Hansard, 1977-05-27

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 S. Rajaratnam (Kampong Glam), Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 1st to 11th April, and from 3rd to 17th June, 1977. Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra) - from 8th to 10th April, from 17th to 24th April, and from 2nd to 16th May, 1977. Dr Goh Keng Swee (Kreta Ayer), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence - from 17th to 22nd April, and from 7th to 12th May, 1977. Mr Sia Kah Hui (Upper Serangoon), Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Government Whip - from 18th to 30th April, 1977. Mr Hon Sui Sen (Havelock), Minister for Finance - from 19th to 23rd April, and from 28th May to 2nd June, 1977. Mr Ong Teng Cheong (Kim Keat), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications - from 19th to 25th April, 1977. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi (Kampong Kembangan) - from 23rd April to 3rd May, 1977. Mr Goh Chok Tong (Marine Parade) - from 24th April to 4th May, 1977. Dr Toh Chin Chye (Rochore), Minister for Health - from 30th April to 20th May, 1977. Encik Sidek bin Saniff (Kolam Ayer) - from 1st to 12th May, 1977. Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta) - from 1st May to 30th June, 1977. Mr Ngeow Pack Hua (Boon Lay) - from 7th to 19th May, 1977. Mr S. Dhanabalan (Kallang) - from 14th to 25th May, 1977. Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson) - from 16th May to 7th June, 1977. Mr Ong Pang Boon (Telok Ayer), Minister for Labour - 25th to 28th May, 1977. Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol) - from 26th May to 2nd July, 1977. Mr Lee Khoon Choy (Braddell Heights), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - from 28th May to 2nd June, 1977. Encik Othman bin Wok (Pasir Panjang), Minister for Social Affairs - from 28th May to 5th June, 1977. Dr Chiang Hai Ding (Ulu Pandan) - from 30th May to 17th June, 1977. Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee) - from 1st to 11th June, 1977. Mr Jek Yeun Thong (Queenstown), Minister for Culture and Science and Technology - from 3rd to 17th June, 1977. Mr Chor Yeok Eng (Bukit Timah), Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment - from 6th to 18th June, 1977. 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: 28th March, 1977 Supply Bill. 29th March, 1977 (i) National Statistical Commission of Singapore (Amendment) Bill; and (ii) Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

Order. The hon. Member wishing to take the Oath of Allegiance will please come forward. Mr Bernard Chen Tien Lap (Radin Mas) took the Oath of Allegiance.

Honourable Members are aware that the Honourable Member for Bukit Merah suffered a stroke and was admitted to Hospital on the 13th February last. Upon receiving a letter about his illness from the Leader of the House, I granted him leave of absence for all sittings of this House during March. It is with considerable regret and sorrow that I have to inform Members that the Member has been in deep coma ever since the stroke which caused severe damage to his brain. He has been and is still unable to swallow nor move his limbs voluntarily, and is totally unaware of his surroundings. Three Professors of Medicine - Prof. Khoo Oon Teik, Prof. Lee Yong Kiat and Prof. Chia Boon Lock - have now certified that, in their opinion, he will not recover consciousness and regain voluntary movements, and that his total incapacity will prevent him from performing his duties as a Member of Parliament. In the circumstances, no purpose would be served in granting him further leave of absence.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move a motion to enable Questions for Oral Answer to be taken after 3.30 p.m. today.

I give my consent. Does the Minister have the general assent of the hon. Members to move the motion indicated by him? Hon. Members indicated assent Question put and agreed to. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, Questions for Oral Answer set down in the Order Paper may be taken after 3.30 p.m. at this day's sitting." - [Mr E.W. Barker].

asked the Minister for Health whether the treatment using electrostatic charges available in Singapore to sufferers of ailments like rheumatism, migraine, insomnia, mental fatigue, asthma, indigestion and skin trouble is efficacious and safe.

Mr Speaker, Sir, ion generators are used to purify or sterilize the atmosphere. Microscopic particles such as bacteria, fungal spores, dust and smoke particles can acquire an electrostatic charge and remain suspended in the air. Particles which are positively charged are neutralized by negative ions and negatively charged particles by positive ions. When fine particles are neutralized they aggregate or collect together to form larger particles that are too heavy to remain suspended in the atmosphere and are deposited or settle down on the ground by gravity. The claim that positive or negative ions are effective in treating rheumatism, migraine, insomnia, mental fatigue, asthma, indigestion, skin diseases, constipation as well as diarrhoea and impotence is not substantiated in scientific or medical literature. If it were true that a wonderful instrument exists that can cure or treat such a variety of physical ailments, then hospitals all over the world would have installed such ion generators today. The danger of untruthful advertising is that gullible patients who should really be receiving treatment from their medical doctors are led astray and, by avoiding medical treatment, they are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks and complications arising from their ill health. However, I ought to add that the Ministry of Health is not involved in the licensing of clinics operating ion generators. I understand that there are six such establishments in Singapore. What is surprising is that they were allowed to open for business without the knowledge of Building Control Division and the PUB. Since we are concerned about the sale of unsafe electrical domestic appliances, I ought to inform the House that preliminary inquiries reveal that persons who patronize these so-called sanatronic clinics sit in an electrical field of several thousand volts in order to attract the negative ions that are generated to their bodies. They accumulate an electrostatic charge so that when they touch a person or object outside the treatment area which is earthed they experience a slight electric shock accompanied by a spark discharge. In layman's language the patient is acting like a lightning conductor except that the current passing through him is too small to electrocute him. On the other hand a real danger exists if by any mischance the insulation system between patient and earth breaks down. Under these circumstances the patient will be sitting in an electric chair. It is in the public interest that the operators of these sanatronic clinics should submit the technical specifications of their installation to the PUB for scrutiny. As far as the Ministry of Health is concerned, the whole business is nothing more than a fraud being perpetrated on a section of the public that is always gullible to fantastic claims.

