CO129-619-4 Department of Supplies- Trade and Industry- organization and finance 19-3-1949 - 31-3-1949 — Page 33

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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