Hansard, 1978-01-31

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 Ho Cheng Choon (Geylang East), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development - from 20th to 22nd November, and from 5th to 23rd December, 1977. Dr Tan Eng Liang (River Valley), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development - on 21st and 22nd November, and from 3rd to 12th December, 1977. Mr Chor Yeok Eng (Bukit Timah), Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment - from 21st November to 7th December, 1977. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin (Bedok) - from 22nd to 24th November, and from 2nd to 12th December, 1977. Dr Chiang Hai Ding (Ulu Pandan) - from 22nd November to 5th December, 1977. Mr Chua Sian Chin (MacPherson), Minister for Home Affairs and Education - from 22nd November to 10th December, 1977. Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang) - from 28th November to 5th December, and from 15th to 21st December, 1977. Mr Chai Chong Yii (Bukit Batok), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education - from 7th to 10th December, 1977, and from 25th to 30th January, 1978. Mr Ong Pang Boon (Telok Ayer), Minister for Labour - from 7th to 18th December, 1977. Mr Fong Sip Chee (Kampong Chai Chee), Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour - from 8th to 2 1st December, 1977. Mr Lee Yiok Seng (Bukit Panjang) - from 8th to 24th December, 1977, and from 4th to 8th February, 1978. Mr Ngeow Pack Hua (Boon Lay) - from 11th to 18th December, 1977. Mr S. Dhanabalan (Kallang) - on 13th December, 1977. Mr Ahmad Haleem (Telok Blangah) - from 19th to 26th December, 1977. Mr S. Rajaratnam (Kampong Glam), Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 15th to 17th December, from 27th to 29th December, 1977, from 3rd to 6th February, and from 10th to 17th February, 1978. Mr Hon Sui Sen (Havelock), Minister for Finance - from 15th to 17th December, 1977. Mr Lai Tha Chai (Henderson) - from 19th December, 1977 to 3rd January, 1978. Mr P. Selvadurai (Kuo Chuan) - from 19th December, 1977 to 7th January, 1978. Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra) - from 20th to 22nd December, 1977. Mr Lee Khoon Choy (Braddell Heights), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - from 23rd to 27th December, 1977. Mr Chin Harn Tong (Aljunied) - from 27th to 31st December, 1977. Mr Teo Chong Tee (Changi) - from 28th to 30th December, 1977. Mr Jek Yeun Thong (Queenstown), Minister - from 1st January to 30th June, 1978. Haji Ya'acob bin Mohamed (Kampong Ubi), Minister of State - from 1st January to 30th June, 1978. Mr J.F. Conceicao (Katong) - from 1st January to 30th June, 1978. Encik Othman bin Wok (Pasir Panjang), Minister - from 1st January to 31st December, 1978. Dr Goh Keng Swee (Kreta Ayer), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence - from 7th to 10th January, and from 29th January to 2nd February, 1978. Mr Bernard Chen (Radin Mas), Minister of State, Ministry of Defence - from 12th to 31st January, 1978. Mr Lim Chee Onn (Bukit Merah) - from 12th January to 1st February, 1978. Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture - from 23rd to 29th January, 1978. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the date stated:- 24th November 1977 (i) Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill; (ii) Professional Engineers (Amendment) Bill; (iii) Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill; (iv) Immigration (Amendment) Bill; and (v) Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many medical officers resigned from the Civil Service in 1977; (b) how many medical officers were attached to the various hospitals as at 30th November, 1977, and whether the number of medical officers in each hospital was sufficient to cope with the workload; and (c) what are the average working hours per week and the number of off days per month for medical officers and housemen, and, if it is not possible for them to work within the required working hours and take their off days weekly, whether he will consider making an alternative arrangement.

Mr P. Govindaswamy.

Mr Speaker, Sir, Question No. 1.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have distributed to Members of the House figures (Cols. 299 - 300) to Question 1(a) and 1(b). I will therefore not repeat them here. figures - APPENDIX TO ORAL ANSWER TO QUESTION NO. 1(Cols. 203-205) In answer to Question 1(c), I would like to explain that the hours of work of doctors vary according to the posting. Normally doctors who are working in Outpatient Departments, for example, work office hours and they have a normal week of 42 hours. Those in the hospitals, besides their normal week of 42 hours, are required to perform night duties. If they have a night duty once a week, it will add 15 1/2 hours to the normal 42 hours quota, and if they do have two night-duty performances in a week, it will work out to about 72 hours in a normal week. In the Accidents and Emergency Department the doctors work on shifts and, therefore, they have a 42-hour week but they are given time off for night duties. The problem is a very vexing one because night duties are not necessarily applicable to all doctors working in hospitals. In our system we find that housemen and medical officers are asked to perform night duties. This means that they must be within the hospital precincts. Senior doctors, however, are on call which means that they can go home, attend to their family life or attend to their social life, but they have a bleeper and, if necessary, they can be called to the hospital. Sir, I am in sympathy with those who have to perform as many as two night duties in a week, especially those who are in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. As Members of the House are aware, babies do not tell doctors what time they are supposed to come out into the world. We therefore find that most doctors posted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, including the Registrars and Senior Registrars, have a higher mean rate of weekly hours. They range from 68 hours for Registrars and Senior Registrars, 55 hours for Consultants, 78 and 79 hours for medical officers and housemen respectively. The problem, of course, really depends upon manpower. If there are more doctors available who can be rostered for night duty, then the number of hours per week worked by each doctor can be reduced. However, I must point out the distinction between hours of work and productivity. During the night, patients do not require much attention as most of them have been treated and attended to during the day. So during the night it is necessary to have only a small number of doctors for emergency calls. That is why they are asked to be within the hospital precincts. In the case of housemen, it has been a tradition that to be on night duty is part of their training. While we can permutate the roster, I am afraid that as of this moment it is not possible to reduce the number of night duties which are already allocated because of the existing staff position. If doctors are unable to perform night duty on a particular day, arrangements can be made for them to have substitutes. I think that is not a problem at all. However, I do hope to make an in-depth study into this problem, and I do admit that it is an unsatisfactory position. In New Zealand medical doctors of all grades are on call and this means that they must be within the precincts of the hospital. It is only the Consultants who are allowed to stay away from the hospital. That would be an excellent pattern for us to follow. So we will have to take some time to work out a re-arrangement of the night duty roster, and if we can have more manpower pitching in, I think the burden will be less both for the medical officers and housemen.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any further development in our relations with the Vietnamese Government since the hijacking incident in October 1977.

Mr Speaker, Sir, relations between Singapore and Vietnam had developed normally, prior to the hijacking incident in October 1977. As Members will recollect, the Vietnamese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Phan Hien, came to Singapore in July 1976. A delegation from the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce visited Vietnam in April 1977, and this was followed by an economic delegation organised by INTRACO in August. So things were developing smoothly until the hijacking incident which created differences between Singapore and Vietnam. Of course, we have our respective views on the question of jurisdiction over the hijackers. We, that is, Singapore, still hold to our views and I presume the Vietnamese to theirs. The hijackers have been tried and sentenced. As of now, I think relations between Singapore and Vietnam are normal. Direct telephone and telex services between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, broken off since April 1975, were resumed on 1st December, 1977. The office of the Import and Export Corporation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Singapore has continued with its routine activities. Our diplomatic representatives in Third World countries maintain regular contact with each other. I expect relations between the two countries to develop along constructive lines in the coming months.

asked the Minister for Labour whether, in view of the fact that many small businesses are not prepared to consider employing permanent residents as they want to avoid the trouble of applying for work permits for such persons, he will consider changing the procedure to allow permanent residents to apply directly for work permits without sponsors or employers being involved, and issue work permits on such applications thus enabling permanent residents to find employment more easily.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to inform the hon. Member that permanent residents should have no difficulty in obtaining work permits, as it has been the policy to issue work permits to these persons most liberally. The work permits issued are for two years. The present procedure of applying for work permits is simple and is not troublesome for an employer as it only involves the employer at the initial stage of the application by having to complete one part of the application form. The application is processed promptly by the Work Permit Department and the employer, together with the applicant, will normally be informed of the outcome of the application within a week from the date of receipt of the application. Work permits for permanent residents are granted easily. The system gives the Government useful data on the work characteristics of non-citizen workers, including permanent residents. It is useful to continue with the present practice.

asked the Minister for Labour whether his Ministry will give favourable consideration to applications for work permits in respect of persons whose spouse and children are Singapore citizens or are holders of the Singapore blue identity card.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Work Permit Scheme for foreign workers is designed to meet our manpower requirements in our effort to sustain continued economic development. Under the policy, applications for work permits from technicians and skilled workers are invariably approved. For those who have acceptable training qualifications or have been certified as skilled by the Industrial Training Board, they will be issued with a 3-year work permit. These 3-year work permit holders will be eligible for permanent residence if they have completed at least two years of employment in Singapore. They may eventually be granted citizenship after satisfying the 10-year residential qualification. Applications for work permits from unskilled or semi-skilled workers will also be given if they are for jobs which will further the economic development of the Republic. Thus, applications for jobs in manufacturing factories, shipbuilding and repairing and construction industries will be favourably considered. Our work permit policy must be based more on our industrial and manpower needs than on considerations of family ties of the applicant.

( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister of State consider withdrawing certain impractical conditions in connection with applications for work permit? One of the conditions is that any applicant, irrespective of whether or not approval is given, cannot apply for any permission to marry a Singapore citizen. I think it is not fair to impose such a condition.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think the Member's question is relevant. He is asking a question about marriage policy which has got nothing to do with work permits directly.

( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is quite relevant, in fact, a direct question because any applicant who wants to apply for permission to marry a citizen must first obtain a permit from the Ministry of Labour. There will then be an investigation as to whether the applicant has worked here for at least five years. If he has not worked for five years -

Order. If the Member wishes to pursue his question, he could ask his question at the next sitting.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what was the cause of the power failure on 17th January, 1978, and how long it took the authorities to restore the power supply.

Mr Speaker, Sir, at 9.34 a.m. on 17th January, 1978, a 120 megawatt generator at the Jurong Power Station developed vibration at one of its bearings, and its protective relays tripped it off the system. The resulting system instability caused another 120 megawatt generator, also at the Jurong Power Station, to trip out. The disconnection of these two generating units from the system activated the operation of system automatic under-frequency relays, cutting off power to Toa Payoh, Aljunied, Kallang Basin and Siglap areas. By 10.30 a.m. power had been restored to 50% of the affected areas, and by 11.34 a.m. the situation had returned to normal. For the information of Members, under frequency relays are protective devices installed in the system to automatically disconnect loads in pre-selected steps when there is a certain loss of generating capacity in the system. The use of under-frequency relays which has only been recently introduced is to prevent a larger area from being affected and also to reduce outage time.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Public Works Department will erect a bus shelter at the existing bus stop along the new Tanjong Katong Road extension as there are no premises nearby where commuters can wait in case of rain.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department will install a shelter at the bus stop along Tanjong Katong Road extension during the second quarter of 1978.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) why so many roads have deteriorated during the recent heavy rains and what are the causes of the deterioration; (b) whether he is satisfied that road surfacing is carried out with proper technique and under adequate supervision; (c) how much money has been spent on the recent road repairs: and (d) whether and what steps he intends to take to minimise damage to the roads during heavy rains in future.

Mr Speaker, Sir, damage to road pavements occur mainly in bus lanes, bus stops, intersections and tight bends. Observations indicate that oil spillage over a period softens and dissolves the asphalt in road pavements resulting in loss of its binding quality. With heavy rainfall, water easily penetrates the asphalt film surrounding the stone aggregate, stripping them from the road pavement thus aggravating the damage. In tight bends, the pavement surfaces are highly stressed by turning vehicles and tend to deteriorate faster than straight road sections. In all instances, heavy vehicles and high traffic volumes tend to hasten the deterioration of road pavements. The Public Works Department exercises rigid quality control over the materials used for road surfacing and also undertakes strict supervision of the laying of the premixed asphalt concrete. Samples of materials used at every site are taken and sent to the PWD's engineering laboratory for testing. Sub-standard materials are rejected. Financial penalties are imposed for minor departures from the qualities specified. During road resurfacing works, PWD officers maintain standing supervision to ensure that compaction is adequate and the hot mix asphalt concrete has cooled down sufficiently before the road is opened to traffic. Premature opening to traffic will result in some loosening of the surface materials and subsequent deterioration of the road surface. For the period April to October 1977, the average monthly expenditure on road patching was approximately $85,000. For November 1977, this rose to $113,000 and could be attributed to the heavy rainfall at that time. In 1976, the PWD reviewed the existing asphalt concrete mix design used and experimented with various mix designs with the aim of improving on the asphalt concrete mix that will be used for future road surfacing. Since the beginning of the current fiscal year, an improved mix has been in use. A stiffer grade of bitumen has also been specified. The PWD is in correspondence with various research and highway authorities in other countries, obtaining useful information on how the problem can be solved. The Department has, in addition, initiated systematic scientific studies to determine precisely the factors affecting road surface deterioration.

To ask the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) whether he is aware that some of the houses in Kampong Silat have no proper roofing and if he will rectify the situation; (b) whether there are plans to develop the slum areas in Kampong Silat where there are floods, mosquito breeding and unhealthy environment; and (c) whether he will consider selling the old Singapore Improvement Trust flats in the Silat Road area to the sitting tenants.

Mr P. Govindaswamy.

Sir, Question No. 8.

Sir, in answer to (a), all the HDB flats in the Kampong Silat Estate have proper roofing. In answer to (b), the site where there are squatter huts was until recently intended for a school. As the Ministry of Education has now relinquished its interest, the HDB will consider clearing the site for redevelopment. In answer to (c), in the Kampong Silat Estate there are 10 blocks of Artisan Quarters/shops and 21 blocks of flats built during the Singapore Improvement Trust days. 214 units of 3-room and 4-room flats in 13 blocks will be offered for sale to the sitting tenants under the Home Ownership Scheme. The flats in Blocks 20 and 21 will not be sold as they are affected by road widening scheme. Eight blocks of single-storey Artisan Quarters and shops and six blocks of 3- and 4-storey flats will be demolished for redevelopment. The tenants will be rehoused in the new flats adjoining the Kampong Silat Estate which are scheduled to be completed in the middle of 1978.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what is the latest development in the Housing and Development Board's pilot scheme for joint balloting at the Ang Mo Kio Estate; how far it is a fact that the scheme is a failure; and whether the scheme will be applied to housing estates in other constituencies.

Mr Speaker, Sir, to help maintain the extended family system, the HDB introduced a scheme to allow parents who are already lessees of HDB flats to jointly ballot for flats adjoining their children's. There was no response to the scheme when it was first tried out at Ang Mo Kio recently. It is too early to say whether the scheme is a failure or not until it is tried out further in other housing estates. Based on feedback information, the scheme may be modified if necessary.

asked the Minister for National Development 9nd Communications if the Housing and Development Board will consider the construction of a multi-purpose court for sepak takraw and basketball in the Haig Road Housing Estate.

Sir, a multi-purpose court for sepak takraw and basketball will be built in the Haig Road Housing Estate in the near future.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Housing and Development Board will consider a request to rent a void deck in the Haig Road Housing Estate for use as a community hall in the absence of a proper playground and indoor sports facilities for the children and a recreation hall for the adults residing in the Estate.

Sir, at the request of MPs, the Housing and Development Board will provide accommodation for social, educational or community services mainly on ground floors or void decks. One such facility is the provision of one community hall per constituency. As accommodation for one community hall has already been provided to the Hon. Member's constituency, the Haig Road Housing Estate, which falls within his constituency, is not entitled to another one.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will request the Housing and Development Board to provide a soccer field in the Thomson Constituency.

Sir, the HDB will only provide football fields and other recreational facilities in the large housing estates in order to make the most efficient use of land and benefit the largest number of people. The HDB will not provide a soccer field in the Thomson Constituency where there are only three predominantly non-residential estates, namely, Sin Ming Industrial Estate, Lakeview Shopping Centre and Upper Thomson Second Shopping Centre with relatively small populations. Residents in the Thomson Constituency can share the sports facilities which are provided in the neighbourhoods of Toa Payoh New Town and Ang Mo Kio New Town.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, since more than 70 per cent of Singapore's population will eventually reside in Housing and Development Board estates, (a) whether Government considers existing social, cultural, recreational, religious and other private associations as having an important role to play in the future Singapore societies in HDB estates; (b) if so, whether the HDB will adopt policies to allow for an orderly integration of such associations into the communities in HDB estates; and (c) what these policies are and what criteria will be used to ensure orderly integration.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the work of our cultural, recreational, religious and other charitable bodies is important to HDB and non-HDB residents. In HDB estates, sites and premises are provided for such bodies to promote their activities. For example, sites are reserved for religious bodies to build their churches, mosques and temples and premises are offered at concessional rentals to associations affected by development programmes in the central area or elsewhere, to enable them to continue their work. Premises at concessional rentals are also offered to organisations of social value which are interested in extending their activities in HDB estates.

Sir, I would like to know whether all these facilities will be extended to all registered associations in the areas affected, or will this be done on a selective basis? If this is to be done on a selective basis, what will be the criteria?

Sir, it is obvious that criteria must be exercised in the selection of these registered organisations. Since the number of premises is limited in any housing estates, consideration for priority will be based on the need or the urgency of resettlement cases, or on the requirements in terms of greater and better usage to a particular housing estate. I am in no position to give the Hon. Member the different criteria exercised. But each case goes before the Allocations Committee and finally it has to get the approval of the HDB.

Sir, in my question, I have also asked what criteria will be used to ensure orderly integration. I have received requests from a number of organisations, in particular, constituencies like Kampong Kembangan and Kampong Ubi, and they have been there for more than 20 years. But perhaps because of lack of clearcut policies, these organisations have not been told very clearly whether or not they will be given sites in HDB estates; if so, when will they be given and what will be the terms. I needed clarification on the criteria because should the representatives of these organisations see me again I would be in a better position to explain to them.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already indicated that there are criteria but each case must be assessed on its own merits. Let me give Members a specific example. I have mentioned the availability of sites for religious organisations. That must be an indication to Members that there are difficulties in allocating sites for priority cases. If a site is available for religious bodies, then a non-resettlement case could tender for the site. The same system is also applicable to other social or cultural organisations. As to exactly when a particular case could be resettled or to be considered for priority consideration, the details must be made known to the relevant authority. While it is easy to suggest that there must be clearcut criteria, in pragmatic terms it is difficult to exercise clearcut criteria. What we have is a general overall policy with certain general criteria for consideration. Each particular case is assessed according to its own merit and it goes before the Allocations Committee. If the Hon. Member is unhappy over a particular case in Kampong Kembangan, he could easily refer the case to the Allocations Committee and it will be given due consideration, An hon. Member: Write to the Minister!