Mr Speaker, Sir, what steps is the Minister for Health going to take, liaising with the relevant Government departments, to ensure that this fraudulent practice is stopped immediately for the safety of our community?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have mentioned that the licensing of these sanatronic clinics should have gone through the Building Control Division, and I am told that the Building Control Division will look into the matter. The Public Utilities Board likewise has asked for specifications of the installations in these clinics and I am sure that the problem will be solved quite early in the next week or so.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of ASEAN training awards offered and the number actually taken up by each of the other ASEAN members for the year 1976/77, and how these awards have promoted ASEAN cooperation.

In the years 1967 to 1976 Singapore has offered 104 training awards to ASEAN members, out of which 32 have been taken up. These awards are meant to promote closer economic and industrial development in ASEAN. I would like to say that, since these awards were taken up, our member ASEAN states have taken good advantage of the awards Which we have given and this has to a large extent helped in the promotion and exchange of technological expertise and has also helped to promote relations between ASEAN members.

asked the Minister for Labour, in view of the policy of the Government to reduce the need for Singapore to engage guest workers and in view of the effectiveness of the Government's medical health service in lengthening the working life-span of Singaporeans of both sexes, whether he will consider introducing legislation to raise the age of retirement to 60 years for all Singaporeans capable of working for several years beyond the age of 55.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the present retirement ages in the Civil Service, with the exception of Police personnel, are 55 years compulsory and 50 years optional for those who joined the Service on or before 1st July, 1956, and 60 years compulsory and 55 years optional for those who joined the Service after 1st July, 1956. Notwithstanding that, officers in the former category have to retire at 55 years. Selected ones may opt to extend their retirement age to 60 years or to accept re- employment for a period of five years after their retirement. For those working in the private sector, their retirement age is not stipulated under any law. Although there is a provision in the Central Provident Fund enabling those who have reached the age of 55 years to withdraw their CPF contributions, it does not, however, preclude them from continuing to work after the age of 55 years. In practice, as reflected in most collective agreements, the retirement age in the private sector is 55 years and in some instances 60 years. However, in those firms where the retirement age in the collective agreement is fixed at 55 years, there are also provisions to allow employees to work until 60 years, subject to mutual agreement and medical fitness. I agree with the Member for Boon Teck that raising the retirement age to 60 years would be a natural development, as people nowadays generally tend to live longer because of better living conditions, improved diet and medical services. It will also be a measure to increase the national supply of manpower. By prolonging the working life- span of individuals, it will enable them to increase their CPF contributions, thus enabling them to retire in more comfortable circumstances. However, I think a non- legislative approach will serve the needs of our industries better than legislating the retirement age at 60 years. Legislation will be counter-productive in that it might force the employer to retain dead-wood employees. On the other hand, the voluntary acceptance of the retirement age at 60 years by employers will allow the worker to retire before the age of 60 years if his productivity has decreased for whatever reasons and will also enable the worker who is still physically and mentally fit and capable of high productivity to carry on even after 60 years. In time, market and social forces will condition the employers to accept the age of 60 years as the retirement age.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider asking the Public Utilities Board to charge voluntary non-profit organisations at the domestic rate instead of commercial rate for public utilities.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the definition of a domestic consumer is clearly spelt but in the Board's tariff regulations. Domestic rates for electricity and water are only applicable to premises which are used exclusively as private dwellings. Where part of the premises is used in connection with any trade, business or profession or as a boarding house, school, place of worship, mess or for communal services, the non-domestic rate will be charged. One essential point of consideration is the definition of the term "voluntary non-profit". There will be countless organisations claiming to be worthy of this description; for example, temples, churches, clubs, clans, associations, institutions, to name but a few. The situation could become unmanageable. The Public Utilities Board will charge the domestic rate if it can be established that the premises is used solely for residential purposes. For example, the Singapore Council of Social Service is being charged domestic rate for the 30 Housing Board flats in Bukit Merah and Ang Mo Kio estates which the Council has rented as homes for the aged under a special scheme.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Government plans to develop Lots 3639 Pt and 3641 Mk XVII, Upper Thomson Road, into a children's playground and garden and whether the squatters affected will be given alternative accommodation and adequate compensation.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the subject site at Lot 3639 Pt is the minimum area required for the proposed North-South Arterial Road project to serve the Ang Mo Kio satellite town. Presently, clearance of the site is carried out on a priority basis. Twenty-eight families and two single persons are affected by the proposed road. Of these, 21 families are eligible for rehousing. Eighteen families have already collected keys to their flats in Ang Mo Kio/Toa Payoh and three families are awaiting allocation shortly. The remaining seven families are found to be ineligible for rehousing benefits because they cannot prove that they have been residing there before the date of Gazette Notification, 16th November, 1976. However, they have been asked to produce documentary evidence to prove their presence on site before the cut-off date so that they can be accorded resettlement benefits by the Resettlement Department. All the displaced families will be paid ex-gratia compensation and disturbance/transport allowance in accordance with the current resettlement policy. There is no more land available at the subject site for a children's playground and garden.

