Ong Teng Cheong
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as of now, the position is this. We have signed an in-principle agreement with the Suzhou Municipality to help plan, develop and manage a township. There are two parts to this development. So far, we have put up a rough outline plan for the development of the township.”
“The consortium would include members or companies from both the Government as well as the private sector. Whether SLF will hold a significant share it has yet to be decided. I believe SLF will hold a very small share or no share at all, because, as I have said, our role is that of a facilitator.”
“Like all other projects undertaken by SLF, such as the Pasir Ris Resort, the Sentosa Beach Resort and the Orchid Country Club, the ultimate objective of SLF's investments is to help raise the social and economic status of our workers, and ensure that our workers will continue to enjoy a fair share of Singapore's progress.”
“Sir, I think Mr Chiam has got all this confused. PAP and NTUC run BEST classes jointly. NTUC does not run BEST classes by itself. George Sita, he is referring to, is a member of the SDP who stood against the PAP in the last election. He was employed jointly by NTUC and PAP.”
“NTUC Comfort is a co-operative. The taxi-drivers are members of the co-operative, and there were more than two members who had been removed from membership of the co-operative because of misbehaviour or misconduct, or arrears of their instalment payments, or whatever it is. There were many reasons why they were removed.”
“But when members of the co-operative are actively involved with opposition political parties against the PAP or NTUC, then they are acting against the resolution of the National Trade Union Congress, and it was a compliance of that resolution that action had to be taken against them.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the point raised by the Member for Anson is irrelevant. That is a Court of Appeal. We are talking about the Ministry of Labour. I am not going to make a judgment on the wisdom of the Appeal Judges. The choice rests with the employee, whether he wants to refer the case to the Court under the common law or refer it to the Ministry of Labour for an appeal. We are talking about the Labour Ministry. INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS 3. Mr Liew Kok Pun asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (a) how many accidents have occurred in the various industries in Singapore over the past five years; (b) what measures the Ministry of Labour has taken to reduce these accidents; and (c) whether he is satisfied that the Ministry is doing enough to ensure that the lives of workers are not unnecessarily put in danger.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is no. When a matter is referred to the Ministry of Labour, it will be handled by a senior Labour officer. A thorough investigation will be carried out and a report or recommendation will be submitted to the Minister, through the Director of Labour Relations, then to the Deputy Secretary and then to the Permanent Secretary. So the inquiry is made at various levels of the investigation in the Ministry to ensure that the appeals are thoroughly looked into. Mr Jeyaretnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, perhaps I did not make myself clear to the Minister. The point I am making is this. The Act at the moment requires an employer to hold an inquiry before he dismisses him for misconduct. There is a decision of a Court of Appeal which says that that is not necessary, that an employer can dismiss a man without an inquiry, and the remedy merely is, for the man to take the employer to court in an action for wrongful dismissal and recover four weeks' wages.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not see the point raised by the Member for Anson about the Court of Appeal. We are talking about the Employment Act. The Employment Act provides that there must be just cause for dismissal of employees by the employers and there must be proper inquiry conducted by the employers. If not, there is always recourse for the employees to refer the matter to the Ministry of Labour and the Labour officers will then carry out an investigation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are some employers who, instead of conducting an inquiry into the employees' misconduct and to avoid appeals against dismissal, as mentioned by the Member for Anson, choose the easy way out by terminating the services of such employees in accordance with section 10 of the Act, that is, giving them the appropriate notice to terminate their services. There are other employers who also terminate the services of their employees without valid reasons or to save costs. The affected employees have no recourse to appeal for reinstatement on the grounds of unfair termination, as the termination is in accordance with the law. However, although the Employment Act does not empower the Minister to inquire into termination cases, my Ministry has investigated cases of unjust termination which are brought to our attention. That has been done in the past. The figure of 141 appeals, which I quoted earlier on, includes such cases.”
“It is, therefore, unnecessary to modify the current law governing dismissal.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Employment Act provides adequate protection for employees against unfair termination or dismissal. Employees who feel that they have been terminated or dismissed without just cause or excuse can appeal to the Minister for redress. If the Minister is satisfied that the dismissal has been made without just cause or excuse, the employer will be ordered either to reinstate the employee or to pay compensation. The maximum penalty on the employer for not heeding the Minister's order for reinstatement or compensation is a $5,000 fine or imprisonment up to 12 months, or both. The rights and obligations of employees and employers are clearly spelt out in the Act. Since its promulgation, the Act has been operating smoothly in safeguarding the interest and welfare of employees. Over the past five years a total of 141 appeals against dismissal were received. In 87 of these cases, our investigations confirmed that the dismissals were justified. In 10 cases, however, the Ministry ruled that the dismissals were wrongful.In some of these instances, the dismissals were carried out without a proper inquiry or without grounds to substantiate the charge. Reinstatement of the dismissed workers was ordered by the Minister in five cases and compensation was paid out in the other five cases. The remaining 44 cases were amicably settled through conciliation at the Ministry. In the majority of these cases, during conciliation the dismissed workers accepted the dismissal and the employers also agreed to grant compensation as both parties were found to be partially wrong in their actions. From these figures, it is clear that employers generally have not abused their rights in terminating or dismissing employees.”