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if it is proposed to widen Lorong Chuan particularly from Braddell Road/Lorong Chuan junction to Lorong Kinchir in order to relieve the congestion along that stretch of road.

Sir, peak hour congestion along Lorong Chuan, particularly the stretch between Avenue 1, Ang Mo Kio, and Braddell Road is caused primarily by traffic from Ang Mo Kio New Town and the many private housing estates off Lorong Chuan and Yio Chu Kang Road. This will be alleviated soon by: -

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether there is any plan to install traffic lights at the junction of Lorong Chuan and Serangoon Garden Way to allow for direct traffic movement to Yio Chu Kang without having to divert into Serangoon Garden Way.

Mr Speaker, Sir, both Serangoon Garden Way and Lorong Chuan are narrow two-lane two-way roads. Due to the narrow width of these roads, a three-phase signals system is required. No advantage in terms of travel time will be gained by installing traffic signals at the junction of Serangoon Garden Way and Lorong Chuan. There is, however, a proposal to extend Avenue 1, Ang Mo Kio, to Yio Chu Kang Road to meet this road at Plantation Avenue, as I have indicated earlier. This new road which will run parallel to Serangoon Garden Way will relieve traffic congestion along Serangoon Garden Way when it is implemented.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the increasing volume of traffic at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Tampines Way, whether a traffic light system will be installed at that junction.

Sir, plans are already underway to install traffic signals at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road/Tampines Way during the first quarter of the 1978 financial year.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what plans there are for the redevelopment of the clearance sites along Zion Road and Havelock Road in Kim Seng Constituency.

Sir, the site bounded by Havelock Road and Zion Road is earmarked for development of a neighbourhood centre with shops and markets. Development proposals for the vacant site bounded by Zion Road, Ganges Avenue and Outram Road are being finalised.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many applications for change of use of premises have been received between 1st January, 1977, and the latest convenient date; (b) how many applications have been approved; and (c) how many applications have been rejected and the reasons therefor.

Sir, from 1st January l977 to 31st December 1977, a total of 4,178 applications for change of use were received. Of this number 2,870 applications or 68.7% were approved whilst 459 applications or 11% were disapproved. 532 applications or 12.7% were withdrawn and the balance of 317 or 7.6% were carried forward to 1978 for consideration. Generally, the 459 applications were rejected for one or more of the following reasons:-

( In Mandarin): Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether, in considering applications for the change of use of premises, his Department will exercise some flexibility so as not to cause economic hardship on the applicants?

Sir, I have given the reasons for rejecting requests for change of use. While we appreciate the economic contributions from a particular sector, consideration is normally given. For example, extension of time is allowed for a person to move out of the premises for its illegal use. From the reasons for rejection that I have given earlier it is difficult or impossible to compromise. The only "flexibility" that we can give is to grant reasonably sufficient time for a particular case to be resettled.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board the reason why proprietors of provision shops in HDB estates have been required to stop selling intoxicating liquors on their premises or face the prospect of rent increase, although they are licensed to sell intoxicating liquors by the Liquors Licensing Board.

Sir, the rentals of HDB shops depend on the type of trades which are specified in the tender applications and in the tenancy agreements. Any shopkeeper who wishes to carry out an additional trade, for instance, sale of intoxicating liquor, must therefore obtain the Board's permission and, if approved, the rental will be subject to review.

Sir, why does the Senior Minister of State not raise any objection when the shopkeeper notifies in the newspapers that intoxicating drinks will be sold on the premises? Why does the Senior Minister of State allow emporiums and supermarkets to sell articles ranging from a drawing pin to an aeroplane, but does not allow a provision shop to sell intoxicating drinks although it is licensed by the Liquors Licensing Board to sell intoxicating drinks?

Sir, the answer is a fairly simple one. When a shopkeeper tenders for a particular shop premises, he has to make it known in that tender the particular trade he deals in. In a particular block of shops therefore, there are tenders for various trades. The tenderer must indicate what he wants to tender a particular shop for, such as a clinic. Therefore, he tenders a certain price for it. Compared to the tender for another shop, for example, a coffee shop, perhaps the tender price could be different. Therefore, in this case, the tenderer must indicate at the time of tendering that he wants to sell intoxicating liquor, but not as an afterthought. Because if it is an afterthought, it could jeopardise the business of other shops in the same block. So the mistake here is not with the authority but with the tenderer. We are saying that if he wants to add in another trade, it is subject to a review. Whether or not he pays more for it, is a matter for consideration by the Board.

Sir, the relevant question is whether or not the Housing and Development Board is making this as an excuse to raise the rental.

Sir, it is not. We have in one instance granted an additional trade to a particular tenant without any increase in rental.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the recent efforts by Government to increase road safety measures and promote road safety consciousness particularly among pedestrians, and in view of the increased volume of vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement along Balestier Road, whether his Ministry has any immediate plans to install an overhead bridge and/or pedestrian crossings at appropriate points along Balestier Road.

Sir, there are four existing pedestrian crossings along Balestier Road at the following locations: (a) Pedestrian crossing lines at the junction of: (i) Balestier Road/Serangoon Road (ii) Balestier Road/Kim Keat Road (iii) Balestier Road/Thomson Road (b) A push-button pedestrian crossing near McNair Road. In addition to the above, the following facilities will be installed in the 1978/79 fiscal year: (i) Pedestrian crossing lines with green-man, red-man signal heads at the junction of Balestier Road/Moulmein Road. (ii) Green-man, red-man signal heads at the existing pedestrian crossing lines at the junction of Balestier Road/Serangoon Road. (iii) A push-button pedestrian signal near Balestier Hill School.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what is the outcome of the study into the feasibility of using the vacant land adjacent to the Serangoon Garden Market as a car park.

Sir, our study confirms that there is a demand for parking spaces in the vicinity and it is feasible to convert the vacant land adjacent to the Serangoon Garden Market into a car park. Some 36 parking lots will be available. We are looking into the introduction of a pay-parking scheme there.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the Housing and Development Board has any plan to install communal TV antennae to the old flats, including those built by the Singapore Improvement Trust, in Delta Constituency.

Sir, communal TV antennae will be provided in old housing estates and SIT estates in stages in view of the large number of flats in such estates. The Housing and Development Board expect to install communal TV antennae in the flats in Delta constituency before the end of the year.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Urban Development Company (Pte) Ltd (a) what is the number of applicants on its waiting list as a result of its recent registration exercise; and (b) how long the applicants will normally have to wait before they are allocated accommodation.

Sir, as on 23rd January, 1978 there were 2,214 applicants on the HUDC's waiting list. In answer to (b), applicants will normally have to wait 2 1/2 to 3 years before they are allocated accommodation.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Urban Development Company (Pte) Ltd whether it will continue to buy apartments and houses from private developers and make them available to HUDC applicants under the normal terms.

Sir, the HUDC will consider offers of the private developers to sell houses and flats to the Company if the housing units are suitable and the prices are reasonable.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether it is planned to install traffic lights at the junction of Bedok North Road and New Upper Changi Road, opposite Block 56, Neighbourhood 11 of Bedok New Town, so that there may be direct traffic movement from Bedok North towards the City without a diversion through Bedok South Road.

Sir, there is an existing traffic signal at the junction of New Upper Changi Road and Bedok South Avenue 3. Another set of traffic signals is under installation at the junction of Bedok North Avenue 1. This traffic light is expected to be in operation by middle of February 1978 and vehicles from Bedok North could make use of this junction to turn right into New Upper Changi Road and proceed towards the city without diverting through Bedok South Road. There is no proposal to install traffic lights at the junction of Bedok North Road and New Upper Changi Road as it is too near the existing traffic light junction. However, the PWD is examining the need for installing traffic signals at the junction of New Upper Changi Road and Bedok North Avenue 3.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Public Works Department will look into the feasibility of making an opening in the divider along Bedok North Road near Blocks 74 and 75, to allow traffic from the City and New Upper Changi Road to make a right turn into the car parks instead of having to go to Bedok North Avenue to do a turn.

Sir, the HDB will study the suggestion to ensure that in creating an opening in the divider along Bedok North Road to allow traffic to turn right near Blocks 74 and 75, the flow of traffic will not be affected.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the increasing volume of vehicular traffic at the junction of Lorongs 2 and 3, Toa Payoh, if an overhead pedestrian bridge will be constructed at that junction.

Sir, there are four existing signalised junctions near the junction of Lorong 2/Lorong 3, i.e. the junctions of Lorong 2/Lorong 1, Lorong 2/Toa Payoh Central, Lorong 4/Lorong 5, Lorong 4/Toa Payoh Central. These four signalised junctions interrupt the continuous traffic flow and create gaps along the roads bounded by them. Pedestrians can cross the roads in this area during these gaps in the traffic stream. Though there is no proposal to construct an overhead pedestrian bridge at the junction of Lorongs 2 and 3, Toa Payoh, the PWD will make an investigation and provide an appropriate pedestrian crossing if warranted.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider the need to introduce legislation with a view to checking excessive increases of rent by owners of postwar houses, especially those houses built immediately after September, 1947, as there have been instances of rent increases of as much as 200 per cent and tenants have no recourse but to accept the rent increases.

Sir, at present, rentals imposed on tenants of pre-war houses built before September 1947 are regulated under the Control of Rent Act. Rentals pertaining to postwar houses built after that date are not controlled. Rental of houses depends on supply and demand. With the large number of housing units completed and under-construction by HDB, there is no problem of housing shortage in Singapore. In fact, at the present moment there is a glut of private housing. The Government, therefore, do not intend to introduce measures to control rental of postwar houses.