To ask the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the local farm produce will be affected under the bilateral agreement to set up the Thai-Singapore Enterprise whereby Singapore will buy farm products and other commodities from Thailand in exchange for Singapore products, and, if so, whether and what steps will be taken to ensure that our farmers' livelihood will not be affected.

Mr Ng Kah Ting.

Question No. 6, Sir.

Mr Speaker, Sir, as Singapore has limited land available for agriculture, we are dependent on foreign imports for a wide range of agricultural produce. We import 100% of our rice requirement, 75% of fish, 78% of all vegetables and over 90% of fruits consumed. Raw ingredients used for the manufacture of pig and poultry feed are also imported. The joint enterprise between Singapore and Thailand will promote import of Thai agricultural produce into Singapore and export of fertiliser, agriculture insecticide and farm machineries from Singapore to Thailand. It is also proposed to establish a joint venture livestock farm in Thailand. It is envisaged that the farm will initially produce cattle for export to Singapore. Pigs will also be produced for export to other markets, but when there is a shortage of pigs in Singapore we can also import pigs from the farm. The joint enterprise should therefore not affect the livelihood of our farmers but will make available to Singapore a wider range of agricultural produce including animal feed ingredients required by our pig and poultry farms, as well as stabilising prices of meats in Singapore.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what steps are being taken to expedite the resettlement of pig farmers from Kranji to Punggol so that the water in Kranji reservoir can be fit for human consumption without incurring too much expenditure for purification.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there were 2,926 farms within the Kranji Catchment area keeping a total of 217,000 pigs. 640 of these farms rear more than 100 pigs each, giving a total number of 178,045 pigs or 82% of the total pig population in Kranji. Farms with more than 100 pigs each were given the option to be resettled in Punggol while the smaller farms were required to phase out pig-rearing and to convert into other non-pollutive forms of farming. Since July, 1975, 114 of the larger farms have been resettled in Punggol. A recent count showed that the pig population in Kranji has been reduced by almost 50% to 111,000. Another 15 farms will be resettled in Punggol during the next few months while the remaining farms have been given six months' grace period from April 1977 to dispose of all their pigs in their farms and cease pig-rearing altogether.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many applications have been received from pig farmers to move into Jalan Kayu; and (b) what steps are being taken to ensure that the developing of large scale pig rearing in Jalan Kayu and Punggol will not have an undesirable effect on the environment at nearby residential estates.

Mr Speaker, Sir, a total of 209 pig farms have been allotted land at the Punggol and Jalan Kayu areas. Of these, 137 farms were allotted land under Phase I of the development scheme in Punggol while 72 of these will be resettled under Phase II of the programme at Jalan Kayu. It is estimated that the land at Jalan Kayu will accommodate another 20 odd farms in addition to the 31 farms which have been allowed to remain in the area. The lands at Jalan Kayu and Punggol are zoned for agricultural use. Prior to their development for intensive pig farming, there were altogether 211 farms and 1700 rural squatters. The farms which are being resettled in the area are the larger and more efficient farms which are better managed with modern husbandry practices and improved sanitation. They are required to provide proper waste management facilities on the farms which will control waste discharge. In addition to the 50,000 metres network of internal drainage, the Sungei Tongkang Pechah at Jalan Kayu is currently being improved at a cost of $1.1 million for effective discharge of farm waste from the area. Where appropriate, buffer zones will also be created to screen off the pig farms from the nearby residential area.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether his Ministry will be taking measures to stimulate the building construction industry in the private sector which is declining.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the general world economic condition is largely responsible for the decline in private sector construction activity. Demand for more residential and commercial facilities can only increase through renewed business confidence and economic growth. Therefore, so long as there is doubt about the world economic recovery, it would be difficult to stimulate private sector construction to pre-recession levels. Nevertheless, my Ministry is continuing to encourage and assist private developers. There will be further sale of sites by the Urban Redevelopment Authority for commercial, residential, hotel and industrial developments. Processing of plans submitted by developers have been streamlined to reduce delays. Developers can now submit an outline application and obtain quick in- principle approval.

Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Hon. Minister of State intend to introduce incentive schemes to ensure that private developers are encouraged to increase development in their sector? The second supplementary question is: does the Hon. Minister of State realise that we are losing many skilled guest workers? Unless steps are taken to get private developers to increase their activities, such loss would be detrimental to Singapore.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in the earlier stages of encouraging construction activity, the Ministry of National Development has given certain forms of incentives, such as property tax concessions and so on. But the very fact that the hon. Member has asked about the construction industry being in its doldrums at this moment must have indicated to him that there are offices, residential properties and commercial facilities left vacant. Hence, the private developers will know when to come into the market and whether it is time to go into additional activities. As far as we are concerned, if the Member is talking of incentives of a financial nature, such as concessions on property tax, income tax, and so on, then I suppose this matter can be referred to the Ministry of Finance for consideration. Attempts have been made by my Ministry to grant some form of incentives but this has been turned down by the Ministry of Finance. The hon. Member is probably aware that in this House some hon. Members have asked if CPF contributions could be used for the purchase of private residential properties and this has been turned down by the Ministry of Finance. I am not so sure what other forms of incentives that the Member has in mind, but if he has any idea of what these can be, we will be very happy to receive his suggestions and convey them to the relevant Ministry to see whether they can be agreed to. As to his second question on the losing of skilled manpower, particularly in the construction industry, the hon. Member is aware that, as far as the public sector is concerned, i.e. the HDB and HUDC, there is rio slack in the building construction activity. In fact, this could be an opportunity to improve the quality of the finishes of the HDB flats because skilled labourers are still in great demand in the public sector.