“$3,909,366.51 had already been paid out to 62 injured workers and families of 69 workers who died in the accident. There is still a sum of $20,000 set aside to pay the families of four deceased Greek crew. This sum has not been collected as their family particulars are still not known. The Fund was officially closed in February 1981. DRUG ABUSE AMONG NATIONAL SERVICEMEN (Measures to eliminate) 4. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister of Defence what progress has been made on efforts to prevent drug abuse among National Servicemen, and what are the measures taken to eliminate this menace.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the development of Hougang New Town is presently centred along Lorong Ah Soo in Neighbourhood I where the first 10 blocks of flats comprising about 1,200 dwelling units have been balloted. The SBS will soon provide a feeder service to serve the residents of this neighbourhood. This feeder service, to be designated as Service 321, will link Lorong Ah Soo with Upper Serangoon Road, Upper Paya Lebar Road and Tampines Road. From here, residents can take a total of 14 passing-through trunk services to various parts of the island. The SBS has already finalized a comprehensive bus plan for Hougang New Town. Implementation of this can only take place after the bus interchange in the Town Centre is ready in the first quarter of next year. Briefly, a total of seven feeder services will be provided to serve different neighbourhoods. From the bus interchange, a comprehensive network of trunk services will be provided to the Central Business District, neighbouring New Towns and main traffic corridors. The SBS will be most happy to brief the hon. Member for Paya Lebar on further details of its bus plan for Hougang New Town. SPYROS FIRE VICTIMS FUND (Particulars) 3. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether he will make a statement on the monies received from the public for the victims of the fire on board the vessel Spyros; how much of it had been paid out; and if there is any balance, how and by whom it is being administered. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, the total amount of donations received from the public for the victims of the fire on board the vessel Spyros was $3,929,366.51.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Moulmein is correct in noting that the price of oil has a crucial bearing on bus fares. Fortunately, the oil price in 1981 did not escalate as much as SBS had feared at the time when fares were increased across-the-board on 1st April last year. Partly because of this, a second across-the-board increase that had been planned for late 1981 was averted. The small increase in some concession fares on 1st January this year was aimed primarily at achieving a more sensible balance between concession fares and full fares. Present indications are that the oil price will continue to remain stable throughout 1982. NWC wage increases can also be expected to be more moderate this year. At the same time, SBS is stepping up its efforts to save on operating costs without compromising on the level and quality of service. This is bei.ng done as part of the Comprehensive Bus Study. Amongst other things, the consultants will review the route structure and recommend how SBS can move to maximize OMO operations. Hopefully, SBS may be able to implement some of these recommendations before the end of the year. Whether SBS will need a fare increase this year largely depends on the size of the NWC awards, since wages account for 50% or more of the total operating costs.”
“Sir, the first question raised by the Member is the possibility of lower bus fares through competition. As I have mentioned earlier, to allow competition is to ensure that SBS will remain efficient, and whether this will lead to a lowering of bus fares I cannot tell the Member at this stage. But it will mean that future upward revision of bus fares will not be unnecessarily too frequent or by too wide a margin. As to his second question, the answer is yes, to a certain extent. We will not insist on a second bus company charging the same fares as SBS but the fares will have to be cleared with the Ministry. BUS FARES 4. Mr Sia Khoon Seong asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour, in view of the present stabilisation of oil prices, and noting that the Singapore Bus Service (SBS) fares were revisedacrosstheboardonlstApril,1981, as well as the increase in some concession fares from 1st January, 1982, if he can entighten this House whether there will be any increase in bus fares this year.”
“This will be prohibited unless it is an emergency. Another example is to prohibit pedestrians running across an expressway. This is all for the safety of the users of roads, I hope I have clarified that point. 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 Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the first question from the Member for Serangoon Gardens is on the manpower requirement to administer these functions in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He has guessed it correctly that the officers from the ROV, who are presently administering these functions, will be transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs to help the Traffic Police to carry out these functions. The second question is about the Japanese system. I do not remember mentioning in my speech about reward and punishment, although what he said is true. The Japanese do have a reward and punishment or carrot-and-stick method to encourage drivers to drive more carefully on the roads as a way to reduce traffic accidents. This is currently being looked into by the Traffic Police. I think it is premature for me at this stage to go into details. When the study is completed, I have no doubt that the Minister for Home Affairs or the Traffic Police will be making a public announcement on this. The third question he asked is about traffic accidents over the past few years. The number of fatal accidents over the past few years are as follows: Number of Year fatal accidents 1975 287 1976 286 1977 271 1978 278 1979 234 1980 259 1981 273 In terms of number of people killed as per 10,000 persons based on population in Singapore, it had reduced from 1.3 per 10,000 persons in 1975 to 1.1 in 1981. It has improved, but this does not mean that there is no room for further improvement. The Traffic Police and the ROV will continue to find ways to make our roads as safe as possible. The Member for Anson wishes to seek clarification on the types of prohibition that the Minister for Home Affairs would wish to have. I think one example is the stopping and parking of vehicles along the expressways.”