If that is the case, Sir, why does the Senior Minister of State not lift the control of rent on the pre-war houses?

Sir, my only reply is that pre-war houses and post-war houses are placed in different situations. However, the lifting of control of rent will be considered when the time is right and if the situation warrants it. This is to prevent any hardship that may be caused. For example, if we were to lift the control of these rent-controlled houses, land owners might want to develop their land and there could be thousands of cases requiring immediate housing.

I do not agree with the explanation given by the Senior Minister of State. On the one hand, he says that there is a glut of housing, and on the other he says that there will be hardship caused if the rent control regulation is lifted for the prewar houses.

Sir, we are talking of a glut in private housing now. If a private developer is prepared to resettle all those tenants he intends to move out into his own new private housing estate, then there will be no problem. But in the present circumstances we are assuming that when the developer gives notice to the tenants or sub-tenants to move out, he expects them to find alternative accommodation in the HDB. So there is no contradiction in my explanation.

Sir, can it be due to inflation?

Sir, the Senior Minister of State has said that the rental of uncontrolled houses depends on supply and demand. One can expect that over the last 30 years most, if not all, landlords would have probably raised the rent of their houses. So the difference here is that those who occupy uncontrolled houses are paying quite a high rent. Those occupying controlled houses are paying a very low rent. Therefore, if we were to lift rent control, thousands of people occupying rent controlled houses would have to pay a very much higher rent. That is the reason why we are retaining rent control on houses built before 1947.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I still do not agree with the Minister. The Minister said that pre-war houses are subject to rent control. Since the rent is low, the Minister should allow the developer to increase the rent a little. For the post-war houses which are not subject to rent control, he is saying that the developer could increase the rent as much as he likes. So how does the Minister reconcile his statements?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think the Member got what I meant and I, in turn, do not understand him at all.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what are the development plans for the vacant piece of land opposite Block 227, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh.

The vacant land opposite Block 227, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, is zoned for industrial development. Either terrace factories or other types of industrial buildings will be built on it.

A supplementary question, Sir. Can the fringe of this land, close to the existing SBS depot, be utilised for the planting of large trees which would serve as a barrier to minimise the noise, dust and air pollution generated by the buses? Such pollution is especially evident early every morning. Can the Hon. Senior Minister of State also convince the SBS authorities that they should also plant large trees close to the SBS depot fence, especially the portion facing the Lorong 8 flats, to further assist in alleviating the noise, dust and air pollution?

My colleague here has told me that the planting of trees, as suggested by the Member, is already included in the plan for consideration.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the landscaped area at the gable-end of Block 222, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, can be utilised for building a community centre mainly for tennis and squash as at present no such facilities are handy for Lorong 8 residents.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the site can be utilised for a community centre if the People's Association makes a request for it.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the Housing and Development Board will consider allowing the landing space fronting the main doors of HDB flat owners to be enclosed with collapsible iron gates as this would ensure security and optimum utilisation of space.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board cannot allow the space in front of the main doors of HDB flats to be enclosed as it is a public area which forms part of either the lift lobby, staircase landing or access corridor.

Sir, has the Minister of State ever noticed a public gathering in such landing spaces?

I think it is a statutory requirement that such space should be left open. If the Member is so conscious of security, then safety requirements near landing points must be observed for safety reasons.

But, Sir, is not "security" safety?

Sir, the competent authority is in the best position to assess the situation. While we appreciate that security is involved, from the competent authority's point of view, safety is more important in this case.

Can the Senior Minister of State allow me to debate with the competent authority?

Sir, I suggest that if the Member is interested, he can write to the competent authority.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will request the Singapore Bus Service Limited to extend Service No. 111 to Punggol Estate via Tampines Way.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the present Tampines Way Terminal where Service No. 86 now terminates is only a temporary one. No crew facilities, such as toilets, canteens and rest areas, can be built there. The Public Works Department and Traffic Police have indicated their objection to more services ending at this temporary terminal. Therefore, the Singapore Bus Service will consider extending Service No. 111 to Punggol Estate via Tampines Way only when a site for a permanent terminal can be found in that area.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I propose for the kind consideration of the Senior Minister of State of an apparent vacant site at the junction of Tampines Road/Tampines Way.

asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology whether and what steps have been taken to assess the extent of environmental pollution caused by the heavy concentration of pig-farms in the Punggol/Jalan Kayu area: and if he will assure the House that all possible precautionary steps have already been taken to minimise any adverse effects.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1974 Government decided to shift pig-rearing in the Kranji/Pandan water catchment areas to Punggol/Jalan Kayu, a non-water catchment area zoned for agriculture. The Senior Minister of State for National Development informed the House in May 1977 that farms which can be managed efficiently with modern husbandry practices and improved sanitation are being resettled in the Punggol/Jalan Kayu area. These farmers are required to provide proper waste treatment facilities like cesspits and slatted floors for their pig pens. If the cesspits are maintained and desludged regularly, there should be no public nuisance or health nuisance from the overflowing of pig waste. Unfortunately, Sir, this has not been done by most of the farmers, probably to reduce the cost of their operations. It may be necessary to require these farmers to desludge their cesspits regularly, perhaps at least once a month. Otherwise the Ministry of the Environment will have to do the desludging and charge the cost to the farmers. The Ministry is also implementing a drainage improvement scheme in the area to cater for the proper drainage of the farmlands. The widening and deepening of Sungei Tongkang Pechah is in progress at an estimated cost of $1 million. The improvements of the other earth drains, including drains serving the farmlands, will be carried out as soon as funds are approved.

A supplementary question, Sir. In order that the size of the problem can be better appreciated by the House, can the Hon. Minister please indicate the number of farms, pigs and cesspits involved?

Sir, there are approximately 280 pig farms, 170,000 pigs and about 280 cesspits. The Member may be interested to know that it will cost $1/2 million to desludge the cesspits once a month.

Sir, in May 1977 when the Senior Minister of State for National Development informed the House of the development of pig farms, I believe he did indicate that there would be provision of buffer zones in order to reduce pollution. Would the Hon. Minister please inform the House what steps have been taken to develop such buffer zones?

Sir, frankly, I do not know. But like Kublai Khan, who believed that those who plant trees live long, I am sure the Minister of State for National Development will do his best to provide and plant trees in the buffer zone between the housing estate and the pig farms.

Sir, I think it is a case of buck-passing. Would the two Ministers please get together quickly?

We certainly will.

asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology what measures are being taken to prevent further occurrences of contaminated food being sold in supermarkets and what action is being taken to make the public aware of such dangers to their health so that they can become more discerning when they shop.

( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of the Environment carries out regular checks of supermarkets, restaurants, eating establishments and food centres for compliance with environmental health requirements. Samples of products are taken for analysis and compliance with the Sale of Food Act. Inspections are also carried out to ensure hygienic handling of food products and good personal hygiene of the food handlers. Where samples of food are found to be contaminated or the food products are not hygienically handled, enforcement action is taken. Convictions in court for non-compliance of health requirements are given due publicity in the mass media and reported in the press. The Ministry also carries out health education programmes including campaigns to educate the public and food handlers on food hygiene and proper handling of food.

Sir, does the Senior Parliamentary Secretary agree that only when contaminated food is sold to consumers, court action, heavy fines and adverse publicity should follow? And does he also agree that when the health and safety of consumers are not affected, the first course of action should only be a warning? If so, why then was a supermarket prosecuted for only a technical offence when it had on its shelf a jar of cream with 12.1% fat instead of at least 25%? Are not many Singaporeans already obese? Most certainly. Despite the Singapore Sports Council's sports-for-all policy, Walkarun and so on, this obesity continues.

( In Mandarin): Sir, in dealing with cases of food contamination, we do not consider whether the company involved is a big one or a small one. It is a question of whether or not the food is contaminated. The samples of food that we have collected are analysed and if found to be contaminated, they will be dealt with according to the law.

Sir, I am not speaking of contamination of food. 3.30 p.m.

Order. It is 3.30 p.m. now. As indicated earlier by Members in whose names the Questions stand, the remaining Questions will be postponed to the next sitting of Parliament. Pursuant to Standing Order 21(2), the following Questions on the Order Paper accordingly stood over to the next available sitting of Parliament.

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education how many drug rehabilitation centres there are in Singapore, the planned capacity of these centres on the basis of accepted norms of living space per person, sanitary facilities etc. and the range of numbers housed in these centres at any one time in 1977; how many persons are housed in each cell/room for cold turkey treatment and whether there is any separation in housing and treatment of addicts in the strict sense of the term and those who have been apprehended while in the early stages of drug experimentation; and whether he will agree to periodical visits by groups of Members of Parliament to these centres.

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if part-time National Servicemen residing in Pulau Tekong can be assigned patrol duties on the island itself, instead of being asked to report to the mainland where they have to incur additional expenses by having to remain overnight after duty, as there is no more launch service in operation from Changi Point to take them back to the island.

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will consider the emplacement of those stagnated teachers, who have done ten years' continuous service in the teaching profession, in the salary scale for Education Officer, Group III.

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether he is aware that library facilities in primary and secondary schools and junior colleges are inadequate and if he will take steps to improve them.

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether his Ministry will review its present policy of requiring teachers seeking confirmation of service to pass Malay Standard I, and whether equivalent qualification in Chinese, Tamil or English will also be deemed acceptable, so that a teacher, seeking confirmation, can offer in addition to his first language qualification one of the remaining three languages as the additional language requirement.