Sir, a further supplementary question. Is the Hon. Minister of State then willing to employ these very skilled workers who have lost their jobs in the private sector, and to consider upgrading the quality of HDB flats, because there have been a lot of complaints about their poor quality?

Sir, I have mentioned that there is a lot of construction activity in the public sector. For example, the Airport development is another area of intensive construction activity and there are other public sector projects. Here, it is a matter of demand and supply. For example, if a skilled worker in the private sector is so spoilt as to demand very high wages for a particular type of building construction work, then I think it would be unrealistic if he expects to get the same rate of wages in a public sector project. What I am trying to assure the hon. Member is that as far as skilled manpower is concerned, the demand is there.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) whether the work on the construction of the rural centre at Lorong Mekola in Jalan Kayu constituency has commenced; (b) how many units of flats will there be; and (c) if he will give an assurance that no shophouses will be constructed at the centre in view of the fact that there is already an excess of shophouses at nearby Jalan Kayu and the shopping centre at Seletar Road.

Mr Speaker, Sir, work on the construction of the rural centre at Lorong Mekola in the Jalan Kayu Constituency will commence in mid-June, 1977. A total of 282 units of flats will be built. The Centre will have two eating houses and eight shops which will cater for the trades related to farming activities.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether, in view of the fact that many shops have closed down on account of poor business at Jalan Kayu, he will direct the relevant departments concerned to be rather more flexible in considering applications for change of use.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Development Control Division has given approval to quite a number of applications for change of use in the Jalan Kayu area in recent years. The hon. Member can be assured that applications for change of use of shops in Jalan Kayu will be favourably considered if they can fit in with the Master Plan zoning and other planning considerations, e.g. scale and nature of the use, compatibility of the use within the building block or the surrounding area.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider introducing legislation to amend section 41(l) of the Housing and Development Act to allow citizens to purchase Housing and Development Board flats immediately after the disposal of their own dwelling-house due to financial difficulties.

Mr Speaker, Sir, under current policy owners of private properties are not eligible to buy HDB flats. Those who wish to do so must dispose of their private properties and can only submit an application 30 months after such disposal. Public housing is subsidised and is meant for people who do not own property. The hon. Member's suggestion is not equitable as it would allow the property owner to take advantage of subsidised housing for his personal gain. However, there is a provision under section 41(7) of the Housing and Development Act which empowers the Board to grant exemption from section 41 to deserving cases on grounds of hardship. There is, therefore, no need to introduce amending legislation.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he is aware that notice of a 100 per cent increase in rent has been served on a private limited company in a Housing and Development Board estate because of an increase in the number of shareholders in that company, and what is the rationale behind the increase.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the shop referred to by the hon. Member was originally let out 4 1/2 years ago in October 1972. Recently, it was discovered that the tenant formed a private limited company with many shareholders. This constitutes an assignment of the tenancy. In accordance with the Board's policy, such assignment can be allowed subject to increase in the rental to the prevailing market level. Such increase is normal practice in transactions such as this. Obviously the 'old' rental is no longer applicable and the prevailing market rental must apply to the changed tenancy. The proposed new rental is based on recent letting of similar shops in the vicinity and is considered reasonable.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to know whether or not this assignment constitutes an infringement.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I really do not know whether or not it is legal. But where there is a tenancy agreement, it must be an agreement made between the parties concerned and, in this case, the HDB and the tenant in question, whoever it may be. But there is also provision in the agreement to say that should there be a change in the tenancy, the Board has the right to review the rental that is being charged. So if the Member wants a definite answer whether or not this is legal, I can check the document and find out. But this is the Board's practice and I am sure this is made known to most of the people who rent HDB shops.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I want to know the meaning of the word "assignment." Does it mean a change of tenant in the tenancy agreement, or does it mean that a private limited company is not allowed to use its business name? What does it mean? I would like to know, because the word "assignment" is very vague.

Mr Speaker, Sir, to satisfy the hon. Member with a good answer, I suggest that he let me go back and check so that I can give him a correct interpretation of what the word "assignment" means.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he is aware that owners of Housing and Development Board flats have no right at all to renovate even the windows of their premises, and what is the justification for the interference.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that the Board does not allow alterations which affect the external appearance of the building. The Board has to do this to control the general appearance of the building so that the visual environment of our housing estates, supplemented by other landscaping efforts, will be as pleasant and tidy as possible. Among the controls exercised are those on signboards and positioning of window air-conditioned units. The Board also has to ensure that alterations or additions carried out by flat owners do not cause any structural damage to the buildings. Such controls should not be interpreted as interference. Window design is an integrated part of the building design. If left to individuals, each person will have a distinctive preference for window types and designs. This will result in irregularity and untidiness of the building as a whole and will mar its external appearance.

Mr Speaker, Sir, if the alteration does not mar the aesthetic appearance of the building, will the Housing Board agree or disagree to it?

Mr Speaker, Sir, if it does not mar the external appearance, then it will agree.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend subsection (1) of section 48A of the Housing and Development Act to allow an owner or lessee of a Housing and Development Board flat to purchase a commercial property solely for conducting his/her own business without having to surrender his/her HDB flat, provided that the value of such commercial property does not exceed a certain sum to be fixed by the Board.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the question of allowing owners or lessees of HDB flats to purchase commercial property for conducting their own businesses without having to surrender their HDB flats, is presently being considered by my Ministry. A decision will be made after carefully examining all the factors and implications.

Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Senior Minister give an indication as to when a decision will be made?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am highly honoured to be called "Senior Minister". Let me correct the Member. I am just a Senior Minister of State. However, I have been told that the HDB will be submitting a paper but, like all Government machinery, perhaps it will take a few months.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) whether the Housing and Development Board allows tenants/owners to use their HDB flats as offices to conduct business and, if so, how many flats are being used for business purposes and what are the terms; and (b) if the HDB allows its flats to be used for business purposes, whether the Building Control Division will allow private houses to be used as offices for business and other purposes.

Mr Speaker, Sir, tenants/owners of HDB flats are not allowed to use their flats for conducting business as the flats are solely designed and intended for residential use. The question as to whether private houses will be allowed to be used as offices for business and other purposes depends on the following factors: -

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether and what steps have been taken for the improvement of the existing tender system for Housing and Development Board shop premises and when the improved system will be implemented.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member is extremely persistent. The question of the existing tender system for HDB shop premises was raised by the hon. Member at the last Parliamentary Session. My reply then was and is still the same - that the present tender system provides a means for gauging the market rental of shophouses in the locality as well as attracting only shops which have sound management and can cater to the needs of the area. It should also be noted that the majority of shopkeepers are operating successfully in HDB estates under the present system.

( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, on 22nd March this year the Minister of State said that he would improve the tender system. But after four months, there still seems to have been no improvement.

Mr Speaker, Sir, if I remember correctly, in my reply to the hon. Member at the last Parliamentary Session I did say that we were monitoring the situation. We are still monitoring it and we are quite happy with the present system.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of his recent announcement that the Housing and Development Board will allocate flats to parents and their grown-up children in as close proximity as possible, whether the Board will, as an additional inducement, consider allowing two such families -

Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not advisable to allow the tenants to partition off a part of the common corridor as this would make the exterior of the building look irregular and unsightly and may in some instances affect the structure of the building. The Ministry may agree to allow a doorway to be built in the walls between the two flats provided that the structure of the building is not affected, and subject to the condition that the families undertake to rectify the alterations when they vacate or sell their flats.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the Singapore Bus Service will introduce more services to ply between Upper Changi Road and Bedok New Town Neighbourhood II and III where two new markets will be ready shortly to house the licensed street hawkers resettled from Changi Constituency so as to enable the residents of Changi to travel conveniently for their marketing.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there are at present two SBS services, namely, Service 1 and Service 2 connecting Upper Changi and Bedok New Town. These two services have a combined frequency of 22 buses per hour during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Residents of Changi can easily take either one of these services to New Upper Changi Road in Bedok New Town. The market in Neighbourhood II is within convenient walking distance from this road. A new feeder bus service will be introduced to serve Neighbourhood III of Bedok New Town as soon as the roads are ready. Changi residents will then be able to reach the new market in this neighbourhood with one convenient bus transfer. In view of this. the SBS does not intend to introduce more services to ply between Upper Changi Road and Bedok New Town Neighbourhoods II and III.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) what measures have been taken so far by the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore to provide telephone facilities for the residents of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong; and (b) when the telephone facilities will be made available for public and private use.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore plans to install two public telephones in Pulau Tekong, one at the police station and the other at the community centre by September this year when the radio equipment are delivered. These telephones will supplement the three existing coinafons available in the Mindef camps. At the same time, a public telephone will also be installed in Pulau Ubin. Sir, owing to the very low demand for services, radio telephones have been used to extend telephone service to the off-shore islands. The cost is high because of the high unit cost of radio telephones. The TAS will absorb the high cost of installation of public telephone and will maintain the charge at 10 cents per call. Those who require a private telephone may rent radio telephones at a rental of $1,900 per year to meet the high cost of this equipment in addition to the standard rental.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether, in view of the immense public interest in football in the Republic, there are plans to extend the seating capacity of the National Stadium; and (b) whether the development plans for Phase II of the National Stadium Complex have either been postponed or abandoned.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans to expand the seating capacity of the National Stadium. The present structure can accommodate 60,000 people. The development plans for Phase II of the National Stadium Complex have been abandoned.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs why the Singapore Badminton Hall, unlike other sports facilities in Singapore, is not under the management of the Singapore Sports Council.

Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1958, the Land Office has been administering the Singapore Badminton Hall on trust for the Singapore Badminton Association. The Ministry of Social Affairs had been looking into the possibility of the Singapore Sports Council taking over the Singapore Badminton Hall. Agreement has already been reached between the Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore Badminton Association, and it is expected that the Singapore Sports Council will take over the management of the Singapore Badminton Hall by 1978.

( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to know, when the Singapore Sports Council takes over the management of the Badminton Hall, whether the Minister has any plans to expand the Hall. Or will he look for another site, also in Mountbatten Constituency, to build a bigger badminton hall?

