of workers in Singapore have increased substantially. On the basis of NWC recommended wage increases alone, a worker earning $750 per month in 1972, prior to the introduction of NWC increases, would be enjoying a salary of about $1,399 per month in 1979. As I have said just now, we are finalising the review of the Workmen's Compensation Act and will be submitting the proposal on the revised wage ceiling, as well as other amendments, to the Government for consideration. But as for the Employment Act, a major review of the legislation is being made. The wage ceiling is among the amendments being considered. The views of the employers' organisations and trade unions will be sought before amendments are tabled in Parliament. Coming to the Member for Khe Bong, under the Central Provident Fund Act an employer must pay CPF contribution for his employees not later than 14 days after the end of the month; employers with a workforce of 500 or more are given up to 21 days to make the payment. In the case of employers of seamen on foreign-going ships, they are allowed one month and 14 days to make the payment. Any employer who fails to pay within the relevant period is liable to pay interest on the overdue contribution at the rate of 1 1/2% (and not 5% as stated by the Member for Khe Bong) or the sum of $5 whichever is higher. I think these prescribed periods for payment are reasonable.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member for Buona Vista is correct that I did inform Parliament in 1979 that the Workmen's Compensation Act would be amended to provide for fairer compensation for injured workers and dependants of those who died. Since the Act was last revised in October 1975, the income of workers has risen substantially. Using NWC increases over these years, a worker with an income of $330 per month in 1975 would today be earning $470 per month, an increase of 42%. My Ministry is at the moment finalising the review of the Workmen's Compensation Act, and the revision to the rates of compensation would take these factors into consideration. With regard to CPF insurance, two schemes are being considered at the moment. The first is in the form of life insurance and is designed to provide a lump sum income-related payment to the dependants of a CPF member if he dies while under the cover of such a scheme. The second is closely related to mortgage reducing insurance. The aim of this scheme is to provide those members who are using their CPF contributions to repay mortgages on their HDB, JTC and HUDC flats and houses an insurance cover such that their outstanding mortgages will be repaid if they die before discharging the mortgages. This will ensure that their dependants will not be deprived of a roof over their heads when the members die. These two schemes shall be administered by the CPF Board and the premia for such covers shall be payable from the members' CPF contributions. The Board has appointed a firm of consulting actuaries to carry out feasibility studies on the two schemes as well as to draft out the details. Officers of my Ministry and the CPF Board are working with the actuarial consultant to put the finishing touches to the scheme.”
“Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will grant an entry permit to a Malaysian citizen or a Malaysian permanent resident if the members of his family are either Singapore citizens or Singapore permanent residents.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government does not intend to impose a minimum wage level. A minimum wage policy is unnecessary in the Republic. Such a policy is normally introduced to ensure that workers have a sufficient wage to meet basic needs and to protect those in weak bargaining positions. As hon. Members know, our workers enjoy a good standard of living and their basic needs are more than met. Besides, the State provides them with good subsidised social services like housing, education and health services. Furthermore, our expanding economy is experiencing full employment and occasionally even labour shortages. There is, therefore, no difficulty in securing jobs with reasonable wages, Those who feel that they are being exploited can easily find alternative employment. The need for a minimum wage is also made less relevant by the higher wage and higher productivity policies we have just adopted to restructure our economy. Market forces should be allowed to determine the wages of workers to ensure the most efficient allocation of labour. In a full employment and labour shortage situation, this will not affect adversely workers' bargaining positions or their ability to secure decent wages. It is Government's policy, therefore, to work towards the free play of market forces in the determination of wages. In its press statement on the NWC recommendations for 1979, my Ministry has said that the NWC must take greater account of market forces in the formulation of wage increase guidelines. The NWC shall work towards a situation where employers and unions can be left to negotiate wage increases entirely on their own. The imposition of a minimum wage level for Singapore workers would be contrary to this policy. ENTRY PERMITS FOR MALAYSIANS WITH SINGAPORE CITIZEN FAMILIES 3.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1979 to 31st March, 1980 and ask leave to sit again on Monday.”
“Sir, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move that progress be reported now and leave be asked to sit again on Monday?”
“Approval is normally given if the Ministry is satisfied that the female workers are not compelled to work during the night, and that they are working in a safe and healthy environment and are provided with appropriate incentives, such as night shift allowances and transport. Women suffering from diabetes or peptic ulcer are not allowed to work on night shift. Pregnant women are also not allowed to do night shift. So, in some way, the Ministry is already taking steps to ensure that the night work does not affect adversely the health of the workers. But I am not so sure about the resources of the Ministry as to whether an in-depth study, as suggested by the Member for Kampong Kembangan, can be carried out effectively. I am also not so certain whether we can do any better than the ILO study. However, I shall discuss this with officers in my Industrial Health Unit to see whether such an in-depth study can be carried out.”
