Hansard, 1973-07-11

Under the provisions of clause 2 (d) of Article 30 of the Constitution of Singapore, I have granted permission to the following Members to be or to remain absent from sittings of Parliament (or any committee of Parliament to which they have been appointed) for the periods stated:- Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Tanjong Pagar), Prime Minister - from 24th March to 13th April, from 7th to 17th May and from 25th to 31st May, 1973. Mr S. Rajaratnam (Kampung Glam), Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 7th to 9th April, from 14th to 18th April, from 25th May to 1st June and on 27th and 28th June, 1973. Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (Farrer Park), Minister for Education - from 10th to 23rd April, 1973. Mr Ahmad Mattar (Leng Kee), Par liamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education - from 16th to 21st April, 1973. Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta) - from 16th to 21st April, 1973. Mr Seah Mui Kok (Bukit Ho Swee)- from 16th to 21st April, 1973. Dr Goh Keng Swee (Kreta Ayer), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence - from 22nd April to 1st June, 1973. Mr Hon Sui Sen (Havelock), Minister for Finance - from 24th to 28th April, 1973. Mr Chua Sian Chin (MacPherson), Minister for Health and Home Affairs -- from 3rd to 18th May, 1973. Encik Sha'ari Bin Tadin (Kampung Chai Chee), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture -- from 7th to 11th May, and from 28th May to 15th June, 1973. Tuan Haji Ya'acob Bin Mohamed (Kampung Ubi), Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office - from 12th to 18th May, 1973. Encik A. Rahim Ishak (Siglap), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - from 25th May to 1st June, 1973. Mr Sia Kah Hui (Upper Serangoon), Minister of State for Labour - from 25th May to 28th June, 1973. Mr Tay Boon Too (Paya Lebar) - from 27th May to 2nd June, 1973. Mr Chor Yeok Eng (Bukit Timah), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment - from 28th May to 9th June, 1973. Dr Augustine H. H. Tan (Whampoa) - from 28th May to 16th June, 1973. Mr Ong Soo Chuan (Nee Soon), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 1st to 18th June, 1973. Mr Fong Sip Chee (Stamford), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour -- from 1st to 20th June, 1973. Encik Othman Bin Wok (Pasir Panjang), Minister for Social Affairs - from 2nd to 17th June, 1973. Mr Ong Pang Boon (Telok Ayer), Minister for Labour -- from 13th to 17th June, 1973. Mr Chan Chee Seng (Jalan Besar), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs - from 30th June to 5th July, 1973. Mr Lee Khoon Choy (Hong Lim), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - from 1st July to 31st December, 1973. Dr Chiang Hai Ding (Ulu Pandan) - from 1st July to 31st December, 1973. Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah) - from 12th to 21st July, 1973. YEOH GHIM SENG, Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the dates stated:- 23rd March, 1973 (i) Supply Bill; and (ii) Supplementary Supply Bill. 26th March, 1973 (i) Light Dues (Repeal) Bill; (ii) Port of Singapore Authority (Amendment) Bill; and (iii) Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill. 28th March, 1973 (i) Sale of Food Bill; (ii) Creche Establishments Bill; (iii) Nature Reserves (Amendment) Bill; (iv) Geneva Conventions Bill; (v) Singapore Red Cross Society (Incorporation) Bill; (vi) Securities Industry Bill; (vii) Road Vehicles (Special Powers) (Amendment) Bill; (viii) Entertainments Duty (Amendment) Bill; (ix) Radiation Protection Bill; (x) Statutes of the Republic of Singapore (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill; (xi) Insurance (Amendment) Bill; and (xii) Buildings and Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Bill. YEOH GHIM SENG, Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Singapore Government has been consulted on the Australian Government's intention to withdraw its military forces stationed in this region under the ANZUK arrangement; what is the view of the Government in relation to the statements by the Australian Government over this question; and whether by the withdrawal of the Australian military forces the security and stability of this region will be affected in any way.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there were discussions between the Singapore and the Australian Governments prior to the recent announcement by the Australian Government of its decision to withdraw by the end of February next year all but 600 Australian troops based in Singapore. However, by April 1975 all but 150 of these 600 men would be withdrawn. The decision by the Australian Government has been as expected. The Australian Government has said that after April 1975 the remaining 150 men would help to facilitate programmes of combined exercises and to support those engaged in such projects. The Australian decision will affect the present Five-Power Defence Arrangements, hut the usefulness of the defence arrangements remains because of the contributions which the other partners will continue to make. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, in a statement on 4th July, has reiterated that there is no question of New Zealand forces being withdrawn as long as Singapore wants them. The United Kingdom similarly will continue to maintain forces at their present level. This being the case, the Singapore Government is of the view that the Five-Power Defence Arrangements can make useful contributions towards peace and stability in the area.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is aware of the fact that a so-called military electronic espionage unit had been set up by the Australian military forces in Singapore; and what steps the Singapore Government proposes to take to ensure that no such unit may be allowed to be set up here and furthermore that our non-aligned policy is not prejudiced.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Government does not regard the Australian Radio Intelligence Unit in Singapore as an espionage unit set up by the military services to undermine and/or subvert the security of Singapore and its neighbours. It is a normal practice of military establishments of all countries to maintain radio intelligence units to serve their defence requirements. In view of this, I see no grounds for concern that our non-aligned policy has been prejudiced in any way.