Sir, the Member's suggestion will be looked into.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs, in view of the large number of high-rise office complexes in Singapore, what steps have been taken by the Singapore Fire Brigade to adequately equip itself and to train its personnel to fight fire in such buildings.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Fire Brigade is fully aware of the dangers of high-rise fires. The prevention of such fires depends on the built-in facilities in high-rise buildings such as automatic sprinklers, fire detectors, wet and dry rising mains, protected staircases for escape purposes, ventilated lobbies and fire lifts for use by firemen in emergencies, hose reels and extinguishers and the use of non- combustible building materials to control spread of fire. Although the fire regulatory functions have been transferred to the Building Control Division since 1st August 1973, the high standards of fire prevention advocated by the Brigade have been maintained through the Fire Precautionary Code which was prepared by the Building Control Division in consultation with the Singapore Fire Brigade. We can, therefore, rest assured that all the high-rise office and commercial complexes in Singapore are adequately equipped with in- built fire protection facilities. The provision of such facilities is very important to the Fire Brigade because high-rise fires must be fought from within the building using such facilities. It would not be feasible to fight a high-rise fire by conventional methods as our high-rise buildings tower beyond the height of the tallest fire service ladders. Firemen of all ranks are now given specialised training for fighting high-rise fires. Regular fire drills are held in high-rise buildings to familiarise them with the structural layout of the building and the in-built fire protection facilities. A Search and Rescue Squad was formed in February 1975 to conduct search and rescue in high-rise buildings. The Squad consists of 50 officers who were handpicked to undergo rigorous training in various methods of fighting fires in high-rise buildings. Studies have been made in co-operation with Mindef Air Staff on the possibility of using helicopters for rooftop aerial evacuations. The Alouette helicopter is of limited use for this purpose. There are also technical difficulties in rooftop landings. Further studies are being made whether the larger Bell search-and-rescue helicopter of the RSAF would be a more suitable aircraft. In a high-rise fire, it would be safer to descend through the protected staircases rather than ascend to the rooftop where heat and smoke, or other conditions might make it impossible for rescue to be effected. In order to improve their fire prevention efforts in high-rise buildings, the Brigade set up a High-rise Unit on 28th October 1976. The objectives of the Unit are as follows:-

asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether the Sri Rama temple which has been existing for more than 31 years in Changi Village will be allowed to remain on the present site in view of its significant importance of being the only one of its kind in Singapore as well as in the whole of South East Asia; and (b) if so, whether permission will be given for the rebuilding of the temple on the same site.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the site of the Sri Rama Temple is affected by the Changi Village Re-development Project, and according to the development plans of the Housing and Development Board, this temple was to be demolished in early 1976. Under the comprehensive re-development plans for the area, both sides of the Changi Road will be developed and a PWD Extension of Kuala Loyang Road Scheme will affect the temple site. My Ministry officials met the Sri Rama Management Committee and the Hindu Advisory Board on a number of occasions on this matter. Originally, the proposal was to remove the temple to a disused Tamil school at Wing Loong Road. However, this proposal does not seem to be feasible because the school site will be affected by a JTC Changi Industrial Estate Project in 1980. The Hindu Advisory Board will liaise with the Sri Rama Temple Committee to remove the idols to another Hindu temple. If necessary, the Joint Hindu Temple Management Committee, set up under the Chairmanship of the hon. Member for Anson, Mr P. Govindaswamy, will consider the need to build a Hindu temple in Bedok New Town to house the idols of the Sri Rama Temple and a few other Hindu temples affected by development.

asked the Minister for Law and the Environment when resettlement will take place at Lot No. 26-2 Mukim XXII in the district of Seranggong.

Sir, the lot referred to by the hon. Member is vacant so that no resettlement will take place. Perhaps the Member has mistaken this lot with another lot in the vicinity. These two lots, Lot 26, Part 2, referred to by the Member, and Lot 24, Part 2, of Mukim XXII, with a total area of about 43 acres were gazetted for compulsory acquisition on the 7th April this year for middle income and public housing development. As I have stated earlier, Lot 26, Part 2, about 6 1/2 acres in area is vacant. But Lot 24, Part 2, about 36 1/2 acres in area is encumbered with six temporary structures at the South-west portion thereof. Resettlement in accordance with the current policy will be carried out after formal possession of the land is taken in a few months' time probably around July.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education in the normal circumstances how promptly he replies to letters addressed to him by the general public including Members of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, Sir, to answer the question adequately it would be necessary first to study the time lag between the receipt of each query and the despatch of the relevant reply. This is a simple though time- consuming task because quite a number of letters are received every day. However, it would almost be impossible for me to identify which query was dealt with under normal circumstances and which was not, because normal circumstances defy a workable definition. The time taken to reply to a query depends very much on the nature of the query. For example, routine enquiries regarding the arrest of particular individuals should normally not take more than a week. Enquiries about the likely time of release of detainees would take a little longer as more checking is involved. However, enquiries in which there are serious allegations of abuse of power, assault or even death resulting from assault, will take even longer because to be fait to all parties concerned the allegations must be thoroughly investigated before a reply is given. All officers in my Ministry have been given instructions to attend promptly to queries from Members of Parliament and the public. Generally, they should not take more than two weeks to give a reply unless it is a case requiring further investigation.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in the Minister's experience, if a complaint of assault is made to him, how long will he take to reply?

Sir, I have already answered that question. It all depends on the nature of the complaint and how serious was the assault. If the assault results in serious injury or death, of course, it will take a longer time because we have got to be fair to all parties concerned. I do not believe in giving a reply unless a proper and thorough investigation has been carried out.

Sir, I am not satisfied with the answer. The Minister said. "it will take a longer time." I want to know how long is "longer time."

Sir, it will depend on the nature of the case.

One month, two months?