“Sir, as mentioned by the Member for Kampong Kembangan just now, the International Labour Organisation has recently completed an extensive study on the effects of night work on workers. The study shows that night work does not give rise to serious medical condition, although it may initially affect the sleep and appetite of some workers. Persons with conditions of diabetes or peptic ulcer, however, tend to take night work less well than normal persons. This I LO study also reveals that female night workers tend to feel more tired during certain days of their ovarian cycle. However, this difference between the male and female workers in itself does not place women at a disadvantage in performing night work. The Labour, Factory and Industrial Health inspectors in my Ministry jointly conduct checks on shift workers on a regular basis to ensure compliance with safety and health requirements. During such checks, these inspectors interview workers to find out what effects, if any, night work have on them. The feed-back from such interviews reveals that some night workers feel a sense of social isolation initially, but after a while they get accustomed to it. Through adjustment, our shift workers have overcome disruption to their families and social life. Apart from occasional sleepiness and fatigue, night shift workers report no serious ill-effects from work during the night. Many female workers interviewed have expressed a preference for work at night because they can earn higher wages and at the same time manage their homes during the day. 5.45 p.m. The present employers of industria establishments must seek the approval of the Ministry before employing female workers on night work.”
“I am afraid I have to inform the Member for Whampoa that my answer to his question is no. In fact, I have just had a private consultation with the Minister for Finance, and he is not at all in favour of relaxing further on the use of CPF money, whether it is for the purchase of private properties or for making a trip to Mecca. Mr Tan Cheng San( In Mandarin): Sir, after the detailed explanations by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave withdrawn.”
“There is every justification but the matter is still under deliberation. I think there is a difference between the use of CPF money for the purchase of SBS shares and privately built flats. In the case of SBS shares, they were sold at par with the assurance of 7 1/2% return on capital invested. Therefore, one can be assured that the hard-earned savings will not be lost. In the case of properties built by private developers, however, the houses are not sold at cost. In fact, the prices are quite highly inflated and, therefore, the possibility of losing one's hard-earned savings is real. I take the point of the Member for Whampoa. When we next consider the rates of CPF contribution we will take into account those people who earn above $4,000. The fact that they cannot use their savings for the purchase of private properties will be noted.”
“The Board will act on all complaints, including prosecuting the employer in court, to recover the contributions due. As the existing enforcement measures are adequate, there does not appear to be any compelling reasons to make amendments to the Central Provident Fund Act for this purpose.”
“In view of this, the CPF Board will examine further the request of the Member for Toa Payoh to allow undischarged bankrupts to continue using CPF savings to pay for their HDB flats. As regards the case mentioned by the Member for Kuo Chuan, this CPF member first bought an HDB flat in Toa Payoh in April 1969. He subsequently sold the flat in January 1977. In September 1976, he bought his second flat at Marsiling Drive. He sold this flat in December 1978 and purchased his third flat at Bedok North in November 1978. On 11th February 1977, he was adjudicated a bankrupt and remains undischarged to date. When he applied on 27th September 1977 to use his CPF savings to buy a third flat, he declared falsely that he was not an undischarged bankrupt. Consequently, he was allowed to withdraw $9,471 from his CPF account towards payment of this third flat. Since he has made a false declaration and is an undischarged bankrupt, the Board requested the refund of $9,471. The Member for Toa Payoh suggested that an amendment be made to the Central Provident Fund Act to provide for the issue of a letter of appointment specifying the job title, date of commencement of employment and monthly salary, to the employees so as to prevent evasion of payment of CPF. Mr Speaker, Sir, under the Act, every employer must contribute CPF for his employees from the date of commencement of employment, including the period under probation. To ensure compliance with this requirement, the Board has its own enforcement staff to carry out systematic checks on all employers. In addition, any employee can always complain to the Board's office against his employer for failing to pay his contribution promptly.”
“On this subject, the Member for Toa Payoh did write to me on the 7th November of last year requesting that undischarged bankrupts be allowed to use their CPF savings for payment of their HDB flats. Under section 13 (3) of the Central Provident Fund Act, the CPF savings of a CPF member who is adjudicated a bankrupt or declared insolvent by judgement of the court are deemed to be impressed with a trust in favour of the persons who are entitled to receive the savings upon his death. Such savings cannot be seized by the Official Assignee or any creditor for settlement of outstanding debts. The protection provided under this section of the Act, however, does not apply to CPF savings that have been withdrawn. Since the Attorney-General has ruled that CPF savings withdrawn for the purchase of HDB or JTC flats are no longer protected by the Central Provident Fund Act, it was decided that the undischarged bankrupt should not be allowed to withdraw CPF savings for this purpose. Accordingly, the Member for Toa Payoh was informed of this decision. However, we have since discovered that the Housing and Development Act and the Jurong Town Corporation Act contain provisions which prevent the Official Assignee or creditors from seizing HDB or JTC flats of undischarged bankrupts. Under section 44 of the Housing and Development Act (Cap. 271), an HDB flat cannot be vested in the Official Assignee on the bankruptcy of the owner. A similar provision is made in the Jurong Town Corporation Act (Cap. 209). Accordingly, if CPF savings were allowed to be withdrawn for payment of a flat after the member has been adjudicated a bankrupt, the CPF withdrawn for this purpose would be protected for as long as the member does not sell his flat.”