“For this reason, the Government has decided to transfer the testing and licensing functions of the ROV to the Traffic Police. The Bill before the House proposes to amend the Road Traffic Act to enable the Minister for Home Affairs and the Traffic Police to administer those sections of the Act pertaining to the testing and licensing of drivers and driving instructors. There is also a new section in the Bill which enables the Minister for Home Affairs to make rules for controlling the use of expressways. Expressways are designed to carry a high volume of high speed traffic and it is necessary to govern their use to get maximum value out of them. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 6.51 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." In Singapore, the responsibility for regulating driving behaviour is shared between the Registry of Vehicles (ROV) and the Traffic Police - two separate departments under the control of two different Ministries. The ROV is responsible for the testing and licensing of drivers and driving instructors to ensure that drivers possess adequate knowledge of traffic rules and the necessary driving skills. The Traffic Police, on the other hand, identifies bad drivers on the road through enforcement of traffic rules, and if a driver has to be suspended, the ROV is asked to take action. This arrangement is not exactly ideal, especially when the priorities of the two departments do not happen to coincide from time to time. In Japan, the Police Agency is responsible, amongst other duties, for all matters concerning drivers - from the day the driver starts his first driving lesson to the day he commits his first traffic offence. Under this system, the Police would come to know of the strengths and weaknesses of the drivers and, with the licensing powers vested in them, the Police would be able to correct bad driving habits. Japan has one of the most impressive records in reducing the number of traffic accidents over the past 10 years. Traffic fatalities in Japan was reduced from a high of 16,000 in 1970 to 8,000 in 1979. Having studied how the Japanese organize their Road Safety Department, we are convinced there is merit in having one single body responsible for regulating driving behaviour, including testing, licensing, education, rehabilitation and enforcement. It would certainly facilitate the formulation of effective programmes for reducing road accidents.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to amend the National Maritime Board Act, 1972, by introducing more flexibility in the appointment of Board members. It will also enable the Director of Marine, who is an ex-officio member of the Board, to perform the duties of the Chairman of the Board if the Chairman is unable to do so by reason of illness, leave of absence, or for any other reason. The National Maritime Board Act does not provide for the resignation and vacating of office by Board members. The Bill will rectify this anomaly by allowing a member of the Board to vacate office by resignation. He will also be deemed to have vacated office if he dies, becomes mentally unfit or bankrupt, or is convicted for dishonesty, fraud or moral turpitude, or fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Board without leave of the Board. Sir, I beg to move. 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 Teng Cheong] Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 6.45 p.m. Clause 1 -”
“Mr Speaker, the Member for Anson has said a lot just now. I do not intend to repeat, but can he reconcile what he said earlier in his statement that many workers from our neighbouring country prefer to come and work here, instead of vice versa? Can he reconcile that? Can he explain why? 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 Hon Sui Sen]. Bill considered in Committee. 6.15 p.m. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“Mr Speaker, just to seek an explanation from the Member for Anson. In his speech he made it out that Singapore workers are suffering under this regime, that they are victimised and they are being punished. He showers the neighbouring country with praises, showing the disparity in treatment that the workers get in other countries as against-”
“Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTEGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.03 p.m.”
“The practice of tying renewal of road tax with the issue of the test certificate is adopted in other countries which have already introduced compulsory car inspections, for example, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Japan. The purpose is to ensure that a car is not allowed to be driven on the road unless it has been inspected and certified fit at the time of inspection. The non-renewal of the road tax will facilitate enforcement of this ruling. Car owners should, however, be aware that passing the car inspection is not a guarantee that the car will be roadworthy until the next compulsory inspection is due. Cars may still be involved in an accident due to mechanical failure after it has been inspected. This is because there is no way of knowing when the mechanical condition of the car would deteriorate after it has been inspected. For this reason car owners are urged not to be complacent simply because their cars have passed the inspection test. Instead, they should always be conscious of their responsibility to check their cars regularly and to maintain them in good condition at all times for the safety of all road users. The Road Traffic Act is now being amended to give effect to the decision to tie the renewal of the road tax with compulsory inspection of the car. The amendment will empower the Registrar of Vehicles to refuse to issue a vehicle licence to a car owner unless a test certificate has been issued for his car within three months prior to the issue of the vehicle licence. Sir, I beg to move. 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 Teng Cheong].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Compulsory car inspections will be introduced with effect from 2nd January, 1982. Cars which are over five years old will be affected during 1982. To start the programme, cars which are more than eight years old and whose vehicle licence (road tax) expires on or after 31st March, 1982, will be called up for inspection first. Cars between three and five years old will be affected from 1983. The Registrar of Vehicles will notify affected car owners to have their cars inspected three months before their road tax is due for renewal. During these three months, they should have their cars repaired and brought up to the standard required to pass the inspection test. They may call either of the two authorized inspection centres, VICOM and the Automobile Association of Singapore, to make an appointment to have their cars inspected before the expiry of their road tax. If a car passes the test, a test certificate will be issued by the inspection centre. If it fails, the owner will have to send his car for repairs and have his car re-tested at the same centre until it passes the test. When a car is due for compulsory inspection, its road tax will not be renewed by the Registrar of Vehicles unless it has been issued with a test certificate. Since cars between three and 10 years old have to be inspected once every two years and those over 10 years old annually, this condition will not apply to the car's subsequent six-monthly or yearly renewal of road tax unless it is due for an inspection. This condition of having a test certificate when renewing road tax will also not apply to cars which are below three years old and which are exempted from compulsory inspection.”
“HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Improvement of services) 11. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon asked the Minister for National Development whether he is aware that the standard of service provided by the Housing and Development Board has not improved although the conservancy charges have increased, and what steps the HDB is taking to improve the service.”
“Mr Goh Chee Wee asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour if the Ministry of Labour is monitoring closely the situation of unemployment and the problems of retrenchment in Singapore; what steps the Ministry will take to help retrenched workers to find alternative employment and to acquire new skills; what measures will be introduced to encourage companies to employ retrenched workers; and what is the projection of the unemployment rate in Singapore for the next two years. The Minister of State for Labour (Dr Wong Kwei Cheong) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has been monitoring closely the unemployment and retrenchment situation. A system for monitoring retrenchment and placement of retrenched workers in alternative employment has been in existence since 1974. Our monitoring shows that retrenchment is not a problem. For the period January to November 1981, 109 companies reported a retrenchment of about 7,900 workers. The Member for Boon Lay may wish to know that workers at Rollei accounted for about 40% of this number. In a tight labour market most of the retrenched workers found alternative employment without difficulty. Retrenched workers who need training can apply for training courses offered by joint Government-industry training centres and the VITB. The measures for monitoring, placement and training of retrenched workers are adequate to deal with the present situation. Should the need arise in the future, new measures will be considered. In June 1981, the unemployment rate was 2.9% as compared with 3.0% in June 1980. Based on this trend, we do not anticipate any significant change in the unemployment situation over the next two years.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at present, it is already made compulsory for shipowners to insure the crew in respect of accidental bodily injury or death occurring on board ships. All seafarers earning up to $1,250 per month are entitled to compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act. However, those seafarers who are performing manual work are still covered by the Act even though they may be earning more than $1,250 per month. Finally, there is a class of seafarers who earn more than $1,250 p.m. and who are not doing manual work, such as shipmasters, engineers and other officers who are not entitled to compensation under the Act. For these sea-farers, the Marine Department has, since August this year, required shipowners to take out insurance coverage separately for them. This is done by incorporating it as a clause in the crew agreements signed between ship-owners and their employees in respect of Singapore flag ships. Such crew agreements have to be approved by the Marine Department. As regards compensation to crew for loss of personal effects arising from loss of vessel or fire on board ships, the Marine Department has also required shipowners to take out insurance coverage against possible loss in the crew agreements. So far these arrangements have been found satisfactory. UNEMPLOYMENT AND RETRENCHMENT 10.”
“I leave it to the Member to decide whether he would like to tell me about it now, or whether would he like to write to me giving me the details of the case.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Registrar of Vehicles will consider granting priority for a test to an applicant for a taxi driver's licence on compassionate grounds, but only for exceptional cases. Over a short period of two weeks the Registry of Vehicles received about 22,000 applications for taxi driver's licence when it invited applications in May this year. Only applicants who fulfilled the prerequisite conditions were selected to attend a training course and take the test. Many applicants have claimed to be unemployed or in financial hardship and have asked to be given priority to sit for the test. Much as the Registry of Vehicles would like to help, it is not possible to grant priority to so many of them. Therefore, only exceptional cases will be considered. Mr Ho See Beng: Sir, in the Minister's reply, which is a rather uncertain reply, he has said that only exceptional cases will be considered. I do not know how exceptional is "exceptional". If I disclose -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the speed limit for the East Coast Parkway and the two major stretches of the Pan Island Expressway will be raised from 70 km per hour to 80 km per hour with effect from 3 1st December, 1981. For the Pan Island Expressway, the 80 km per hour limit will apply from its interchange at East Coast Parkway up to its interchange at Jalan Eunos and from its interchange at Mount Pleasant Road to its intersection with Corporation Road. TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE (Priority for test to applicant on compassionate grounds) 8. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether the Registrar of Vehicles will consider granting priority for a test to an applicant for a taxi driver's licence on compassionate grounds.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am afraid the Member missed my point. I did not say that we are not going to give Preferential Additional Registration Fee incentives. I am saying that we will keep it for the time being until we have been given a chance to study the results of car inspections over a period of time before deciding what to do with the PARF, So for the time being, we will retain the PARF scheme with the 10-year age limit. There is no change for the time being. EAST COAST PARKWAY (Speed limit) 7. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour when the revised speed limit will be implemented along the recently completed East Coast Parkway.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) was introduced on 31st December 1975, primarily to encourage car owners to replace their cars early, that is, before they are more than 10 years old. A surcharge on road tax was also levied on cars which were over 10 years old. These two measures were introduced so that we could have a younger car population and thereby improve the level of roadworthiness of cars and, therefore, road safety in Singapore. This would also cut down air and noise pollution from cars. With the introduction of compulsory car inspection next year, it could be argued that there is no longer any need to encourage car owners to replace their cars early by continuing with the PARF incentive or surcharge disincentive. The Government has already decided that the surcharge on old cars will be abolished with effect from 1st January 1982. The question is: what do we do with the PARF? Some have argued that the 10-year age limit for cars to qualify for PARF should be abolished or increased to 15 years as proposed by the hon. Member. Others take this argument to its logical conclusion by suggesting that there should be no age limit, in which case the PARF should also be abolished. I think we ought to evaluate the results of vehicle inspections over a period of time before deciding whether or not to change present policy. Therefore, for the moment I do not intend to change the 10-year limit for PARF.”