It could be three weeks. It could be four weeks. It could be one month or more. 3.30 p.m.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will review the working of the Misuse of Drugs Act (No. 5 of 1973) as the recent amendments of the said Act have in practice been found to be more punitive than preventive.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Kuo Chuan has not stated clearly whether he refers to drug traffickers or drug addicts when he alleged in his question that the 1975 amendments of the Misuse of Drugs Act have in practice been found to be more punitive than preventive. Members will recall that when I moved the Bill to amend the Act on 20th November, 1975, in this House, I said that unless drug trafficking and drug addiction were checked, they would threaten our national security and viability. To do this, both punitive and preventive measures must be taken. The Act was thus amended to provide enhanced penalties for traffickers, including mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking and manufacturing, and to give the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau power to send persons whose urine specimen contained controlled drug to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and rehabilitation. I do not think the hon. Member for Kuo Chuan is referring to illicit drug manufacturers and traffickers because they deserve to be punished. Indeed they must be punished so severely as not only to deter them from persisting in their evil activities but also others from joining in. On the other hand, if the hon. Member is referring to drug addicts, the measures which have been taken so far can in no way be considered more punitive than preventive. Sending drug addicts to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres is a preventive move in more ways than one. First, the demand for drugs will be reduced. Second, the addicts, whilst undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in the Centres, are prevented from getting others into drug taking and aggravating the problem. Third, the addicts if not assisted to get rid of their drug habit in a drug-free environment and through a proper course of rehabilitation including compulsory aftercare, will never do so successfully on their own. Drug addicts are rehabilitated in the Drug Rehabilitation Centres through a phased programme. Initially, through 'cold turkey' treatment, the addicts rid their bodies of the toxic drugs. After a short period of rest they are put through exercises to tone up their bodies and make them mentally more alert. Then they are taught discipline, particularly work discipline, so that they can carry on normal working life when they leave. Upon their discharge, they are put on compulsory aftercare for two years to prevent them from re-establishing contact with undesirables and relapsing into the drug habit. They are given constant counselling by probation and aftercare officers and periodic urine samples are taken from them for analysis to discourage them from resuming their drug habit. Operation Ferret which commenced on 1st April this year has for the first 56 days, that is up to 6.00 a.m. this morning, resulted in 1,531 drug addicts and abusers being sent to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres. As Operation Ferret progresses, more will be sent for rehabilitation. The number of persons with positive urine tests arrested in Operation Ferret reveal that we are facing a very serious drug problem which is rapidly deteriorating. It also proves that treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts and abusers on a voluntary basis is ineffective. If the drug problem is not to get out of control, the measures to deal with it must not only be effective and flexible but also swift. The Misuse of Drugs Act will be further amended to strengthen its provisions. There are no soft options in solving the problem.

Sir, let me confine myself to drug traffickers. Could the Minister confirm that despite the punitive provisions of the present law, the number of drug traffickers are, in fact, on the increase?

Sir, this is not a simple problem. It is a complex problem. It is a question of supply and demand. If we want to solve the problem, we must not only tackle the demand side but also the supply side. With heavy penalties and strict enforcement, we are able to contain the trafficking to some extent. But at the same time if the demand for drugs increases, it means that more and more drug addicts get into the scene. Then, of course, trafficking will also increase, as there is money to be made. Therefore, it is not possible to quanti!v, in answer to the Member for Kuo Chuan, whether as a result of these punitive measures on drug traffickers, including introducing the death penalty, that drug trafficking has decreased. I can safely say that if we had not introduced these strict penalties and had not enforced the Act strictly, the situation would be very much worse than it is today.

asked the Minister for Finance whether and when he intends to consolidate the various NWC increases into the basic salaries.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in the recent Budget debate, I replied to a similar question raised by the Honourable Member for Moulmein. As I said then, the consolidation of NWC allowances into basic salaries is a major exercise and requires careful consideration. While some preliminary preparation has been made for such consolidation, we are not yet ready for this consolidation. When we are ready, instructions will be issued to Ministries and Departments at the appropriate time.

To ask the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that when land prices were continually increasing prior to September 1973 the Comptroller of Property Tax continually increased the annual value of properties and whether, now that and prices have fallen, the Comptroller of Property Tax will correspondingly lower the annual value of properties.

Mr Ng Kah Ting.

Mr Speaker, Sir, Question No. 29.

Sir, the annual value of a property is the gross amount at which the property can reasonably be expected to be let from year to year. In the case of vacant land, the annual value is based on 5% of the market value of the land. Thus, the annual values reflect market conditions. The Property Tax Department does from time to time review the annual values of properties and where warranted, reassessments have been made. In addition, property owners can raise objections at the time of reassessment or when the valuation list for the ensuing year is open for public inspection annually in August.

asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether the current Central Provident Fund rate of contribution of 15 per cent is the ultimate limit; if not, whether it is intended to increase the rate of contribution yet further; and (b) whether he will consider increasing the Income Tax reliefs relating to CPF and Life Assurance payments from its present limit of $4,000.