“Besides, by their having a stake in the country through ownership of residential property, it helps us to build a more responsible citizenry and a more stabilised society. Measures have been taken to ensure that the use of CPF savings will not adversely affect the objective of providing for members' old age. Therefore, the amount of savings withdrawn is required to be returned to the CPF if members sell their flats. Unlike the publicly built flats, the prices of private residential houses are subjected to the supply and demand of the property market. To allow the use of CPF savings for the purchase of private houses will result in an increase in the demand for such properties and consequently increases in prices beyond their real value. This will result in the loss of hard earned savings of members to the benefit of developers and property speculators. It is for this reason that the Members' request for the use of CPF monies for the purchase of privately built residential properties has been consistently turned down in this House since 1971. Even as late as the last Budget sifting, the Minister for Finance again rejected the request for relaxation on the use of CPF monies for the purchase of privately developed properties. I think a more profitable approach would be to examine in what way the demand for housing by the middle income group can be satisfied. If the HUDC waiting list is too long, consideration could be given to building more units and at a faster rate. If the income ceiling is the stumbling block, perhaps consideration could be given to raising the ceiling. 4.45 p.m. Both the Member for Kuo Chuan and the Member for Toa Payoh have requested that undischarged bankrupts be allowed to continue using their CPF savings towards payment of their HDB flats.”
“This has already been made clear in the Addenda to the President's Address. Among the amendments considered is the wage ceiling of $750 per month for the non-manual workers. This wage ceiling, as Members know, has been in force since 1971 and was fixed in line with that of Part IV of the Employment Act, 1968. As rightly pointed out by the Members for Buona Vista and Alexandra, the level of wages of workers has increased over the years. The extent of this increase will be taken into consideration in fixing the new ceiling. In addition, the quantum of the maximum compensation payable for death and permanent incapacity will be reviewed to take into account the rise in the cost of living. I am afraid that under the existing Workmen's Compensation Act, it is not possible to take such factors as disfigurement and pain into consideration. The aim of the Workmen's Compensation Act is to compensate workers for loss of earnings. However, injured workers can always have recourse to the common law. The Member for Alexandra pleaded again for the use of CPF money to purchase privately built houses. This same question was raised by the Member for Toa Payoh in 1971, the Member for Boon Teck in 1974 and in 1975, the Member for Sembawang in 1975 and the Member for Thomson in 1977. The same question was also debated during the Budget session last year. I am afraid the answer this time will still be the same. As Members are aware, the aim of the CPF is to provide savings for old age. The purpose of allowing the use of these savings for the purchase of publicly built flats was to enable the lower middle income workers to own their houses. This was necessary in view of the high cost of privately developed properties which were beyond their means.”
“So long as the gap in remuneration between the white and the blue collar jobs is not. bridged and working conditions improved, the prejudice against blue collar jobs will remain. The recommendations of the National Wages Council last year had taken this into account, and it is hoped that over the years the present disparity in the remuneration between the white and blue collar jobs will no longer be apparent to the potential new entrants into the job market. As for the Member's suggestion that knowledge of labour laws and the trade union movement should be disseminated to the younger generation, I assume by "younger generation" he is referring to those in schools and the vocational training institutions. While it is useful for pupils to imbibe such knowledge, the question here is whether it is of such major importance as to warrant adding it to the already heavy school curriculum. It would appear to me as an unwarranted addition to the school curriculum. Adequate information on this subject is available within the Government and the trade union movement. Any pupil with a special interest in labour laws and the trade union movement can always approach any of these bodies for the information. Besides, it is not too late for the younger generation to imbibe such knowledge when they start working. Both the Members for Alexandra and Buona Vista have touched on the subject of workmen's compensation. They inquired whether the income ceiling of $750 per month could be lifted so that those earning above this sum could also be covered by workmen's compensation. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Workmen's Compensation Act will be amended to provide for better compensation for injured workers and the dependants of deceased workers.”
“Sir, the Member for Paya Lebar mentioned instances of some unenlightened foreign employers obstructing the efforts of trade unions to organise workers in their establishments, and he thought that these foreign employers did this through ignorance of our policy of tripartite cooperation. Mr Speaker, Sir, through its conciliation of industrial disputes involving foreign managers, my Ministry has, in fact, already informed them of the importance of tripartite cooperation. Furthermore, the National Productivity Board is planning to organise a series of seminars in the near future to inform foreign entrepreneurs and executives of our local laws and industrial relation practice. It is hoped that these efforts will help foreign employers to amend their ways. The Member has also proposed the setting up of a joint committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Education, the People's Association and the NTUC, to propagate the concept of blue collar work and to disseminate knowledge of the trade union movement and labour laws to the younger generation. My Ministry is of the view that it would not be necessary at this juncture to form such a committee. The importance of promoting blue collar jobs is well recognised. Besides repeated exhortation by political leaders, the Government is propagating the value of blue collar jobs through schools, vocational training institutes and the public mass media. The Employment Service Department of my Ministry has also been counselling those seeking white collar jobs of the value of blue collar work. However, no amount of public exhortation or propaganda can persuade the young workers to take blue collar jobs without some visible and tangible benefits.”
“There is, therefore, a need to provide a mortgage reducing term insurance cover to enable the family to meet outstanding payment on the flat. The Ministry is considering the introduction of such an insurance cover, the premium for which could also be paid out of CPF contributions. 4.10 p.m.”