“However, section 3(1) of the Trade Disputes Act does not cover such forms of industrial action. Such forms of industrial action should be brought within the ambit of section 3(1) of the Trade Disputes Act. The maximum penalties provided for the various offences under the Trade Disputes Act were last reviewed in 1960. Circumstances have changed over the last two decades. Under the existing provisions, a person found guilty of commencing an illegal strike is subject to a maximum fine of $500 and a person convicted of instigating others to take part in an illegal strike can be fined up to a maximum of $2,000. Offences under the Act are serious offences. The present maximum fines for offences committed under the Act no longer reflect the seriousness of the offences. It is, therefore, necessary to enhance the existing maximum fines. Sir, I beg to move. 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 Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. SALARY OF AUDITOR-GENERAL”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the purpose of the Bill is to extend the scope of the Trade Disputes Act to cover other forms of industrial action short of a strike and to enhance the fines for offences committed under the Act. Section 3(1) of the Trade Disputes Act lists three circumstances in which a strike is illegal. First, a strike is illegal if it has any other object than the furtherance of a trade dispute within the trade or industry in which the strikers are engaged. A strike is an extremely serious action with serious implications for the employer affected and the economy in general. It should only be resorted to where there is a trade dispute between the employees and their employer. We cannot allow unions and employees to strike where the trade dispute does not concern their employer. Secondly, a strike is illegal if it is in furtherance of a trade dispute which the Industrial Arbitration Court has cognizance. The Industrial Relations Act provides for disputes to be settled by the Industrial Arbitration Court. The system of industrial arbitration would be defeated if strikes or lock-outs are allowed after the dispute has been referred to the Industrial Arbitration Court. Thirdly, a strike is also illegal if it is designed or calculated to coerce the Government either directly or by inflicting hardship on the community. A strike is an industrial matter. It should not be used for the political purpose of coercing the Government. Any grievance against the Government should be taken up in accordance with the procedures provided by the law. The above arguments for disallowing strikes in the above three circumstances apply equally to other forms of industrial action, like a go-slow or a work-to-rule.”
“They do so during lunch time or after office hours. The Staff Association also organizes outdoor games and excursions. We believe that the promotion of such activities will encourage esprit de corps among the staff which will also improve their productivity. Secondly, the Ministry has a Staff Development Committee which looks after the welfare and career development of Labour Officers. Since its formation in 1978, the Committee has charted the career paths of the officers. Postings of officers are planned to give them on-the-job training in the various aspects of labour work. Systematic training in labour laws and practices, labour economics, productivity, supervision, communication and other areas of labour work, such as industrial relations, labour statistics and employment promotion are provided. Outstanding officers have been identified and groomed for more responsible appointments. These officers are sent for formal courses overseas when identified. Programmes for the training and career development of officers will promote productivity and loyalty. Finally, the Ministry has set up what is called a Productivity Enhancement Team. The responsibility of this Team is to study and recommend ways of improving the productivity of the various divisions and departments. Amongst other things, work procedures, communication and staff motivation will be examined. The Team will also help departments to implement its recommendations for the improvement of productivity. It is expected that the Team will eventually cover every department and division within the Ministry. Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, has this Productivity Enhancement Team been able to discover any significant areas of improvement in the productivity of the staff?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am afraid that at this stage I am not able to furnish the figures requested by the hon, Member for Khe Bong. But I assure him that there will be no increase in manpower required when the three-year old cars are due for compulsory inspection in 1983. The reason we have introduced compulsory inspection for cars which are above five years old in 1982 is that this is the beginning of the scheme. We are giving the two inspection centres that have been authorized to carry out the inspection the necessary experience to do the job. These two inspection centres are fully mechanized and computerized, where necessary, to handle the volume that is anticipated in this exercise. I assure him that they are able to carry out this work without any further increase in manpower. MINISTRY OF LABOUR (Measures to improve Productivity) 7. Dr Ang Kok Peng asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour, in the light of the current pursuit to improve the productivity of workers in all economic sectors in Singapore, what measures will be taken or have been taken to improve the productivity of the staff in the Ministry of Labour. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Labour has introduced several measures to enhance the productivity of its staff. Firstly, realizing the importance of good staff relationship to productivity, the Ministry has encouraged the formation of a Staff Association. This Staff Association has a room which the officers can use. They can gather together for a chit-chat over a cup of tea. They can play indoor games, including electronic games.