asked the Minister for Communications if he will look into the feasibility of the bus operators providing some buses for school children only on their bus routes, particularly at the end of the afternoon school sessions.

Mr Speaker, Sir, as suggested by the Member for Anson, I shall ask the Bus Services Licensing Authority and the Singapore Bus Service Ltd, to look into the feasibility of providing special bus services for school children, at the end of the afternoon school sessions. It is necessary, however, for me to explain that the public bus service is not the only available means of transport for school children. There is in existence a separate school bus service, the expansion of which was one of the recommendations contained in the White Paper on Reorganisation of the Motor Transport Service of Singapore (Paper Cmd 21 of 1970). Out of an original fleet of 149 buses, it was hoped that by the end of the three-year Plan, i.e. June 1973, there would be in existence a total fleet of 600 buses. I am, however, pleased to disclose that the actual fleet of school buses at the end of last month reached a figure of 1,574 buses, which represents 2 1/2 times the target figure and more than ten times the original fleet in 1970 - three years ago. The rapid expansion of the school bus fleet clearly shows that parents and school children are most pleased with this service, and those who are not using this service as yet are advised to do so early instead of having to undergo the inconvenience of having to compete with the adults during the evening peak periods for bus travel.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister says that there are 1,574 buses. Can he tell us what is the accommodation of each bus?

Sir, the capacity varies with the type of bus. Some are mini-buses and some are large buses. Whatever it is, overall, they are performing an excellent service.

asked the Minister for Labour whether he will consider exempting holders of Singapore blue identity cards who have resided in the Republic for more than 10 years from having to apply for work permits.

Mr Speaker, Sir, work permits have been freely issued to applicants holding Singapore blue identity cards. Holders of Singapore blue identity cards are as a rule given work permits valid for two years as against one year for other categories of applicants. It is not proposed to exempt holders of Singapore blue identity cards, who have resided in Singapore for ten years, from having to apply for work permits. However, because many of the Singapore blue identity card holders who are on work permits have family roots in Singapore, consideration is being given to granting this category of applicants with a five-year work permit instead of the present two years. The hon. Member will recall that recently my Ministry announced that permanent residents, who pass the appropriate skill test or who possess acceptable training qualifications, will be eligible for citizenship if they satisfy the ten-year residential qualification. Holders of Singapore blue identity cards who are unskilled should, therefore, strive to upgrade their skill so that they can qualify for citizenship under this scheme.

Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that the privilege mentioned by him only applies to workers in the industrial sector? Is he also aware that many of the work permit holders in the white-collar group, in other words, the commercial sector, will not enjoy this privilege at all because there is no way of assessing their skill as mentioned?

Sir, the privileges will be extended to the white-collar workers, provided they have attained a certain level of skill. There are a number of recognised examinations which the white-collar workers can take. But, I think, we can go into the details when a decision is made.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister what are the criteria for accepting applications for work permits for foreign workers, particularly Malaysian workers?

Can the Member please repeat the question?

Sir, my question is: what are the criteria for approving work permit applications by Malaysian workers?