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs and Education (a) how many teachers were transferred in the last three months; (b) how many of those transferred had not asked for transfer themselves and what was the basis of selection of such teachers for transfer; (c) how many of those who had asked for transfer were not transferred; and (d) how many were transferred to schools more than 10 kilometres from their homes.

To ask the Minister for Finance, in view of the consolidation of 1973-77 National Wages Council allowances into salary scales for civil servants, if he will consider revising the existing fixed leave allowances under the 1973 Leave Scheme.

To ask the Minister for Finance whether a decision has now been taken on the formation of the proposed Trade Development Council and, if not, why not.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing amending legislation to exempt non-working retired persons from income tax as this will enable the Government indirectly to look after their welfare during retirement.

To ask the Minister for Finance what the Economic Activation Committee has contributed towards the economy of the Republic since the formation of the Committee and to what extent it has assisted industries.

To ask the Minister for Finance (a) whether the short-lived Concorde service to London by Singapore Airlines has caused undue embarrassment and loss of prestige to SIA: (b) why SIA did not obtain clearance for flying the Concorde over foreign air space before entering into an agreement with British Airways to operate the Concorde; (c) how much money was spent by SIA in Singapore and abroad to publicise its Concorde service to London; and (d) what other financial repercussions are anticipated for SIA as a result of the cancellation of the service.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Town Corporation what measures are being taken to minimise the discolouration of potable water supplied to Jurong residents and when those measures will be effected.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will request the Jurong Town Corporation to ensure that the supply of effluent water to Jurong residents for flushing purposes is regular and free from stink.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Town Corporation, in the past five years, (a) how many families in Tuas Village were resettled and how many acres of land were acquired from them; (b) how many of them were classified as bona fide farmers and how many of those farmers opted for free JTC flats; and (c) how many acres of land in Lim Chu Kang were allocated to those affected farming families.

To ask the Minister for Social Affairs to explain the recent action taken by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura in fixing sound attenuators to amplifiers used in mosques.

To ask the Minister for Social Affairs (a) how many written complaints of discourtesy and unhelpfulness against civil servants were received by the Central Complaints Bureau from the general public in 1975, 1976 and 1977; (b) whether the complaints have been thoroughly investigated and what disciplinary action has been taken against the guilty ones; (c) what measures have been taken to improve the situation; and (d) how many letters complimenting civil servants were received from the public in those three years.

To ask the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether the rates of public assistance can be increased to meet the present escalating cost of living, as many of the recipients consider the amount granted inadequate; (b) what was the number of recipients of public assistance as at 31st December, 1977; (c) how many of them were (i) below 40 years; (ii) between 40 and 60 years; and (iii) above 60 years of age; and (d) whether regular reviews are made to determine the continued eligibility of the recipients of such assistance.

"to provide for the grant of pensions and gratuities in respect of service as Members of Parliament and as holders of ministerial and other offices and for purposes connected therewith, and to repeal the Parliamentary Pensions Act (Chapter 51 of the Revised Edition)". recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (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 Petroleum Act (Chapter 256 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the Trustees Act (Chapter 40 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 give effect to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft signed at The Hague on 16th December, 1970, and to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation signed at Montreal on 23rd September, 1971, and for purposes connected therewith", presented by the Minister for Home Affairs and Education (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 amend the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Chapter 15 of the Revised Edition)", 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 be printed.

"to amend the Jurong Town Corporation Act (Chapter 209 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Senior Minister of State for Finance (Mr Goh Chok Tong); 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. 3.36 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill contains a few amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act, which have been found to be necessary. The first amendment (clause 4) empowers the Registration Officer to remove from any register the names of electors whose addresses as shown in the register have ceased to exist or to be used as a place of residence, and to transfer such names to the appropriate registers, provided that the changes of addresses have been notified to the Commissioner of National Registration. At present such removal and/or transfer of names can only be done if there is a general revision of the registers of electors; the amendment will enable this to be done without having to wait for such a general revision. As a result of urban renewal and redevelopment, many electors have vacated their residences and resettled elsewhere. It is considered that these electors should not be entitled to vote in the constituency in which they have clearly ceased to reside. They should vote in the constituency in which they are currently residing. Provision is made for the Registration Officer to give appropriate notice in the Gazette and to make available for public inspection a list of the names of the persons so affected, at least two weeks before making any removal or transfer of names. If at the time a person's name is removed from a register of electors he has not yet notified the Commissioner of National Registration of his change of address, he can still subsequently apply to have his name entered in the appropriate register so that he will not be prejudiced by the removal of his name. However, on practical considerations, where a writ of election has been issued for an election in an electoral division, no entry will be made in the register of electors of that division until after nomination day or, if a poll is to be taken, until after polling day. The second amendment (clause 6) is designed to enable persons who have failed to vote at any election and whose names have been expunged from the registers of electors to have their names restored without having to wait until the next ensuing revision of the registers. The present provision is unsatisfactory in that it requires such persons to wait until the ensuing revision of the registers before their names can be restored, even though they may have furnished the Registration Officer with a good excuse or have paid the penalty of $5.00 for the restoration of their names. This amendment provides that such persons will have their names restored the day after the payment of the penalty of $5.00 or the day after the Registration Officer has satisfied himself of any good excuse which has been furnished. Again for practical considerations, it is provided that where a writ of election has been issued for an election in an electoral division, no name is to be restored to the register of that division until after nomination day or, if a poll is to be taken, until after polling day. The third amendment (clause 7) seeks to prohibit, inter alia, non-citizens and undischarged bankrupts from taking part in any election activity. It is not in the public interest that such persons should play an active part in election campaigns. Before concluding, I would like to inform hon. Members that it has been decided to increase the deposit required to be made by a candidate for election under section 28 of the Act from the present sum of $1,200 to $1,500. The Act (section 28(6)) provides that the Minister may vary the amount of the deposit provided that it does not exceed 10% of the total allowances paid to a Member of Parliament in each year. With the consolidation of the NWC awards into basic salaries, the monthly allowance of an MP is now $1,340. The yearly allowance is therefore $16,080 (not including the 13th month's allowance). Ton per cent of the yearly allowance is $1,608, a sum larger than the proposed deposit of $1,500. The increase will be implemented in due course by a notification in the Gazette in accordance with subsection (6). 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.

3.41 p.m. Clause 1 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 2 to 7 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. New Clause - "Amendment Section 28 of the principal Act is of section hereby amended:- 28. (a) by deleting the words "in legal tender" appearing in the sixth and seventh lines of subsection (1) thereof; (b) by inserting immediately after subsection (1) thereof the following subsection: - "(1A) Any sum required to be deposited under subsection (1) of this section shall be paid in legal tender or by a bank draft or a certified cheque."; and (c) by deleting subsection (5) thereof and substituting therefor the following:- "(5) For the purposes of this section:-

Sir, I beg to move, "That the clause be read a Second time". Sir, under the existing provisions of section 28(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 50), candidates for elections are required to make their deposits in legal tender as defined under section 14(1) of the Currency Act (Chapter 64), that is to say, in cash. It is now proposed to allow the Returning Officer to accept deposits made other than in legal tender. The proposed amendment will enable such candidates to make their deposits by a bank draft order or a certified cheque apart from cash. "Certified cheque" is defined under this new clause to mean a cheque which is certified by the drawee bank as good for payment of the sum stated in the cheque. Question put and agreed to. Clause read a Second time and added to the Bill.

It is intended that this new clause be inserted immediately after clause 5. This will be done. Consequential amendments will also be made to the numbering of clauses consequent upon the addition of the new clause. Bill reported with an amendment; read a Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.45 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the amendment proposed in this Bill provide greater flexibility in appointing public officers to the Public Utilities Board; facilitate proceedings of the Board; and incorporate model provisions dealing with the appointment of auditors; keeping of financial records; submission of reports on the Board's accounts and powers and duties of the Board's auditors. At present, subsection (1) of section 5 of the Public Utilities Act provides for the appointment of only one public officer to the Board. For better administration and guidance, it may be necessary to appoint more than one public officer to the Board. In clause 2 of the Bill, it is proposed to amend subsection (1) of section 5 of the Act to provide for the appointment of more than one public officer. The existing requirement in subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act is for a majority of the members to form a quorum at meetings of the Board. This has posed practical difficulties when some members are away or unable to attend meetings for urgent reasons. In such circumstances, proceedings of the Board have been delayed. Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to amend subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act by reducing the quorum from a majority to three members of the Board. The opportunity has been taken to incorporate in the Act certain model provisions which the Auditor-General has recommended for adoption by all statutory boards in their legislation. These provisions are contained in clauses 4, 5 and 6 of 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 Lim Kim San]. Bill considered in Committee.