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I have already explained earlier, compulsory inspection of cars for roadworthiness is to ensure that owners maintain their cars in good mechanical condition, whether they are three years old or five years old. Compulsory inspection is for the good of the owners of the cars as well as for the good of other road users to ensure that accidents caused by mechanical failure of vehicles are reduced or, better still, eliminated. It is for the good of all, and I do not see why there should be any objection from any Member of the House.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, compulsory inspection of cars for roadworthiness is necessary to ensure that owners maintain their cars in good mechanical condition for their own good as well as that of other road users. With better maintenance there will be fewer breakdowns on the road, less pollution from exhaust smoke, and fewer traffic accidents caused by mechanical failure of vehicles. This has been the experience of most of the developed countries which had made inspection compulsory. The Government made a study of the practices and experiences of other countries before we decided to introduce compulsory inspection of private cars in Singapore about three years ago. Most of them, West Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Finland, and Bulgaria, require annual inspection of all cars. Some of them, like Sweden, United Kingdom and Austria, require inspection of cars more than two to three years old. Most of these countries have had at least 20 years' experience in inspecting vehicles and have decided on their present standards after much study and refinement. Based on their experience, we will begin inspecting cars more than five years old in 1982 and cars more than three years old in 1983. The requirement is less stringent than the other countries but it will serve our purpose for the time being.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Ayer Rajah Estate, along Dover Rood, is directly served by five bus services. These are Services 33, 176, 185, 196 and 212. These services provide extensive coverage which includes Jurong, Telok Blangah Road, Shenton Way, Queenstown, Chinatown, Geylang, Kampong Chai Chee and the new towns of Clementi and Telok Blangah. Besides, Service 212, which charges 15 cents, provides a convenient connection to Commonwealth Avenue terminal where another 13 services with an even wider coverage are available. In addition to their wide coverage, these five services are also operated at reasonable frequencies that are comparable to those of other SBS services. On weekdays and Saturdays, the service interval or headway during the peak hours ranges from five to nine minutes. On Sundays and public holidays, the services are operated at intervals of about eight to nine minutes. However, Service 212 is not operated on Sundays and public holidays because of low demand. A recent survey showed that the capacity provided on Sundays and public holidays was adequate to meet the demand. The same was found to be true of weekdays with the exception of Service 176 which was found to be slightly over-loaded during the rush hours. To remedy this, two buses were added in July. I wish to assure the hon. Member for Pasir Panjang that SBS will continue to monitor the demand closely and add more buses where this is warranted. INSPECTION OF THREE YEAR-OLD CARS 6. Dr Chau Sik Ting asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether there is a need for the compulsory inspection of cars which are three years old and what studies have been made locally to support this requirement.”
“However, with the introduction of new responsibilities and activities such as the Private Residential Property Scheme and the Home Protection Insurance Scheme, it will be necessary to appoint to the Board additional members. Clause 2 provides for section 4 of the Act to be amended to increase the membership of the Board up to four persons and the quorum of the Board from three to five persons. Sir, I beg to move. 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 Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. FILMS BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.55 p.m.”
“The accrued interest will, however, rank pari passu with the interest of the banks and finance companies. Another important amendment is provided in clause 3 of the Bill which seeks to shorten the waiting period for a subsequent withdrawal of CPF savings of CPF members who have made a first withdrawal on or after attaining the age of 55 years. At present, under section 11 of the Central Provident Fund Act a CPF member who is 55 years of age and above must wait for five years before withdrawing again his CPF savings. Clause 3 seeks to amend section 11 to allow such a member to make one further withdrawal on or after every third anniversary of a member's date of birth after he has attained the age of 55, i.e. at the ages of 58, 61 and so on. CPF members concerned are those who have made a first withdrawal of their CPF savings on or after the age of 55 years and are still working. There is no need for their CPF savings to be accumulated for a long period. Instead they should be allowed to make a further withdrawal of their CPF savings every three years. Sir, the Government is concerned about frivolous job-hopping by employees. To help minimize this problem, the CPF Board has introduced a scheme which allows an employer to obtain information on a prospective employee's employment history for the last three years. Clause 5 of the Bill seeks to allow an employer who wishes to obtain such particulars to apply to the Board upon payment of a prescribed fee. Section 4 of the Central Provident Fund Act provides for the appointment of a Chairman and six members to the Board. The six members comprise two representatives each from Government, employers and employees. This composition is adequate for the role played by the Board in the past.”