“The latter may at present amount to a maximum of $35,000 for death and $45,000 for permanent total incapacity. However, if death or permanent incapacity arises from non-work situations, the dependent families have only the CPF savings to fall back upon. In 1977, of 532 members who died before reaching 40 years of age, 77% had less than $5,000 in their accounts. In 1978 the corresponding figures were 730 and 71% respectively. In spite of some improvement in the level of wages, it is clear that better protection must be provided for dependent families of such members who have little CPF savings and who die or are permanently incapacitated prematurely arising from non-work situations. One proposal being examined is to ensure that, in such an event, the dependent families will receive a reasonable minimum sum of money through the provision of a life insurance cover. The premium for such a cover is expected to be minimal and could be paid out of CPF contributions. To those not covered by the Workmen's Compensation Act, a similar life insurance cover could be extended to provide protection against premature death or permanent incapacity arising from both work and non-work situations. Details of such a scheme are being studied and will be announced when finalised. Mr Speaker, Sir, an analysis of CPF members using CPF contributions to pay for HDB flats shows that as at the end of October 1978 the average CPF savings of these members was $2,770 whereas the average outstanding mortgage loan for their flats was $11,570 giving an average short-fall of $8,000. It was also discovered that 73% of these members who were below the age of 40 had an average shortfall of $9,260. If such members were to die prematurely, their families would be in danger of losing their homes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, whilst workers are expected to play their role in contributing to our economic progress, it has been Government's policy to ensure that they and their families are given adequate protection when their earning capacities are affected by injury or death sustained in the course of employment. To this end, the Ministry is looking into improvements to the Workmen's Compensation and Central Provident Fund schemes. The Workmen's Compensation Act is being reviewed. The adequacy of compensation payable in the event of death and permanent incapacity is being examined in view of rising wages and higher cost of living. I have noted with interest the various suggestions made by hon. Members in this House in the last few days regarding the use of CPF savings. If the primary objective of providing for old age is not to be superseded, obviously some of the suggestions made by hon. Members will have to be set aside. Nevertheless, the possibility of using CPF savings for other justifiable purposes compatible with the primary objective of CPF will be examined as and when circumstances permit. Meanwhile, as intimated in the Addendum to the President's speech, the Ministry is considering the introduction of a life insurance scheme to provide more comprehensive protection to CPF members. As at the end of September last year, some 82% of active CPF contributors earned less than $750 per month. Therefore, the great majority of CPF members are covered by the Workmen's Compensation Act. Dependent families of such members who die or are permanently incapacitated prematurely as a result of work accident or occupational disease have reasonable protection in the form of CPF savings and workmen's compensation.”
“Sir, as I have said earlier, I am proposing to refer the Bill to a Select Committee so that the provisions of the Bill can be considered in detail. So I do not propose to answer the points raised by the Member for Toa Payoh at this stage because it would require quite some time to answer all the points that he has raised. In fact, the point he mentioned about the estranged wife is really a very complicated problem, because who is in a position to assess whether the spouse is a responsible person to receive the CPF savings? I do not think the Central Provident Fund Board has the means to make the proper assessment. In any case, the law is to legislate for the vast majority of the people and we cannot legislate for the exceptional cases. Nevertheless, the points raised by the Member for Toa Payoh will be discussed in the. Select Committee when it is formed. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Resolved, "That the Central Provident Fund (Amendment No. 21 Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection." - [Mr Ong Pang Boon]. SALARY OF SPEAKER 4.22 p.m.”
“In addition, the Board provides assistance at its offices to help members complete nomination forms. Despite these measures, the problem of ensuring that members of the Fund update their nomination remains. Furthermore, many workers in Singapore start work before they are married. The beneficiaries they nominate at the start of their working careers were often left unchanged. If they subsequently marry and die before reaching 55 years, members of their immediate family will be deprived of the CPF savings of the deceased CPF member. In the interest of caring for the young, aged and needy in Singapore, the Government cannot avoid the responsibility of ensuring that the workers' hard earned savings in the Fund are used to benefit those who are most likely to be adversely affected by their untimely death. It is, therefore, necessary to introduce the invalidation of nomination as a result of marriage. It is not a new concept as a similar provision exists in the Wills Act. The proposed amendments to the system of nomination is of public interest. I therefore propose to refer the Bill to a Select Committee so that it can be examined in great detail. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 4.11 p.m.”
“Under the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act, the court has the power to order payment out of the estate of a deceased for the benefit of a surviving spouse or child if the Court is of the opinion that the disposition of the deceased's estate effected by his will, or by the law relating to intestacy, or the combination of both of his will and that law, is not such as to make reasonable provision for the maintenance of the spouse or child. It must be pointed out that the rules of distribution provided in clause 14 of the Bill follow closely that of the Intestate Succession Act. The rules give priority to members of the immediate family. The wife or husband and children of the deceased member will have first priority to receive all the 50% CPF savings. When there are no children but there are a spouse and parents, then the spouse will receive half and the parents the other half. If there is no spouse or children, the parents will get all the 50% CPF savings. If there are no parents, grandparents come next, followed by brothers and sisters and children of deceased brothers and sisters, and uncles and aunts. When none of these are present, the amount will be distributed to the beneficiaries nominated by the deceased member. If there is no nomination, the amount will be paid to the Government. The second change to the system of nomination is the provision for revocation of the nomination upon the marriage of the member. Regular notices reminding members to update their nominations are printed on the members' statements of accounts sent out each year. The CPF Board has gone as far as making nomination forms freely available at the Registry of Marriages, although I might add that this was not always welcome on so auspicious an occasion.”
