Annual State Costs for Provision of Ministerial Security at 26 and 31 Ridout Road

1 Mr Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister how does the average annual state costs for providing Ministerial security at No 26 and No 31 Ridout Road compare with the average for such costs.

Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): Residential security measures for Cabinet Ministers are determined by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) based on their professional assessment of the security threat and risks. This takes into account primarily the threat and risks to the Minister, including the portfolio he or she holds, and not just the residence where the Minister lives. Wherever the Minister’s residence happens to be, SPF provides the appropriate level of security. As such, the level of residential security measures and the cost vary for different Cabinet Ministers and a meaningful comparison cannot be made. SPF is not able to divulge more details, as this could undermine security.