Mr Speaker, Sir, their skill will be the main consideration.

Sir, I have discovered that in the factories there are a lot of work permit holders from Malaysia, who have no skill.

Mr Speaker, Sir, apart from skill, we also grant work permits to applicants who are prepared to work in the construction industry. It is quite correct that there are unskilled workers in the factories, particularly in the pioneer industries. But ultimately each case will be considered on its own merit.

Mr Speaker, Sir, while welcoming the Minister's remark that citizenship would be considered for those who are skilled, would the Minister care to enlighten what "skill" is in his terms? "Skilled work" is relative. What are the categories that the Ministry would term as "skilled workers", for whom citizenship can be considered?

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry has arranged with the Industrial Training Board to conduct skill tests for applicants who are work permit holders. If they can pass the skill test, they will be eligible for consideration for citizenship.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I know whether by and large there is any relaxation on the issue of work permits?

Sir, I think the present work permit policy is already liberal enough, and there is no need to relax it any further.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs, during the year ended 28th February, 1973, (a) how many marriages took place at the Registry of Marriages; and (b) how many cases of divorce occurred, and if he is able to give the grounds therefor.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of marriages which took place at the Registry of Marriages from 1st January to 31st December 1972 was 15,555. For the first two months of this year, i.e. January and February 1973, there were 2,636 marriages. The number of marriages solemnized at the Registry of Muslim Marriages from 1st January to 31st December 1972 was 2,662 and the number of marriages which took place for the first two months of this year was 452. The number of divorces granted from 1st January to 31st December 1972 by the Supreme Court was 260, and for the period 1st January to 28th February 1973 it was 40. The number of divorces registered with the Shariah Court for the period 1st January to 31st December 1972 was 254, and from 1st January to 28th February 1973 it was 43. It is regretted that the statistics for the grounds of divorce granted by the Supreme Court as well as the Shariah Court are not readily available.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs how many persons were granted public assistance during the year ended 28th February. 1973 and the total amount of aid paid.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of persons receiving public assistance varies from month to month and shows a decreasing trend. During the year ending 28th February, 1973, the figure ranges from 14,948 in February, 1973 to 17,825 persons in March 1972. This works out to an average of 16,420 persons. The number of families or households receiving public assistance allowance ranges from 7,474 in February 1973 to 8,134 in March 1972, giving an average of 7,753 families receiving public assistance. The total amount of aid paid during the year ending 28th February, 1973, was $2,441,202.30.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs, with the progress of industrialisation in the Sembawang Constituency, if there is any proposal to build a creche in that Constituency, so as to induce more housewives to work in the factories.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there is as yet no definite proposal to build a creche in the Sembawang Constituency as priority has to be given to those areas with the highest concentration of population such as Toa Payoh, Queenstown, Kallang Basin, Katong, Woodlands, Telok Blangah and Bedok, where there are no creches. I can, however, assure the Member for Sembawang that the need for establishing creches in other areas of Singapore will be kept under constant review, and more creches will be provided when needs can be clearly established. The Government would also welcome the setting up of creches by those industrial concerns with large female labour forces, and to this end the Social Welfare Department has been directed to give every assistance possible to any firm that wishes to start a creche service.

asked the Minister for Law and National Development, since the introduction of the grant of priority for the sale or rental of Housing and Development Board flats to retired public officers, (a) how many such persons have been successful in being allocated flats; (b) how many of them have had their applications turned down and the reasons therefor; and (c) if the Housing and Development Board will consider according the priority to retiring public officers one year prior to their retirement.

Mr Speaker, Sir, under the existing policy only retiring public officers who are required to vacate Government quarters upon retirement are granted priority for the purchase or rental of Housing Board flats. Up to the 31st March last, a total of 374 such officers were granted priority. Not one qualified applicant has, in fact, been refused such priority. It is not considered necessary to accord priority to such retiring public officers one year prior to retirement because they are only required to vacate their quarters when they retire.

(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I feel that it is very necessary to give priority to retiring public officers one year before their retirement, because some of them have lodged certain complaints to me on this matter.

Mr Ch'ng, would you convert that into a question?

(In Mandarin): Sir, in view of the fact that many officers have not been able to get Housing Board flats upon retirement, is it not necessary to advance their priority by one year?