“In cases where the deceased member owns a flat which is still mortgaged to the Housing and Development Board and the Jurong Town Corporation, the family will also need the savings to make further payments for the flat. From these cases, it is clear that there is a need to improve the present system of nomination so that despite the failure of members to make provisions for their immediate family, they would not suffer as a result. Indeed the Government has a responsibility to ensure that at least 50% of deceased members' CPF savings will be passed on to their families and dependants in their hour of need. The number of payments to nominees of deceased members is not large. In 1977, out of a total of 15,736 withdrawal payments, 2,147 were made on the ground of death. Of these 2,147, there were 98 payments which were not made to the members of the immediate family of the deceased members. However, the consequent hardship to these dependants cannot be measured in terms of statistics. Clause 10 of the Bill, therefore, seeks to improve the provision for members of the immediate family by introducing two changes. The first is that a CPF member will be entitled to dispose of by nomination only 50% of his CPF savings. The other 50% of the deceased member's CPF savings will be transferred to the Public Trustee for distribution. The distribution of this 50% of the savings for Muslims will be under Muslim law. In the case of non-Muslims, the distribution will be as provided in clause 14 of the Bill. Hitherto, a CPF member was allowed to dispose of all his savings to his nominees. This restriction on his right to distribute all his CPF savings according to his wishes is not a radical change.”
“As a result, such employees are often deprived of their due benefit. The proposed amendment to section 4A contained in clause 3 of the Bill seeks to empower the CPF Board to examine the audited statement of accounts of an undertaking regardless of whether the accounts relate to employees of the establishment involved. This is important as enforcement officers would be able to view the accounts as a whole and any under-statement or omission of wages by employers, whether intentional or otherwise, would be discovered and suitable enforcement action taken to recover any contribution due to the employees. Mr Speaker, Sir, under section 13 of the CPF Act, a member of the Fund may nominate any beneficiary to receive his CPF savings in the event of his death before withdrawing from the Fund. We have found that this system of disposal does not adequately meet the interest of the immediate family of the deceased CPF member. Hon. Members will recall an incident in January of this year when the aged widow of a deceased member was deprived of means of support because her deceased husband nominated another person, his employer in fact, to be the beneficiary of his CPF savings. Despite her efforts, which included taking the case to court, she was not successful. The case has now been referred to the Legal Aid Bureau which has filed an appeal to the High Court. This is not an isolated case. Many hon. Members in the course of their constituency work have been confronted with family tragedies compounded by loss of CPF benefits. The immediate family needs the CPF savings for the daily necessities of life.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the Central Provident Fund savings is the principal source of savings for workers in Singapore for their old age. It is also a source of protection for the dependent family when a member dies. Members can make use of their CPF savings to purchase flats under the various approved housing schemes. They can also use their CPF savings to buy shares issued by the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd. This use of CPF savings ensures that Singapore workers have a stake in the country and participate in its future development. At the end of June 1978 there were 1,292,925 members registered with the Fund. These members have a total of $5,406 million standing to their credit. The administration of the Central Provident Fund Act over the years has shown that the Act requires to be further improved. The amendment Bill is before the House for this purpose. The proposed amendments will streamline the administration of the Fund and provide better protection to the immediate family of a CPF member. The proposed changes to the Act are described in the Explanatory Statement to the Bill. I should like, however, to elaborate on some of the more important amendments. Investigations into whether employers have paid contributions correctly for their employees have often been hampered by inadequate and inaccurate wage records. Since the authority conferred by the present legislation is confined only to the examination of documents relating to the employment of employees, employers could often evade or underpay contributions by understating or omitting altogether wages paid to their employees. This is especially true for employees who have already left employment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member for Jalan Kayu might like to know that the Central Provident Fund Board is already looking into the question of introducing a life assurance element into the CPF savings scheme. Coverage of this life assurance is expected to cater primarily for CPF members who die in the early years of their working life and whose CPF savings are insignificant. The extent of protection to be given under this life assurance is being examined. UPPER THOMSON ROAD 2ND SHOPPING CENTRE (Transfer of shops and hawker stalls) 5. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development whether he is aware that business at the shops and hawker stalls in the Upper Thomson Road 2nd Shopping Centre is very poor; if consideration is being given to transfer them elsewhere and, if so, what are the plans to develop the present site.”