Clause 1 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 2 to 6 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.49 p.m. The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Under the Housing and Development Act, the Board's officers can only act for a person buying a flat direct from the Board. In all other transactions including resales, the parties engage their own solicitors who will charge them for work done in accordance with the Solicitors' Remuneration Order, 1974. The Bill seeks to enable the Board to act for parties in resales and in other transactions. To date, the Board has sold 137,093 flats under the "Home Ownership For The People Scheme". As more flats are being sold by the Board, the number of resale cases and all other transactions has increased accordingly and the number of transfer instruments registered increased from 678 in 1974 to 1,606 in 1976. If the Board is permitted to handle resale cases and all other transactions, it will help a large number of flat owners to minimise legal costs. Amendments to sections 42 and 49 of the Housing and Development Act will empower -

Clause 1 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 2 and 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.53 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, you will recall that my colleague, the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, at the Second Reading of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill, informed the House how serious the problem of drug abuse and addiction had become. As compared with the few cases of heroin addiction in 1971, we now have as many as 12,000 heroin addicts and abusers. The Act, which was enacted to deal with this pernicious problem, provides for the necessary powers of arrest and detention of these drug addicts and abusers for treatment and rehabilitation in approved institutions, subject to certain safeguards. A constitutional problem, however, arises in regard to the Act, vis-a-vis Article 5 of the Constitution of Malaysia in its application to Singapore. Article 5 lays down the constitutional requirement that a person, who is arrested and detained, should be informed of the grounds of his arrest, should be allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner, and should be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours of his arrest. Whilst the importance of this fundamental right is recognised, it, like any other fundamental right, cannot be absolute and may have to be qualified in the interest of public order, safety or security. A departure from the normal constitutional requirements is necessary to deal effectively with the grave drug problem. The Bill before this House ensures the constitutional validity of the Misuse of Drugs Act, in so far as that Act authorises the detention of drug addicts and abusers in approved institutions for treatment and rehabilitation. Part V of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act, which authorises the arrest and detention of any person in the interest of public safety, peace and good order, was enacted in the year 1955. When Singapore became a state within the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, the fundamental liberties clauses (including Article 5) of the Malaysian Constitution became applicable to us. These clauses were retained in our Constitution when we separated from Malaysia in August 1965. It may be arguable that Part V of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act infringes Article 5 of the Constitution. The Bill before this House will ensure the constitutional validity of Part V. In all the circumstances, which I have related, it is necessary to make this Bill both prospective and retrospective. Question proposed. 3.58 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the constitutional provision that no person shall be deprived of his personal liberty except in accordance with the due process of law as laid down in Article 5 of our Constitution is a provision that is basic to the system of government and way of life that we have adopted. But, as with other liberties, it must be conceded that it is not absolute. It is an ideal that we should not however deviate from without most careful deliberation. We would all agree that there are some problems in our society that cannot be dealt with in strict accordance with the principle that no person should be detained without an open trial. In fact, to insist on strict adherence to the principle in such cases will only serve to undermine and destroy the very fabric of our society. One such case is that relating to secret societies and their activities. The ruthlessness of those engaged in such activities and the nature of these organisations ensure that nobody will testify publicly in such cases. To insist that the process laid down in Article 5 of the Constitution be followed will only serve to protect such criminal activities and make a mockery of the process of law and justice. As long as we have secret societies, it is necessary to have the provisions of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act in operation and it is proper that the Constitution be amended as proposed in the new clause 6(a) to make the validity of such laws beyond doubt. Clause 6(b), however, deals with quite another matter and the reason as far as I can make out for this amendment is very different. The motive appears to me to be one of administrative expedience. In the case of misuse of drugs it has not been claimed, as far as I can remember, that it is difficult to obtain evidence. There are established medical tests which can provide the evidence. But the drug problem has grown at such an alarming rate that I understand the administrative machinery in terms of courts, magistrates and prosecuting officers cannot cope with the number of arrests being made. Since the problem is acute and cannot wait for the administrative resources to be strengthened before the problem is tackled, an interim solution is necessary. Thus, reluctantly we have to deviate from the fundamental liberty principle laid down in the Constitution. I assume, though I cannot be certain, that other solutions were explored before it was concluded that arrest and detention without trial is the only feasible immediate method of dealing with the problem. This method of dealing with the problem must however be conceded to be a temporary one. It will be difficult to maintain that given some time, the administrative machinery cannot be strengthened to deal with arrested drug abusers in the normal way. Would the Minister, therefore, be prepared to consider an amendment to provide that any law relating to the misuse of drugs which authorises the arrest and detention of a person without trial for the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation will have a definite life of, say, three years? Such an amendment would ensure that steps are taken within the period to enable the problem to be dealt with under the process laid down in the present Article 5 of the Constitution. It may even turn out, happily, that the number of drug addicts may be so reduced at the end of the period that they can be easily dealt with by the courts. In any case, at the end of the life of the Act, if circumstances require an extension, a Bill can be presented to Parlia- ment to extend the Act and, at such an occasion, Parliament will have the benefit of considering the details of action taken and progress achieved to find a permanent solution and the reasons for the extension. Alternatively, if an amendment is not possible, I shall be grateful if the Minister will give an assurance that this particular aspect of the law to deal with drug misuse will be reviewed periodically and that action will be taken as soon as possible to revert to the system of dealing with drug abusers through the courts. I fear that if there be no limitation to the period of operation of such laws or if there be no undertaking to review such laws, there will be no incentive to strengthen the administrative machinery to deal with the problem. I fear further that if it is not made clear that short cuts to legal processes are only to be used as a last resort and that too with severe limitations, there will be great temptation to use short cuts where process of law or fair play or justice is expensive in terms of time, manpower and other resources. The administration, once it has found a cheap and easy way of doing things, seldom abandons it.

Sir, I remember when taking our seats as Members of Parliament, among other undertakings, we swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. It is therefore disturbing to note that the House is being asked to approve an amendment to the Constitution because of an apparently ultra vires act on the part of the Hon. Minister for Home Affairs and Education when he last moved the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act in this House on the 9th November, 1977. What we are now asked to do may be likened to closing the stable gate after the horse has bolted. A rather more serious implication, Sir, to my mind, is that, as law makers, we would appear to have shown no respect for the law and in this particular case, the most sacred of all, our Constitution. Whatever the justification, the action on the part of the Hon. Minister is inexcusable. I do hope that this is the first and last time that such a thoughtless act is allowed to be committed. As for the Hon. Minister for Law, I would like his assurance that all future Bills, prior to submitting to Parliament, will be thoroughly vetted to ensure that they are not inconsistent with or in contravention of any existing provisions under either the Constitution or any other statutes.

Sir, the Member for Kallang has made many good points in his speech, but the better part of his speech should have been made last year when he spoke on the Second Reading of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill. But let me assure both hon. Members that other solutions were carefully explored before it was concluded that arrest and detention without trial was the only practical method of dealing with the drug problem. My colleague, the Minister for Home Affairs, has explained in detail the reasons for the act. Sir, the spread of drug abuse was somewhat like the spread of an infectious disease like cholera, of which I am in charge, and had to be dealt with expediently and drastically. We could not wait. To take thousands of drug abusers to court would have meant delays. If the accused claimed trial and was granted bail, as is the usual practice, he would continue to take drugs and make himself even more addictive, Sir, it is not just a question of not enough courts or magistrates or administrators. We can set up special courts purely to deal with the drug abusers, as we have with the two traffic courts dealing with traffic offenders. But that is not the solution. Hence it was felt that drug abusers should be detained for rehabilitation without trial even before the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill became law. The Member for Kallang has asked me to consider an amendment to provide that any law which authorises the arrest and detention of drug addicts without trial should have a definite life of, say, three years. I hope he is not suggesting that the present amendment to the Constitution which I am moving should be a temporary one, because it is not usual for amendments to the Constitution to be made of a temporary nature. Sir, the Constitution (Amendment) Act, which is the enabling Act, the principal Act, leads to the other two Acts. The Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act lasts for five years. At the end of that five years, it has to be renewed. The Member for Kallang has a point when he said that the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill should have been made of a temporary nature, perhaps for three years or five years when we should come back here to discuss and debate it in Parliament. But again, if he has that suggestion, I am afraid he is a little out of time. The suggestion should have been made when the Bill was debated in the House last year. Unfortunately, the Member, not having the advantage of a study of the law, did not know that the Act was ultra vires the Constitution. But, as I said before, the Minister in charge had to deal with a rather drastic situation. When you have thousands of drug addicts on your hands, you cannot sometimes wait even for a parliamentary sitting. As for future assurances, like the Member for Jalan Kayu, I myself swore to defend and uphold the Constitution. But sometimes amendments to the Constitution have to be made; in fact, there have been very few in the last 12 years since we gained independence and adopted some of the provisions of the Constitution of Malaysia.

Sir, may I clarify the point made by the Member for Jalan Kayu? But before doing so, I would like to thank my colleague, the Minister for Law, for his reply to the queries raised. As to the point of clarification, let me put it this way. The implication of the statement made by the Member for Jalan Kayu is that this constitutional amendment was an after-thought after the Misuse of Drugs Act was introduced and passed in this Parliament. May I assure the Member that this was not the case. It was not an after-thought. We knew that this Bill which was introduced earlier would require an amendment to the Constitution of Singapore. If hon. Members will remember, before the Second Reading of the Misuse of Drugs Act, this Constitution (Amendment) Bill was introduced for First Reading in this Parliament. So it was not an after-thought. It was not a case, as was vividly put by the Member for Jalan Kayu, of closing the stable gate after the horse had fled. In fact, the horse is still in the stable when we try to close it. It is not a case of the horse having bolted. It is still in the stable. The other point of clarification is that this is not a straightforward case of detention without trial of secret society gangsters. This is a case where a drug addict is being detained not for purposes of imprisonment but for purposes of treatment and rehabilitation. As my colleague, the Minister for Law, has aptly illustrated his point, we are not only fighting an epidemic, an epidemic which is called the "heroin" epidemic where the addicts not only require treatment and rehabilitation as quickly as possible, but we also have to prevent them from infecting other people, just like small pox or cholera cases. So we owe a duty not only to the drug addict, of treating and rehabilitating him, but also to the community of preventing the drug addict from infecting other unsuspecting youths.