Sir, my colleague, the Minister for Labour has prescribed in the Schedule to the Central Provident Fund Act (Chapter 121) certain rates of contribution payable in respect of certain types of wages. The Act does not impose an ultimate limit of 15% nor is such limit imposed by economic or other circumstances. What rate is appropriate at any given time must depend on all the circumstances, including the state of the economy, at that time. If any variation in the rate is deemed justifiable or appropriate by me or other colleagues of the Minister for Labour, I have no doubt that he will give consideration to the arguments for such variation. With regard to the second part of the question, I have already, in the Budget Debate, answered it in the negative. It may well be that CPF contributions take up most of the $4,000 but this applies only to a small minority of taxpayers who are in the higher income group. Those who, as a result of the operation of this limit, are denied full tax relief on life insurance-premia are taxpayers who earn in excess of $24,000 a year, as their CPF contributions alone would be $3,600 a year. They, however, form only 10% or about 20,000 of the taxpaying population. The remaining 90% can still enjoy tax relief in varying degree should they take up life insurance policies. For many of them, the combined CPF contributions and life insurance premia are not likely to pierce the $4,000 ceiling. The maximum deduction of $4,000 which was first allowed in 1948 was grossly over- generous at that time as evidenced by the mere handful of taxpayers who took advantage of the allowance. Since 1968, contributions to the CPF have been raised progressively with the result that more and more taxpayers are now claiming deductions and the ceiling of $4,000 is still considered to be sufficient for income tax relief. This ceiling of $4,000 is by far the highest among ASEAN countries. Even in a developed country like Australia, the maximum tax relief given for superannuation contributions and life insurance premia is equivalent to $3,700.

asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the heavy increases in road tax and Additional Registration Fees, the revenue earned will be used for better maintenance of existing roads and construction of more new and efficient roads and road transport systems.

Sir, the Member for Kampong Kembangan should be aware of the general policy that all Government revenues are paid into the Consolidated Fund, and that drawings from such Fund are then made for all Government expenditures. This means also that no particular revenue or portion of the Consolidated Fund is earmarked for specific expenditures. The answer to the Member's question, therefore, is in the negative. I am not conscious, however, of any lack of attention by the Public Works Department to the efficient maintenance of existing roads and the construction of more new and efficient roads and road transport systems. All requests for financing such works have been and will be given due consideration.

To ask the Minister for Finance whether he will mark out the north-east coastal area of Punggol into an industrial zone for economic development purposes, and, if so, whether he has any plans to set up industries in that area.

Mr Ng Kah Ting.

Question No. 32, Sir.

Sir, the Punggol ares is at present largely zoned for agriculture. It has, therefore, been earmarked for agricultural development in the long term, being in a non-water catchment area, and one of the very few areas in Singapore suitable for pig farming. There are no plans for industrial development in the area. However, industrial lands have been provided in nearby areas such as Loyang and Tampines. Industrial lands are also being set aside in all HDB New Towns.

3.45 p.m.

"to amend the Singapore Red Cross Society (incorporation) Act, 1973 (No. 16 of 1973)", presented by the Minister for Health (Dr Toh Chin Chye); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

"to amend the National Maritime Board Act, 1972 (No. 21 of 1972) and to make consequential amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 172 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for National Development and Communications (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 amend the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, 1974 (No. 12 of 1974)", presented by the Minister for Culture and Science and Technology (Mr Jek Yeun Thong): read the First time: to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the Pawnbrokers Act (Chapter 222 of the Revised Edition)", 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 the Income Tax Act (Chapter 141 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (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 Parliamentary Pensions Act (Chapter 51 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.

Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr E.W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Twelve minutes to Four o'clock p.m. to a date to be fixed.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications to ascertain from the Housing and Development Board whether flatted factories will be built in the vicinity of Punggol Estate, and if so, when plans will be implemented and what are the types of industries proposed.

Currently, there are no plans for industrial development in the vicinity of the Punggol Estate within the Punggol Constituency. However, in the nearby Teck Hock Estate, the development of an industrial estate is being planned. The types of industries which will be accommodated in this industrial estate include sauce factory, workshops for repairing tractors and heavy machinery and manufacture of wooden boxes.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether and when an overhead pedestrian crossing will be constructed across Tampines Way which is a dual carriage-way between Blocks 1 and 19.

Tampines Way is a newly completed 3-lane dual carriageway linking Tampines Road and Upper Serangoon Road. Investigations have shown that traffic volume along this road is very light and the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge is at present not justified. However, my Ministry will consider puffing up a zebra crossing at an appropriate site.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what action is being planned to ease traffic congestion at Woodsville where six major roads meet, viz. Upper Serangoon Road, Jalan Kolam Ayer, Serangoon Road, MacPherson Road, Jalan Toa Payoh and Bendemeer Road, causing unnecessary hardship and danger for the people of Potong Pasir, especially those living in Sennett Estate, Jalan Potong Pasir, Lorong Ahadiat and Meyappa Chettiar Road.

There are plans to upgrade Paya Lebar Way, Jalan Kolam Ayer and Jalan Toa Payoh to expressway standards to form part of the Pan-Island Expressway. For the major road intersection at Woodsville, a flyover is planned to link Jalan Kolam Ayer with Jalan Toa Payoh for non-stop traffic across the intersection. Improvements to the ground system are also included in the plans for Woodsville.

The proposals will commence as soon as approval for fund is obtained from the Ministry of Finance. When completed, the proposals will relieve traffic congestion and reduce hazard to pedestrians at Woodsville.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications when Singapore Bus Service buses will make use of Tampines Way for the convenience of the residents of Punggol Estate.

SBS will introduce a new double decker bus Service No. 86 to operate between Punggol Estate and Shenton Way, some time in June 1977. Seven double decker buses will operate this Service which will terminate at Tampines Way.

asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether and when a hawker centre will be built near the Punggol Estate.

The Ministry of the Environment has no immediate plans to build a hawker centre near the Punggol Estate because the Estate is served by a market-cum-food centre and the area is not densely populated. However, I understand that the Housing and Development Board may consider building a new hawker centre in its plans for expansion of the Punggol Estate.