“With the additional responsibility for the Authority to see to the proper management of SBS (1978), clause 2 seeks to enlarge the Authority's membership from six to seven with the appointment of a representative from the Ministry of Finance. Although Government will continue to provide management assistance to SBS (1978) through the Government Team of Officials (GTO), as it had done for the old SBS since August 1974, this arrangement cannot go on indefinitely. The GTO will run the bus company until such time when a new management team is able to take over. To be certain that SBS (1978) is properly managed at all times, clause 3 seeks to give the Authority the power to ensure that bus company licensees like SBS (1978) shall appoint directors who are approved by the Authority. In this way, company affairs of SBS (1978) will come under the direct control of a board of directors consisting of persons approved by the Authority. The opportunity is also taken to repeal section 11 of the Act and substitute it with that described in clause 4. The new section 11 will give the Authority greater flexibility in the imposition of penalties in cases of violation by licensees, and enable the Authority to delegate its powers under this section to the Registrar of Vehicles or the Deputy Registrar of Vehicles. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Sir, as I said, the question of percentage to be set aside for the bus workers has not yet been settled. But if the proposal made by the Member for Boon Teck that each bus worker be allowed to buy $1.000 shares is taken. it will mean that more than half of the 20 million shares will go to the bus workers and there will be very little left for the bus commuters. Anyway, Sir, the question will be decided when the time comes. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. [Mr Ong Pang Boon]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. BUS SERVICES LICENSING AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.14 p.m. The Acting Minister for Culture and Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Ministries of Communications and Finance have announced recently that the new bus company SBS (1978) will soon go public and have its shares listed on the local stock exchange. A widespread ownership of SBS (1978) by the public particularly the bus company's employees and bus commuters is encouraged. With the public flotation of SBS (1978), Government intends to ensure through the Bus Services Licensing Authority (BSLA) that SBS (1978) will be managed well enough to enable it to pay an annual dividend of not less than 7 1/2%. To put this into force the proposed amendments to the Bus Services Licensing Authority Act are therefore needed. Presently, the Authority has six members who are from the Ministries of Communications, National Development and Defence.”
“Sir, the purchase of SBS shares is voluntary. The Government is not compelling anybody to use their CPF to buy SBS shares. So the concern of the Member for Anson really does not arise. In as far as the efficient management of the SBS is concerned, my colleague in charge of Communications will be answering those points raised by the Member for Whampoa when we come to the next Bill. The Member for Bukit Ho Swee sought an assurance that bus fares will not be increased in the next three years. I am afraid I cannot give him that assurance. As for the percentage of SBS shares to be set aside for the bus workers, that has not yet been settled because we have no idea as to the number of people who will be interested in SBS shares.”
“SBS (1978) will be a secure investment for bus commuters and workers. The House was assured by the Minister for Finance at the last sitting that it is Government's intention to ensure that SBS (1978) remains a viable company and pay an annual dividend of 7 1/2%. Regulations will be made to require CPF funds withdrawn to be returned to the CPF account of the members concerned when the shares are sold. This will ensure that the purpose of CPF savings as provision for old age is preserved. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.00 p.m.”
“The Government feels that it is in the public interest that the large commuting public and bus employees should take a direct interest in the policy and management of the public transport system. This means that they must be enabled to participate in the ownership of SBS. Recognising that the large majority of commuters as well as the more than 10,000 SBS workers lack the financial means to do so, the Government proposes that CPF savings be used for the purchase of shares of SBS (1978) Ltd. The rationale for this decision has been explained by the Minister for Finance at the last Budget session. It is true that with the Government's assurance of an annual dividend of 7 1/2%, the additional capital of $20 million can be easily raised without the use of CPF. But then the ownership of SBS will fall into the hands of the wealthy few. This will defeat the objective of spreading ownership of our bus service among as wide a spectrum of the population as possible. It will also deprive bus commuters and workers of having a stake in SBS to ensure its efficient operation to their benefit. The present Bill therefore seeks to amend section 29 of the Central Provident Fund Act to enable members of the Fund to use their balances to purchase stocks and shares of SBS (1978) Ltd. Regulations will be made consequent on approval of the amendment to limit the use of CPF balances to $5,000. Let me assure the House that the proposal to allow CPF monies to be used for the purchase of shares of SBS (1978) was agreed to by the Government only after much careful consideration and as the Minister for Finance said during the Budget session "reluctantly". There is no other way if we want to give our bus commuters and workers a stake in the public transport system.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The decision to convert Singapore Bus Service into a public company, the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Limited, has been announced in a joint press statement issued by the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Finance on 20th March 1978. Hon. Members will no doubt recall that in August 1974 the Government moved a team in to manage the Company when SBS was on the point of collapse. Experience has shown that, with sound management and motivated staff, SBS can provide a reliable and efficient service and, at the same time, make a fair return on capital so long as bus fares are not fixed at unreasonable levels. However, for SBS to offer the high standard of service required by the public, more and better buses will have to be purchased while depot and workshop facilities will have to be improved. The Government decided that it was necessary to float SBS as a public company and to have its shares listed in the Stock Exchange so as to provide capital to enable the company to invest in improved equipment and facilities. Sir, this decision is also to enable ownership of SBS to be transferred to the general public, especially bus commuters and bus employees. SBS operates an essential service serving the large majority of the 2.3 million population who do not own private cars. It is vital to improve and to maintain an efficient and reasonably cheap means of public transport to commute half a million school children and another three-quarter million workers to and from schools and places of work. This is especially needed now that ownership of private cars is being discouraged by a series of taxes and levies.”
“Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many new street lights have been installed in 1977 in the Jalan Potong Pasir, Meyappa Chettiar Road, Lorong Bakar Batu and Jalan Kolam Ayer areas; (b) whether there are plans to install more street lights in those areas; and (c) whether there are plans to upgrade present street lights in those areas.”