Sir, the answer I gave just now is that not one qualified public officer has been refused priority. In fact, they do not have to wait very long because they are granted priority. If they are not granted priority, then they would have to wait three or four years. Priority means that they get the flats before others do.

Sir, can the Minister clarify what he means by "public officers"? Would officers working in the statutory boards be considered public officers?

The answer is no.

Sir, if a public officer does not retire but he has to vacate his quarters because it is to be taken over by the Government, would he be granted priority in the allocation of Housing Board flats?

By "public officers", we mean public officers working in the civil service, and not officers in the statutory boards like the Port of Singapore Authority or the Public Utilities Board who have their own quarters. Their problems are really the problems of the particular authority concerned.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am talking about the public officer who works for the Government. If the officer is not retiring but his quarters is being acquired for some purpose, would he be given such priority?

Sir, it depends on who he is working for, what quarters he is occupying, and who is the acquiring authority.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore provides quarters for their staff. Would a retiring officer from the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore be given priority?

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member should direct his question to the Minister in charge.

asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Housing and Development Board will consider allowing tenants or flat owners to sublet their flats if the would-be subtenants are on the waiting list for the Board's flats.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board is finalising a scheme to allow tenants or flat owners with small families living in three, four or five-room flats to sublet their flats not only to Singapore citizens but also to permanent residents and to work permit holders.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in these measures that are being finalised, is consideration being given to ensure that the rents charged by the owners or by the tenants are not exorbitant but within reasonable limits? There are already indications that high rents may be the result.

Sir, such consideration is being given.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing amending legislation to remit estate duty on a house which is the only one owned by the deceased, if the house is continued to be occupied by the family of the deceased.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member may remember that before 8th March, 1972, the exemption under the Estate Duty Act was up to $10,000. In my Budget statement for the year 1972-73, one of the tax concessions I announced was a remission from estate duty for estates worth up to $25,000. I am not inclined at present to consider any further concession. The Member for Katong's suggestion to amend the legislation to remit estate duty on a family house would result in an unnecessary sacrifice of revenue in the case of the wealthy. For example, if, as has occurred, a family house left by a deceased multi-millionaire is worth $8 million, the remission of the estate duty on such a family house would be $5 million. I consider also that it would not be desirable to give remission other than within the limit I have set, on a sole family house specifically in distinction to savings in different forms, such as insurance policies, deposits in banks, Post Office Savings Bank, Government bonds, shares, etc.

Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Minister realise that with the present escalation of prices of properties, the estate duty may well result in bankrupting a family concerned which owns one house, which might have been purchased around $20,000 or $40,000 but is now valued at about $200,000? The family may have to sell the house in order to pay estate duty and fritter away the rest of the money in rentals until they get a Housing Board flat.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I realise the consequence to someone leaving $200,000 to his family. But I would expect anyone who has such a valuable house to take the usual precaution of transferring the house during his lifetime to his beloved ones.

Sir, under such circumstances, can the Minister inform the House whether steps would be taken to maintain or stabilise the present level of prices of property, or even perhaps reduce them, so that the prices will not escalate further and thereby expose prospective inheritors of estates to this problem of having to pay very high estate duty and facing the possibility of losing the sole family property?

It is a long question, Mr Conceicao.

Sir, if the Member is speaking for the person who owns the house, the suggestion to implement measures to restrict the increase in the value of the property would be unappreciated by this owner.

asked the Minister for Finance how many chit fund companies are licensed, and how many of them are operating.

Mr Speaker, Sir, 57 chit fund companies were granted licences on 1st July, 1972, under section 7 of the Chit Funds Act. Of these, 22 companies have had their licences renewed and are still in operation as at 11th July, 1973.

Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister tell the House what is the position of those companies which have gone into voluntary liquidation? I have heard that some of these companies are taking their own sweet time to finalise matters. Will the Minister consider imposing a time limit for these companies to complete their liquidation?