“Clause 7 seeks, therefore, to enable the Minister to allow a CPF member to use his savings for a property which is not owner-occupied and to discharge an outstanding housing loan. Sir, CPF savings are meant to provide for the old age of the CPF member. The CPF Board has, therefore, a social responsibility to ensure that CPF savings used under the private residential property scheme are returned to the CPF together with accrued interest if the CPF member sells the property which he has purchased with CPF savings before he reaches the age of 55 years. To enable the Board to discharge this responsibility, clause 4 provides for a charge in favour of the CPF Board to be created on a property in respect of which CPF savings have been used. The charge will be subject to all prior encumbrances affecting the property. The CPF Board may not be able to recover fully the CPF savings used in cases where the property is subject to an existing mortgage. The mortgagee may exercise his power of sale to recover the outstanding loan leaving an insufficient amount to meet the CPF Board's claim. In order for the CPF Board to discharge its social responsibility, it will be seeking a first charge in cases where CPF savings are used for properties subject to an existing mortgage. The Board would obtain the consent of existing mortgagees for the Board to have the first charge. In this regard, the Board has obtained the agreement of the Association of Banks and Finance Houses Association for the Board to have the first charge provided, of course, the collateral is adequate to protect the bank's and finance company's interest. This first charge would apply to the amount of CPF savings withdrawn.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The proposed amendments to the Central Provident Fund Act are summarized in the Explanatory Statement to the Central Provident Fund (Amendment No. 2) Bill, 1981. I would like to touch on the more important amendments in the Bill. Sir, clauses 4 and 7 provide for amendments to the Central Provident Fund Act to enable the CPF Board to implement the private residential property scheme. Members are no doubt aware that the Government proposes to allow CPF savings to be used for the purchase of private residential properties. The rationale behind this proposal is to help CPF members who are either ineligible for public housing or prefer to own a private residential property. It is also to enable CPF members to invest their CPF savings in residential properties as a hedge against inflation. The private residential property scheme will be implemented in two phases to soften the impact of the scheme on the property market. In the first phase to be effected from 1st June 1981, CPF members will be allowed to use their CPF savings to redeem their outstanding housing loans. In the second phase, effective from 1st January 1982, CPF members will be allowed to use their CPF savings to purchase residential properties. Under both phases, the property can be for the member's own occupation or for rental. Under section 29 (g) of the Central Provident Fund Act, the Minister may make regulations to allow CPF members to use their CPF savings to purchase a property. However, the property can only be used for the member's own occupation and the CPF savings cannot be used to discharge an outstanding housing loan.”
“The Committee noted that the premium rates quoted in the Life Insurance Association proposal were higher than those proposed by the CPF Board. Furthermore, under the Life Insurance Association's proposal existing borrowers may be required to undergo a medical examination at their (insured) own expense and be subject to higher premiums if found unfit. In the case of the CPF scheme, there was no requirement for a medical examination. In addition, the premium rates under the Life Insurance Association's proposal were only valid for two years after which the rates may be revised in the light of experience. There was no such limitation in the case of the CPF scheme. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Select Committee gave due consideration to the representations made, but did not make any amendments to the CPF (Amendment) Bill. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.43 p.m.”
“Now, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time." The Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill was committed to a Select Committee by the House on 6th March 1981. The Committee received three written representations, one from an individual, the second from the Great Eastern Life Assurance Field Officers Guild and the third from the Life Insurance Association. The Committee heard oral evidence from three representatives of the Life Insurance Association. I would like now to touch briefly on the major concerns of the Life Insurance Association and the Committee's consideration of their representations. The Life Insurance Association welcomed the idea of a mortgage reducing insurance scheme for CPF members. It was, however, opposed to the proposal that the CPF Board run the scheme because it considered the insurance industry well placed and well equipped to handle the scheme on a consortium basis. It was also concerned that the CPF Board would later on move into other fields of insurance. It was pointed out to the Life Insurance Association that the mortgage reducing insurance scheme was part of the State's social security provision and a logical extension of the Home Ownership Scheme. The CPF Board being a non-profit oriented organization and able to offer the most attractive premiums should be the body to run the scheme. There was no reason why legislation should be enacted to require CPF members to take out a mortgage reducing insurance policy from a profit-making organization like the consortium proposed by the Life Insurance Association. The Life Insurance Association submitted a proposal for the mortgage reducing insurance scheme. It suggested that it be underwritten by a consortium to be formed by members of the Association.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 3, line 6, to leave out from "to" to the end of line 9 and insert - (a) such a member if he is fifty-five years of age or above at the date when payment of the premium is due to be paid under section 13G of this Act; or (b) such members or class of members whom the Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, specify.". The Home Protection Insurance Scheme is available to CPF members who own homes developed by the Housing Authority specified in the Bill. Circumstances may warrant the exclusion of certain members or classes of members from the scheme. The proposed amendment is, therefore, to enable such exclusions. Amendment agreed to. Clause 2 as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with an amendment. Third Reading”
“Now, Sir. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] Clause 2 -”