“The monthly statistics on disabled registrants for the period January-December 1977 and January 1978 are provided in the Appendix below. It should be pointed out that, apart from placing disabled registrants on training under the Disablement Resettlement Scheme, the Employment Service of the Ministry has also been offering direct employment assistance to some of the disabled registrants. In 1977, a total of 123 disabled registrants were successfully placed in various occupations such as general factory workers, lift attendants, clerks and parking attendants. In January 1978, 13 registrants have also been successfully placed in various occupations. None of the disabled who were trained had been working before training. Appendix MONTHLY STATISTICS ON DISABLED REGISTRANTS No. of Disabled No. Registrants* Disabled placed on No. of No. by Training No. Employed By Category of Work after Training Month Disabled Congeni- Accident under the Regis- tally Disablement Car- Shoe- Pro- Gem Tele- Others tered Disabled Road Indus- Resettlement penter maker Typist duction Polisher Phone trial Scheme Operator Operator Jan 1977 29 24 5 0 4 1 1 1 1 Compositor Feb 26 19 7 0 1 1 Mar 25 23 2 0 5 3 1 1 Apr 22 19 3 0 7 2 1 1 2 Dressmakers May 33 26 6 1 6 3 3 1 Compositor June 23 20 1 2 5 2 1 2 July 33 25 4 4 5 1 2 1 1 Aug 24 18 1 5 6 2 1 2 1 Sep 28 22 4 2 6 3 1 1 1 Oct 38 35 1 2 5 3 1 1 Caneworker Nov 25 20 4 1 2 1 1 Dec 26 22 3 1 6 4 2 Jan 1978 17 15 1 1 4 1 2 1 Accounts Clerk *This category of disabled registrants had not been working before they were placed on training. JALAN POTONG PASIR, MEYAPPA CHETTIAR ROAD, LORONG BAKAR BATU AND JALAN KOLAM AYER AREAS (Street Lights) 5.”
“Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Labour the monthly figures in 1977 and January 1978 of (a) the number of disabled registered; (b) the number registered that were congenitally disabled; (c) the number registered that were disabled by accidents, distinguishing between industrial accidents, road traffic accidents, home accidents and others; (d) the number of disabled trained or retrained; (e) the number employed and in what work categories before training or retraining; and (f) the number employed and in what work categories after training or retraining.”
“The monthly figures in 1977 and January 1978 for the quantum of compensation awarded for fatal cases, permanent incapacity cases and temporary incapacity cases are tabulated below: Permanent Temporary Month Fatal Incapacity Incapacity Jan 77 $329,037.04 $1,073,315.85 $ 92,962.27 Feb 77 $468,968.76 $1,099,317.37 $ 79,546.93 Mar 77 $201,704.00 $1,136,650.20 $ 98,769.54 Apr 77 $371,800.00 $1,137,152.55 $ 60,004.40 May 77 $446,874.52 $1,063,849.67 $101,610.18 Jun 77 $150,495.56 $ 769,490.36 $ 61,708.97 Jul 77 $226,726.72 $1,197,379.20 $ 95,953.46 Aug 77 $505,509.22 $1,373,593.64 $ 92,740.09 Sep 77 $344,568.00 $1,061,109.47 $103,231.71 Oct 77 $147,640.00 $1,133,067.19 $100,767,86 Nov 77 $374,780.28 $1,148,684.92 $ 95,789.95 Dec 77 $406,187.44 $1,259,342.60 $133,376.91 Jan 78 $254,244.00 $1,331,482.36 $ 91,058.47 There were only two cases where compensation was unclaimed during the period from January 1977 to January 1978. They were fatal cases where the deceased was not survived by any dependants. The compensation received was $25,200 and $35,000. The amount was deposited in the Workers' Fund which was established under the Workmen's Compensation Act for the purposes of financing, inter alia, rehabilitation schemes for injured workers, projects for promotion of workers' welfare, health and safety. DISABLED REGISTRANTS, 1977 AND JANUARY 1978 4.”
“The monthly figures of confirmed cases of notifiable industrial diseases for 1977 and January 1978 are given below:- Month No. of confirmed notifiable industrial diseases Jan 77 42 Feb 77 23 Mar 77 94 Apr 77 32 May 77 42 Jun 77 77 Jul 77 32 Aug 77 92 Sep 77 104 Oct 77 61 Nov 77 43 Dec 77 92 Jan 78 23 From January 1977 to January 1978, a total of $206,111.84 were paid out as compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act to workers suffering from notifiable industrial diseases. The monthly figures of compensation paid in relation to these industrial diseases for the year 1977 and January 1978 are given below: Quantum of compensation paid in respect of notifiable Month industrial disease cases Jan 77 $ 6,010.77 Feb 77 $ 246.40 Mar 77 $ 134.87 Apr 77 $16,704.91 May 77 $16,622.23 Jun 77 $14,135.09 Jul 77 $ 9,320.51 Aug 77 $ 3,664.49 Sep 77 $42,361.06 Oct 77 $38,674.24 Nov 77 $15,974.65 Dec 77 $26,298.88 Jan 78 $15,963.74 It should be pointed out that these are actual payments made. Thus the amount paid includes cases of industrial diseases confirmed prior to January 1977 and excludes some of the cases which were confirmed during the latter part of the period January 1977 - January 1978 but were awaiting assessment. INJURED WORKERS (Compensation, 1977 and January 1978) 3. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Labour the monthly figures in 1977 and January 1978 of the quantum of compensation awarded for (a) fatal cases; (b) permanent incapacity cases; (c) temporary incapacity cases; and (d) cases where compensation was unclaimed.”
