Mr Chong Kee Hiong: To ask the Minister for Defence in each of the last ten years (a) how many appeals for financial assistance have been received from parents who experienced difficulty putting up the bond amounts for their sons' exit permits; (b) how many parents have failed to put up the bond amount; (c) how many have defaulted on their bonds; and (d) what measures are available to assist parents who are unable to afford the full amount of the bonds.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: National Service-liable males who intend to reside overseas for an extended period – two years or longer for those aged 13 to 16.5 years, and three months or longer for those aged above 16.5 years – will be required to furnish a bond of S$75,000 or 50% of the combined annual gross income of both parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher.

On average, about 40 cases each year are granted concessions to reduce the bond amounts or provide other measures in lieu of a bond, on compassionate grounds. About 5 cases per year had their bonds forfeited when they failed to return.