Sir, if the Member could give me particulars of those companies that are delaying their liquidation, I assure him that I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister for Finance, now that a site has been obtained for a swimming pool in Upper Serangoon for the benefit of the residents and in particular the thousands of school children in the Upper Serangoon/Punggol areas, if and when he will provide the necessary funds for the construction of the pool, bearing in mind that there is no public swimming pool in those areas.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the necessary funds for construction of sports facilities including any swimming pool in Upper Serangoon/Punggol areas must come from the approved yearly Budget allocations to the National Sports Promotion Board, or from donations and contributions which, under its Acts, it is empowered to receive. The swimming pool must therefore vie for priority within the Budget allocations with all other projects which the NSPB will consider. The total need for facilities must depend on the overall strategy for the promotion of sports and healthy recreation. At the same time, it is necessary to determine also the total facilities already available including those developed by the Government, statutory boards, clubs, etc. With a plan and information on existing facilities, it will then be possible to determine the additional facilities that should be developed and the priority that should be assigned to each project. When such a plan has been formulated by the National Sports Promotion Board and the National Stadium Corporation, my Ministry will then be prepared to consider the financing aspects of such a plan. Total dependence on Government financing for the swimming pool at Upper Serangoon/Punggol, therefore, will mean delay, particularly if the funds required are large. If the Member for Punggol is anxious for the immediate development of sports facilities in his area, there are other ways of public or private involvement in the provision of such facilities. In this connection, I would suggest to him the method adopted by the Member for Queenstown. Through his initiative, a Queenstown Schools' Swimming Pool Building Fund was started. The Fund will be used to construct a swimming pool mainly for the use of school children in Queens-town. The Government helps by giving tax exemption to donations to the Fund and by running the pool after its construction.

Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister for Finance not agree with me that it is the Government's declared policy to provide more recreational facilities for the people, especially those living in the rural and suburban areas? If so, would he not consider that the construction of a public swimming poo1 in the Upper Serangoon/Punggol area a development project and therefore, notwithstanding its cost, provision should be included in the Development estimates?

I have nothing to add to what I have already said, which is, that when a strategy for the development of facilities is provided, the matter would be looked into. This means that I am prepared to consider on an overall basis the provision of facilities for the whole of Singapore, including the rural areas.

Sir, just now the Minister mentioned that Queenstown is getting its swimming poo1 through its own effort. May I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that the people in the rural areas are not that well off. We have had many campaigns to raise funds for certain projects, and more often than not we found that we had to rely on the people in the urban areas.

What is your supplementary question, Mr Ng?

Sir, what I wanted to know is whether or not the Minister is aware of the fact that the rural people are not well off, whereas the Government has been responsible for building swimming pools like those in River Valley, Yan Kit, except in new Housing Board estates. And as these pools were built by Government, why does the Government now stop building swimming pools and pass on the responsibility to the NSPB?

Sir, the NSPB is a Government agency for the provision of facilities such as the Member has in mind.

If that is the case, I would be grateful if the Minister for Finance would convey our request to the NSPB to look into the question of providing a swimming poo1 for the people in the Punggol/Upper Serangoon area.

The usual practice is for the NSPB to submit the proposal for our consideration.

No, Sir,I am given to understand by the Minister for Social Affairs that we would have to look for a site for a swimming pool. Now that the site has been found, we are told, "Look, such and such an agency is now taking charge of it, why not go to that agency." I do not know where to turn to in the end.

Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister not agree that the need of a swimming pool in rural areas close to the seaside is lesser than such a need in the urban areas?

I agree with the sentiments expressed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, to put the record straight, does not the Member for Bras Basah, my good Friend, know that although Punggol may have a beach the Ministry of Social Affairs has plans in hand to develop that stretch of Punggol beach into a seaside resort? But, sad to say, I do not know whether he is aware of the fact that up till today nothing has been done.

Sir, just to put the record straight. There is no plan by the Ministry to develop Punggol beach into a seaside resort.

Does not the Minister for Social Affairs remember that in the Estimates, a sum of not less than $50,000 has been allocated for this particular purpose?

It must be for other projects; not for Punggol beach.

I wonder if the Minister is aware that though it may not be for Punggol in particular, it is also meant for other beaches like Changi and Bedok as well.

3.10 p.m.