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.

4.14 p.m. Clause 1 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Section 10(a) of the Arms Offences Act, 1973, exempts the following categories of persons from section 3 of the Act which provides for punishment for unlawful possession of arms or ammunition: (a) members of any visiting force lawfully present in Singapore; (b) members of the Police Force; and (c) members of a volunteer force or local force constituted under any written law for the time being in force in Singapore. Because of this exemption provision, police officers and military personnel cannot be charged for unlawful possession of arms or ammunition under the Arms Offences Act. They can only be charged under another Act, the Arms and Explosives Act, which imposes much lighter penalties than the Arms Offences Act. In principle, there is no reason why uniformed personnel should not be treated like other citizens when they are not acting in the performance of their duty. They should not be allowed to escape the more severe punishment which they may deserve as provided by section 3 of the Arms Offences Act. The Bill therefore seeks to redress this anomaly without causing disruption or inconvenience to uniformed personnel who need to carry arms in the performance of duty by restricting the exemption. 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 Chua Sian Chin]. Bill considered in Committee.

Clause 1 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Development Loan Act, 1974, which came into operation in November 1974 authorised a sum of $5,000 million to be raised by way of loans for the purposes of the Development Fund. So far, loans totalling $4,200 million have been raised under the Act, leaving a balance of only $800 million. It is estimated that, in order to meet the needs of development financing over the next four years, new loans amounting to $6,000 million will have to be raised in addition to the $800 million that can still be raised under the Development Loan Act, 1974. It is therefore necessary to enact fresh legislation to empower the Government to raise this amount. The Bill follows very closely the provisions of the Development Loan Act, 1974. The maximum amount of loans that can be raised under the Bill is $6,000 million. 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 Hon Sui Sen]. Bill considered in Committee.

Clause 1 -

The citation year will be altered from "1977" to "1978". Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 2 to 17 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. The Schedule ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.

4.26 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the Motion* standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper. *The motion reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and seabed off Tampines and Changi containing an area of about 44 hectares, as shown coloured green on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAIMATION PLAN NO 4/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Sir, with the development of more and more homes by the Housing and Development Board, it is necessary to provide more green "lungs" and public parks for the use and benefit of the residents. A number of public parks will be developed by Government, amongst them Pasir Ris Park. The development of this Park necessitates the reclamation of about 44 hectares of the foreshore and seabed off Tampines and Changi as shown coloured green on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/77", a copy of which is displayed in the library of this House for the information of hon. Members. The proposed reclamation will cost Government about $5 million. Fill for the reclamation will be obtained from the cut-site of the Housing and Development Board's Tampines New Town. When completed, Pasir Ris Park with an area of 95 hectares will be the major green "lung" serving the population in the north-eastern sector of the island including Upper Serangoon, Punggol Housing Estate and Tampines New Town. 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 that portion of the foreshore and seabed off Tampines and Changi containing an area of about 44. hectares, as shown coloured green on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the Motion* standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper. *The motion reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portion of the foreshore and seabed at Sentosa Island containing a total area of about 17.0 hectures as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Sir, on 30th November, 1973, this House approved the dredging and reclamation of about 11 hectares (27 acres) of the fore-shore off Sentosa Island for the creation of a swimming lagoon and construction of some foreshore structures (temporary bridges) as well as the reclamation of about 3 hectares (7 acres) of the Kuchin Creek Estuary by the Port of Singapore Authority as agents of the Sentosa Development Corporation. The reclamation off Sentosa Island for the swimming lagoon and the construction of tem- porary bridges have been completed. The reclamation of Kuchin Creek Estuary was, however, shelved temporarily since 1st June 1976 by the Corporation, as the Corporation had second thoughts on the profile of the reclamation. The Corporation now proposes to proceed with an enlarged reclamation scheme of about 17 hectares (42 acres) covering the foreshore at Kuchin Creek Estuary as well as the reef between Sarong Island and the Main Jetty as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/77". A copy of this plan is displayed in the library of this House for the information of Members. The area proposed for reclamation is an eyesore at low tide when muddy flats, mangrove swamps and flotsam are exposed. The reclamation will join up Pulau Selegu and Sarong Island with Sentosa Island which will not only improve the visual impact on visitors, but will also create more land for future development. The Port of Singapore Authority, as agents of the Corporation, will undertake the reclamation works which are expected to be completed in about 14 months' time at an estimated cost of about $7 million. Fill for the reclamation will be obtained from the Public Utilities Board Reservoir project at Ulu Pandan and the Port of Singapore Authority's Inland Container Depot site at - Holland Road/Bukit Timah Road junction. On completion of the reclamation, the land will be proclaimed as State land and alienated to the Sentosa Development Corporation on terms and conditions to be agreed with the Commissioner of Lands. Suitable landscaping, including the planting of coconut trees along the fringe of the reclaimed land to preserve the image of a tropical island, will also be undertaken. 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 Sentosa Island containing a total area of about l7.0 hectares as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

4.30 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Asian Development Bank Act (Chapter 59). resolves that the Minister for Finance be authorised to increase, on behalf of the Government, the total subscription of Singapore to the authorised capital stock of the Asian Development Bank to a sum not exceeding twenty-nine million three hundred and seventy-five thousand United States dollars. Sir, the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank has adopted a resolution to increase the capital stock of the Bank by 135%. This is the second increase in the Bank's capital stock, the first increase of 150% having taken place in 1972. At present Singapore's subscription to the Asian Development Bank is US$12.5 million of authorised capital. Under the proposed increase, we have been allotted a further US$16.875 million. Parliament is requested to authorise the Government to increase the total subscription of Singapore to the authorised capital stock of the Asian Development Bank to a sum not exceeding US$29,375,000. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Asian Development Bank Act (Chapter 59), resolves that the Minister for Finance be authorised to increase, on behalf of the Government, the total subscription of Singapore to the authorised capital stock of the Asian Development Bank to a sum not exceeding twenty-nine million three hundred and seventy-five thousand United States dollars.

The Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (Mr E.W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the Motion* standing in my name as it appears as item 10 on the Order Paper. *The motion reads as follows: That this Parliament resolves in accordance with subsection (4) of section 3 of the Audit Act (Chapter 60) that the salary of the Auditor-General shall be $5,050 per month with effect from 1st November, 1977. Sir, section 3(4) of the Audit Act (Chapter 60) provides that the Auditor-General shall be paid such remuneration and allowances as may from time to time be determined by Parliament and such remuneration and allowances should be charged on and paid out of the Consolidated Fund. Mr Speaker, Sir, the salaries of officers in the public service were consolidated by the incorporation of the National Wages Council allowances for 1973-1977 into the salary scales, with effect from 1st November 1977. On the basis of this consolidation, the Auditor-General's salary (Grade D) will need to be revised from $3,500 to $5,050 per month. This Motion is necessary for the new consolidated salary to be paid to the Auditor-General. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament resolves in accordance with sub-section (4) of section 3 of the Audit Act (Chapter 60) that the salary of the Auditor-General shall be $5,050 per month with effect from 1st November, 1977.

Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to Friday, 17th February, 1978." - [Mr E.W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-four minutes to Five o'clock p.m. to Friday, 17th February, 1978.

asked the Prime Minister how many cases were investigated by the Corrupt Investigations Bureau in 1977 and how many prosecutions resulted therefrom; and what were the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

For the year 1977, a total of 581 cases of corruption were investigated which resulted as follows: (a) 39 cases involving 41 persons were prosecuted in court. (b) 47 cases involving 42 persons were referred for disciplinary action. For the year 1976, 468 cases of corruption were investigated and of these: (a) 80 cases involving 91 persons were prosecuted in court. (b) 40 cases involving 50 persons were referred for disciplinary action. For the year 1975 a total of 529 cases of corruption were investigated which resulted as follows: (a) 96 cases involving 104 persons were prosecuted in court. (b) 75 cases involving 199 persons were referred for disciplinary action.

asked the Minister for Health, during the year 1977, (a) how many mental patients were warded at Woodbridge Hospital; (b) how many mental patients were treated as out-patients at the Hospital; and (c) how many mental patients were discharged from the Hospital; and what were the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

Woodbridge Hospital 1975 1976 1977 Total Admissions 2,798 3,412 4,229 New Admissions 1,102 1,160 948 (% of total admissions) (39.4%) (34.0%) (22.4%) Total Discharges 3,827 3,983 4,225 Psychiatric Outpatient 51,825 59,139 62,214 Attendances

asked the Minister for Health (a) how many in-patients were treated at the various general hospitals in 1977; and (b) how many out-patients were treated at the various Government hospitals and dispensaries in the same year; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1975 and 1976.

Admissions 1975 1976 1977 Total Admissions 164,205 184,146* 191,059** Admissions into General Hospitals 110,139 119,392 125,489 Admissions into Specialised Hospitals 54,066 64,754 65,570** * Includes 11,692 neonatal admissions ** Includes 13,306 neonatal admissions (b) 1975 1976 1977 Total Attendances at Outpatient Dispensaries and Hospital Outpatient Clinics 3,584,939 3,675,391 4,030,459 Attendances at Outpatient Dispensaries 2,473,891 2,489,596 2,782,858 Attendances at Hospital Outpatient Clinics 1,111,048 1,185,795 1,247,601

asked the Minister for Labour if he will state, as at 31st December, 1977, (a) what was the labour force in Singapore; (b) what was the number of unemployed persons; and (c) what was the average wage paid, giving the figures for (a) and (b) by sex; and if he will give the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976, and 31st December, 1975.

