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Within the last few days newspapers have been full of
criticism about black market activities, and comments about the
half-heartedness and inefficacy of Government's present campaign
have been severe. To a point I agree with the criticism because,
in my opinion, our aim has been toò diffuse and no real attempt has
been made to relate price control to the volume of supplies available.
I propose, therefore, to limit the scope of a future campaign to an
agreed but limited list of essentials, which are entitled to be
included in the ordinary household budget and which I know to be in
reasonable supply. Once an agreed list of commodities and prices
has been obtained in consultation with the two Chambers of Commerce
and the Press, a full-scale campaign will be raised which can
eventually be extended to commodities other than those deemed essential.
The burning question is, of course, staff. I understand
Singapore has some 500 people employed in Price Control, but we could
get by with probably about 20. At the moment the section consists of
2 Europeans (Angus, S. C. & A, and Courtney, temporary) and two Chinese
inspectors, one of whom doubles as a clerk. I consider the best
disposition of our forces would be 3 Europeans, 12 inspectors, 2
stenographers and 2 or 3 Chinese clerks (preferably Government servants)
and I should like immediately to send for Kenrick, who, as you know,
has been in charge of our Rear Link in London. He could be put in
charge because he has the requisite drive, knowledge and tact, and
with the present 2 European officers could complete the executive
personnel.
I do not consider 12 inspectors are over-many to supervise the
Colony, but in conjunction with the two European officers, who can also
do some sleuthing, they should form sufficient striking force provided
we recruit the right kind of man and pay him a reasonable salary. We
have already had a sad experience in the Marketing Section where
the inspectors have had to be dismissed on grounds of inefficiency. I
think a fair salary might be $300 400 per month.
all
(iv)
Rice Section.
I feel this section meantime is adequately staffed with the
exception of three posts. Mr. M.K. Lo, when he was in charge, had his