“This is necessary as a further deterrent, as I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate the danger of using such motor vehicles on the roads. I agree with the hon. Member that perhaps we should make it a prerequisite to obtain a test certificate before the motor vehicle is registered or is having its road taxes renewed, as in the case of vehicle insurance coverage mentioned by the Member. I shall ask the Registry of Vehicles to look into this in the implementation of the scheme. 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 Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL (As Reported from Select Committee) Order for Third Reading read. 4.35 p.m.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would like to thank the hon. Member for his strong support for the Bill and for his observations on which he has so? kindly elaborated at length. He has raised two points. One is about the purpose or criterion upon which the test certificate will be issued and why this was not clearly stated in the Bill As a normal practice, the details of the requirement or criterion relating to the condition and construction to which vehicles would have to comply will be fully prescribed in the subsidiary legislation. Once this has been done, there should be no question as to what the purpose or criterion of the Bill is all about. In short, the aim of the Road Traffic Act is to ensure and to promote road safety. This Bill, being part of the main Act, has the same legislative intent of the Act and is implied. There will be no misinterpretation of the intention or objective of the Act, although it may be useful to reiterate it from time to time, perhaps in the Explanatory Statement to the Bill, as the hon. Member would like to see. The second point the hon. Member raised was about the rationale for attaching the offence to the person who uses the vehicle rather than the registered owner of the vehicle. If the Member reads section 41 D carefully, it spells out that the registered owner is responsible for the roadworthiness of his motor vehicle. If the owner allows his vehicle which has no test certificate to be used on the road, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction. However, in addition to the vehicle owner, if the driver of the vehicle is not the owner himself, then the driver who uses on the road a motor vehicle which has no test certificate, shall also be guilty of an offence.”
“The remaining cars will be called up in phases later. Announcements will be made as we progress. ROV will publish information booklets in conjunction with the two agents to advise car owners and workshop personnel of the inspection standards. These booklets will be released shortly. Under this amendment Bill, it is an offence for a person to drive his car if it does not have a valid certificate of inspection as required by law. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The House is probably aware that the Registrar of Vehicles will be introducing a scheme to conduct compulsory car inspections from 1982. Cars over 10 years old will be checked every year whilst those over three years old will be checked every other year. The purpose of this scheme is to upgrade the standard of vehicle roadworthiness and to control pollution by encouraging owners to maintain their cars regularly. The ROV has appointed two agents to conduct inspections on behalf of the Government. They are the Vehicle Inspection Company (VICOM) and the Automobile Association of Singapore (AA). The Vehicle Inspection Company is a private company owned by the NTUC, and is setting up an inspection centre at Sin Ming Road while the Automobile Association of Singapore is setting up their inspection centre at Eunos Avenue, off Sims Avenue. Both agents will be using computerized equipment to conduct inspections. We need to ensure that all cars are inspected properly and according to standards acceptable to the ROV. The Road Traffic Act is, therefore, being amended to enable rules to be made for this purpose. Some of the rules will prescribe the requirements that cars have to meet in relation to construction and condition. Other rules will spell out the minimum requirements which the inspection agents have to comply with, such as the type of equipment to be installed, how inspections should be carried out and what to check during the inspection. The rules will also authorize the agents to issue certificates of roadworthiness and to collect inspection fees. In the first stage of the implementation programme in 1982, all cars over five years old will be called up for inspection.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the keeping of the title deeds by the mortgagee or chargee is a legal practice. This is to prevent the mortgager from sub-mortgaging the property without the existing mortgagee's knowledge. The hon. Member asked why is there a conflict between the Ministry of Finance and the CPF Board on the question of who is to take first charge where civil servants utilize their CPF savings to redeem their Govern- ment housing loans. I understand that the Ministry of Finance is checking with its legal advisers on its position as second mortgagee under the CPF residential properties scheme before it consents to the CPF Board having the first charge on the property. There is really no conflict. The banks and finance companies have already given their consent to the CPF Board having the first charge on the property. The CPF Board does not expect any problem in resolving this matter with the Ministry of Finance. SINGAPORE BROADCASTING CORPORATION (Resignations of senior personnel) 18. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Culture (a) what was the reason for the recent spate of resignations of senior personnel from the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation; (b) whether the work efficiency of the SBC will be affected; and (c) what steps are being taken to check the situation.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as at 31st July 1981, the CPF Board received a total of 1,830 applications, of which 703 were for full redemption of housing loans. So far, 200 applications have been approved, all of which were for full redemption of housing loans.”
“For example, only 11 of the 229 cases confirmed in 1980 were advanced cases eligible for workmen's compensation. As regards the industries largely responsible for the increase in noise-induced deafness in 1980, 113 of the 229 cases came from the transport, storage and supporting services industry, while 67 came from the manufacture of transport equipment industry. Section 58 of the Factories Act stipulates that excessive noise shall be reduced as far as is practicable. Section 56 of the same Act provides that where workers are exposed to excessive noise, they have to be provided with proper ear protectors by their employers, Together with the forthcoming legislation on statutory audiometric examinations on a regular basis, these legislative requirements would be adequate to control the situation.”