"to amend the National Productivity Board Act, 1972 (No. 11 of 1972)", presented by the Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Pang Boon); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Employment Act (Chapter 122 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Ong Pang Boon; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Central Provident Fund Act (Chapter 121 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Ong Pang Boon; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Bus Services Licensing Authority Act, 1971 (No. 5 of 1971)", presented by the Minister of State for Communications (Dr Ang Kok Peng); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore Act, 1972 (No. 2 of 1972)", presented by Dr Ang Kok Peng; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to make provisions with respect to civil liability for oil pollution by merchant ships, offshore facilities or onshore facilities, and for matters connected therewith; and to amend the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, 1971 (No. 3 of 1971)", presented by Dr Ang Kok Peng; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act (Chapter 152 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for the Environment (Mr Lim Kim San); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to establish the Singapore Sports Council and for matters connected therewith and to repeal the National Sports Promotion Board Act (Chapter 312 of the Revised Edition) and the National Stadium Corporation Act, 1971 (No. 14 of 1971)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Social Affairs (Encik Othman Bin Wok); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend certain Statutes of the Republic of Singapore", presented by the Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Fisheries Act (Chapter 294 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr E. W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to he printed.

"to transfer the assets and liabilities of the Services' Lands Board to the Government of Singapore; and to repeal the Services' Lands Board Act (Chapter 284 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr E. W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to establish the Urban Redevelopment Authority and for purposes connected therewith", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr E. W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Boundaries and Survey Maps Act (Chapter 265 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr E. W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Mental Disorders and Treatment Act (Chapter 162 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Health and Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to provide for the licensing and control of those persons who carry on the business of or act as a private investigator or carry on the business of a security guard agency; and for purposes connected therewith", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Chua Sian Chin; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to he printed.

"to amend certain Statutes of the Republic of Singapore", presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to he read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend certain Statutes of the Republic of Singapore", presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Property Tax Act (Chapter 144 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to he printed.

"to amend the Judges' Remuneration Act (Chapter 7 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to provide for the registration of persons carrying on business in Singapore and for matters incidental thereto; and to repeal the Business Names Act (Chapter 183 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend and consolidate the law relating to statistics and to repeal the Statistics Act (Chapter 299 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to revise the law relating to the taking of a census in Singapore from time to time and to repeal the Census Act (Chapter 297 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to provide for the regulation and control of the manufacture of technically specified rubber and the packing and shipping of rubber for export and for matters connected therewith; and to amend the Rubber Association of Singapore (Incorporation) Act (Chapter 200 of the Revised Edition) and for the repeal of the Rubber Shipping and Packing Control Act (Chapter 201 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Income Tax Act (Chapter 141 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to establish the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research; and to provide for the publication by the Institute of standards in relation to articles and processes: for the granting of licences for the use of the Certification Mark of the Institute; for the quality control of specified export commodities; for the promotion of industrial research; and for matters connected therewith", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the Economic Development Board Act (Chapter 189 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.24 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The amendments proposed in the Bill are designed to make the legislation more effective and to meet present day requirements in the light of rapid building development in the Republic. Under the Bill, owners of lands with outstanding mortgages may surrender their lands for the re-issue of new titles without having to discharge the mortgages at the time of surrender, and new titles when re-issued may be endorsed with any outstanding mortgages. The Bill also enables the Registrar to direct by various methods that lands approved for erection of buildings (intended to be dealt with in parts) may be brought under the Torrens system prior to the granting of subdivisional approval of the buildings. The Bill also gives additional powers to the Registrar to enter cautions on certificates of title issued for lands which have not yet been surveyed up to the standard of government requirements and to call a party to an instrument to appear before him for purposes of verifying the party's identity where the party is not represented by a lawyer. The Bill also provides that any proprietor of land who has altered his name may execute instruments under his new name different from that in the certificate of title and that an amended caveat will be given priority as soon as it is received in the Registry, and not on the date of its notification on the relevant certificate of title. Other amendments considered desirable from the drafting point of view and for improved administrative operations, have also been included in the Bill. 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 E. W. Barker]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.