“OF INSPECTIONS OF FACTORIES AND CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE FACTORIES ACT AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION JAN 1977 -- JAN 1978 Year 1977 1978 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Number of Industry Shipbuilding & 117 139 135 106 120 103 120 100 113 133 138 153 131 Inspectors Repairing Construction 159 323 322 298 349 287 340 402 325 418 319 365 358 General 600 395 498 404 438 349 396 513 473 436 371 406 540 Factories All Industries 876 857 955 808 907 739 856 1,015 911 987 828 924 1,029 Shipbuilding & 94 53 116 97 77 85 88 75 82 113 98 148 133 Contraventions Repairing Construction 397 279 320 222 303 248 260 340 403 554 293 420 325 General 337 302 424 362 400 318 371 551 471 472 470 477 551 Factories All Industries 828 634 860 681 780 651 719 966 956 1,139 861 1,045 1,009 NOTIFIABLE INDUSTRIAL DISEASES, 1977 AND JANUARY 1978 2. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Labour the monthly figures in 1977 and January 1978 (a) of confirmed cases of notifiable industrial diseases; and (b) the quantum of compensation paid out in relation to those industrial diseases.”
“Appendix A NUMBER OF FACTORIES REGISTERED JAN 1977 -- JAN 1978 Year 1977 1978 Months Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Industry 1 Agriculture, Hunting, 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Forestry and Fishing 2 Manufacturing (a) Shipbuilding and 49 49 49 49 49 49 50 50 50 50 50 50 51 Repairing (b) Other Manufacturing 2,884 2,885 2,914 2,929 2,949 2,982 2,995 2,998 3,018 3,033 3,051 3,074 3,093 Industry 3 Electricity, gas, water 185 185 184 186 187 186 184 184 182 183 182 181 180 and sanitary 4 Construction 1,799 1,802 1,788 1,765 1,724 1,576 1,582 1,605 1,621 1,699 1,702 1,748 1,780 5 Commerce 274 274 273 273 273 273 273 273 271 270 269 268 268 6 Transport, Storage and 55 54 55 56 57 57 58 58 58 58 58 59 61 Communication 7 Financing, Insurance, 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Real Estate and Business Services 8 Community, Social and 397 397 397 396 397 401 402 398 398 399 398 398 398 Personal Services 9 Others 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 Total 5,662 5,664 5,678 5,672 5,654 5,542 5,562 5,584 5,616 5,710 5,728 5,796 5,849 Appendix B NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS JAN 1977 -- JAN 1978 Year 1977 1978 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Industry Type Shipbuilding A 86 86 98 103 85 101 99 86 113 96 72 75 78 & Repairing B -- 1 2 2 1 1 -- -- -- 1 -- 1 -- C -- 1(1) 2(3) 1(1) 2(2) 2(2) -- 3(3) 2(2) -- -- -- -- Total 86 88 102 106 88 104 99 89 115 97 72 76 78 Construction A 70 45 49 62 62 53 60 55 54 68 46 60 46 B 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 -- -- 2 1 3 C 3(3) 2(2) 5(7) 2(2) 3(3) 1(1) 2(3) 1(1) 1(1) 1(1) 3(3) 5(5) 1(1) Total 75 48 56 65 66 56 64 57 55 69 51 66 50 General A 185 155 188 217 232 246 222 236 236 259 216 211 201 Factories B 12 3 8 14 9 12 10 10 8 14 8 3 8 C -- 1(1) 1(1) -- 1(1) 2(2) -- 1(1) 2(2) 1(1) 2(2) -- -- Total 197 159 197 231 242 260 232 247 246 274 226 214 209 All A 341 286 335 382 379 400 381 377 403 423 334 346 325 Industries B 14 5 12 17 11 15 12 11 8 15 10 5 11 C 3(3) 4(4) 8(11) 3(3) 6(6) 5(5) 2(3) 5(5) 5(5) 2(2) 5(5) 5(5) 1(1) Total 358 295 355 402 396 420 395 393 416 440 349 356 337 A : Temporary disablement case B : Permanent disablement case C : Fatal case ( ) : No of fatalities Appendix C NO.”
“By the end of January 1978, 5,849 factories were registered with the Factory Inspectorate. This is an increase of 3.3% over the total of 5,662 registered factories in January 1977. A breakdown of registered factories by industry is at Appendix A. A monthly breakdown of industrial accidents for the period January 1977 to January 1978 is at Appendix B. Details of temporary disablement cases, permanent disablement cases, fatal cases and fatalities in the shipbuilding and repairing industry and the construction industry are also shown in the same table. The monthly figures of inspections and contraventions discovered in the course of inspections from January 1977 to January 1978 are at Appendix C. The breakdown figures of inspections and contraventions for the shipbuilding and repairing industry and the construction industry are also shown in the table.”