3.29 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name, as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion, standing in the name of the Minister for Law and National Development, reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed at Telok Ayer Basin and off' Nicoll Highway containing a total area of approximately 370 acres as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 6/73" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Sir, the intensive construction of buildings in the central area, especially along Shenton Way and in the "Golden Shoe" area, necessitates early action to expand the road capacity and improve the traffic flow system in the vicinity. A coastal expressway, called the East Coast Parkway, is under construction on the reclaimed land from Bedok to Tanjong Rhu. The Jurong Expressway on the west coast, starting from the Anson Road/Keppel Road junction, will be built to link the central area to Jurong. To join these two expressways to form a freeway from east to west, skirting the city centre, it is planned to extend the East Coast Parkway across Kallang Basin out to the sea on to the existing detached stone mole, or break-water, and then back to land through Telok Ayer Basin to the Jurong Expressway at the Anson Road/Keppel Road junction. This system will enclose a large span of water at the seafront and create a 220-acre lagoon. Members will recall that in November, 1967, approval was given by this House for the reclamation of 165 acres of foreshore and seabed off Nicoll Highway. It is now proposed to widen the existing stone mole and extend the reclamation areas by another 370 acres, as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 6/73". A copy of this reclamation plan is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members. Thus, together with the 165 acres already approved and under reclamation (shown edged in blue on the plan), a total of 535 acres of reclaimed land will become available. The project will enable some 66 acres to be set aside for the Expressway and local roads, about 79 acres for public, social and cultural amenities, including landscaped walkways, car parks, hospital and school sites and even a centre for performing arts, 105 acres for commercial usage and condominium housing, and the remaining 285 acres for open spaces and promenades. Sites for commercial and residential development will be sold by auction to private developers. The fill required for the reclamation, which will be undertaken by the Urban Renewal Authority as agent of the Government and is expected to be completed in about five years' time at a total estimated cost of about $294 million, will be obtained from the Johore Shoals. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed at Telok Ayer Basin and off Nicoll Highway containing a total area of approximately 370 acres as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 6/73", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

3.33 p.m.

The motion, standing in the name of the Minister for Finance as item 3 on the Supplementary Order Paper, is subject to the Speaker's consent and the general assent of Members present for notice to be dispensed with under Standing Order 33. I give my consent. Is it the pleasure of hon. Members that the motion be moved? Hon. Members indicated assent.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That this Parliament pursuant to subsection (3) of section 7 of the Statistics Act (Chapter 299) resolves that the Migration Statistics (Revocation) Rules 1973, made on the 2nd day of May, 1973, and published as Notification No. S 169 in the Gazette Subsidiary Legislation Supplement No. 23 of 11th May, 1973 as contained in Paper S.L. 23 of 1973, be approved. Sir, the Department of Statistics has been collecting passenger statistics by sea under the Migration Statistics Rules. Passenger statistics by air, however, are compiled from the passenger manifests submitted by airlines to the Department of Civil Aviation. The Migration Statistics Rules were enacted in 1930 and over the passage of time returns drawn up under the Rules are outdated in a number of aspects, such as in the terminology used and the scope and coverage defined. There is, therefore, a need to revise the returns and the notes contained therein from time to time. This in turn would need prior amendments to be made to the Rules. In order, therefore, to avoid the necessity of having to amend the Rules each time, the Schedules under which the statistics are collected are revised, it is proposed to collect migration statistics under the powers contained in the Statistics Act itself. This is possible as migration is included in the Schedule of subject matters covered by the Act. The Migration Statistics Rules can, therefore, be revoked. Collection of statistics under the Statistics Act would enable administrative flexibility to vary the format, scope and coverage of returns as and when circumstances arise, without having to resort to changes in subsidiary legislation. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament pursuant to subsection (3) of section 7 of the Statistics Act (Chapter 299) resolves that the Migration Statistics (Revocation) Rules 1973, made on the 2nd day of May, 1973, and published as Notification No. S 169 in the Gazette Subsidiary Legislation Supplement No. 23 of 11th May, 1973 as contained in Paper S.L. 23 of 1973, he approved.

Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to Wednesday, 25th July, 1973."-[Mr E. W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-three minutes to Four o'clock p.m. to Wednesday, 25th July, 1973.

asked the Minister for Law and National Development, in respect of the various statutory boards which come under the general direction of Ministries, what has been the incidence for 1970, 1971 and 1972 of motor accidents involving vehicles belonging to those statutory boards and what has been the amount of compensation paid out each year.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING STATUTORY BOARD VEHICLES(Cols 1141-1142)