Figures on labour force in Singapore as at 31st December, 1977, are not available as data from the December 1977 labour force survey are still being processed. I would therefore supply in the following table figures as at June 1977 as well as comparative figures as at June 1976 and June 1975: ________________________________________________________________________________ June 1975 June 1976 June 1977 Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total ________________________________________________________________________________ No. of 586.5 247.0 833.5 600.3 270.1 870.4 616.3 287.6 903.9 employed persons ('000) No. of 22.7 16.8 39.5 24.2 16.3 40.5 21.6 15.3 36.9 unemployed persons ('000) Total No. 609.2 263.8 873.0 624.5 286.4 910.9 637.9 302.9 940.8 in labour force ('000) Average $378 $399 $426 gross monthly wage (employees only) ________________________________________________________________________________

asked the Minister for Labour if he will state (a) the number of industrial accidents in 1977 resulting in (i) death; (ii) total permanent disablement; (iii) partial permanent disablement; and (iv) temporary disablement; (b) the total number of man-hours lost; and (c) the total amount of compensation paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

In 1977 there were a total of 4,575 industrial accidents consisting of 53 fatal cases claiming a total of 57 lives, 135 permanent disablement cases and 4,387 temporary disablement cases. A breakdown of the industrial accidents and the number of man days lost due to these accidents for 1975, 1976 and 1977 are given in the table below. Tempo- Perma- rary nent Total disable- disable- No. of Annual ment ment Fatal acci- Man-days change Year cases cases cases dents lost (%) 1975 3,678 86 63 (67) 3,827 478,752 - 1976 4,053 141 58 (62) 4,252 457,152 -4.5 1977 4,387 135 53 (57) 4,575 434,628 -4.9 Figures in bracket denote fatalities, i.e. number of deaths. The Honourable Member will notice that there is a consistent fall in fatal and permanent disablement cases in the last 2 years. As for the amount of compensation paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act in respect of all work accidents, industrials or otherwise, a total sum of $13,883,289,07 was paid as compensation in 1977. The corresponding figures of actual payments for 1976 and 1975 were $11,290,743.47 and $4,874,247.23 respectively. It should be pointed out that these figures are payments of workmen's compensation actually made. They do not reflect all the cases for that year. The increases in 1976 and 1977 were the result largely of the upward revision of the quantum of compensation paid. The Honourable Member will recall that on 1 Oct 75 the new Workmen's Compensation Act came into operation which raised the maximum quantum from $21,600 to $35,000 for fatal cases and from $28,800 to $45,000 for total permanent incapacity cases. Separate statistics are not available on the amount of workmen's compensation paid out for industrial accidents. In future, such statistics will be available.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether it is proposed to construct a covered footpath from the bus shelter opposite Bedok View Primary School, New Upper Changi Road, to Apartment Blocks 74, 75, 76 and 77, so as to provide shelter for the residents of those Blocks during bad weather.

The HDB has no plan to construct a covered footpath from the bus shelter opposite Bedok View Primary School, New Upper Changi Road, to Apartment Blocks 74, 75, 76 and 77. However, the Board will construct an open footpath for the convenience of the residents.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, during the year 1977, (a) how many families were resettled by the Resettlement Department; (b) what was the number of members of such families; (c) how many families were moved into 1-room, 2-room, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room Housing and Development Board and Housing and Urban Development Company flats: (d) how many units of HDB and HUDC flats were completed; (e) how many HDB shops were given up; and (f) how many HDB shops were taken up; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

8,049 families were resettled by the Resettlement Department in 1977, 7,203 in 1976 and 9,912 in 1975. (b) The household size of such families ranged from 2 to 9 and averaged at 5. (c) The following resettlement families were moved into HDB flats:- Year 1-Rm 2-Rm 3-Rm 4-Rm 5-Rm Total 1975 1,309 648 3,310 1,958 235 7,460 1976 687 496 2,620 1,375 267 5,445 1977 729 868 3,096 1,980 296 6,969 No case was resettled into HUDC flats. (d) The total number of HDB flats completed in 1977 was 36,648 as compared to 27,507 in 1976 and 26,355 in 1975. The total number of HUDC flats completed in 1977 was 1,452 as compared to 234 in 1976. (e) The number of HDB shops given up was 229 in 1977, 206 in 1976 and 147 in 1975. (f) 790 HDB shops were taken up in 1977. It was 665 in 1976 and 552 in 1975.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will request the Housing and Development Board to construct public toilets in some selected void decks of apartment blocks.

Since there are public toilets in the markets, hawker centres, eating houses and other commercial premises within walking distances of flats in HDB estates, it is not necessary to provide toilets in selected void decks of the apartment blocks.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will give figures of the various categories of registered motor vehicles, e.g. private cars, lorries, buses, etc., as at 31st December, 1977, and the comparative figures as at 31stDecember, 1976 and 31st December, 1975.

The figures of the various categories of registered motor vehicles as at the end of 1975, 1976 and 1977 are as follows:- As at As at As at Category 31 Dec 75 31 Dec 76 31 Dec 77 _________ _________ _________ 1 Private Cars and Station Wagons 139,958 133,350 132,064 2 Other motor cars, station wagons and taxis 8,579 8,730 10,040 3 Goods Vehicles 42,411 46,952 50,899 4 Buses 4,974 5,272 5,570 5 Motor Cycles and Scooters 83,145 84,016 89,840 6 Other Motor Vehicles 1,350 1,599 1,669 _________ _________ _________ Total 280,417 279,919 290,082 _________ _________ _________ The total number of motor vehicles dropped slightly from 280,417 in December 1975 to 279,919 in December 1976 but increased by 10,163 or 3.6% to 290,082 in December 1977. This was mainly due to the increase of motor-cycles/scooters and goods vehicles. The number of private motor cars and station wagons, which form the single largest category of our motor vehicles, decreased by 6,608 to 133,350 in December 1976 and by a further 1,286 to 132,064 in December 1977. This reflects, to a large extent, the effectiveness of our policies to restrain the growth of private car ownership.

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what was the number of telephones installed by the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore as at 31st December, 1977, and what were the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976, and 31st December, 1975.

The total number of telephones installed by the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore as at 31st December, 1977, 1976 and 1975 are as follows:- Telephone Total Density Year Number Annual(%) Per 100 (31 Dec) Installed Growth Population 1977 455,120 19.6 21.6% 1976 374,394 16.3 17.8% 1975 317,932 14.0

asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he is aware of the recruitment of workers from among non-citizens for some Singapore-registered foreign owned ships and if he proposes to take steps to curb this practice in the interests of our own nationals.

I am aware of such a practice but I do not intend to curb it. Employment opportunities at sea are not that difficult to come by provided the seaman has the necessary discipline and is not choosy. It may interest the Honourable Member to know that one-third of our seamen are employed on foreign flag ships. It is important to retain a sense of balance in these matters. Shipowners must be allowed some flexibility in their recruitment policy for otherwise they would be deterred from having their ships registered in Singapore. They are, however, encouraged to employ local seamen. In accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act, 50% of their annual tonnage tax is refunded if 25% or more of their crew consists of Singaporeans.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will state the number of cases in 1977 of (i) armed robberies; (ii) thefts; (iii) rapes; (iv) murders; and (v) commercial crimes, and the number of cases solved in each category; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

In 1977 there were 493 robberies. This was slightly higher than the 461 robberies in 1976 but much lower than the 690 robberies in 1975. For the three years 1975 to 1977 about 16% of the cases were solved. Thefts rose from 9,519 and 9,483 in 1975 and 1976 respectively to 11,780 in 1977. Although the number of cases solved increased from 1,115 in 1975 to 1,297 in 1977 the percentage dropped from 12% to 11%. There has been a slight decline in rape cases reported to the Police over the last 3 years from 59 in 1975 to 54 in 1976 to 48 in 1977. The number of cases solved showed a marked increase from 40% in 1975 to 75% in 1977. Murder cases were also on the decline, failing from 49 in 1975 to 37 in 1976 to 36 in 1977. The percentage of cases solved rose from 54% in 1976 to 72% in 1977. Commercial crimes rose by about 10%. There were 938 cases in 1975, 949 cases in 1976 and 1,045 cases in 1977. In 1977, 38% of the cases were solved and this was the highest for the 3 years, 1975 to 1977. Statistics on the various crimes reported and solved during 1975, 1976 and 1977 are in the Table below. TABLE

Year 1975 1976 1977 ______________________________________________________________ Type No. No. No. of of No. of No. of No. Offence cases Solved cases Solved cases Solved ______________________________________________________________ (i) Armed Robberies 690 126 461 70 493 82 (ii) Thefts 9,519 1,115 9,483 1,234 11,780 1,297 (iii) Rapes 59 24 54 20 48 36 (iv) Murders 49 31 37 20 36 26 (v) Commercial Crimes 938 329 949 224 1,045 398

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will state the number of cases in 1977 of (i) suicides; (ii) attempted suicides; and (iii) reports of missing persons, giving the figures by sex and by the age groups 19 years and below; 20 to 30 years; 31 to 40 years; 41 to 50 years; 51 to 60 years and 61 years and above; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

In 1977 there were 117 suicides in Singapore compared to 169 in 1975 and 138 in 1976. A total of 36 attempted suicides were reported to the Police in 1977 compared to 69 in 1976 and 30 in 1975. The number of missing persons reported in 1977 was 476 compared to 537 in 1976 and 501 in 1975. The sex and age distribution for all the cases is presented in the statistical tables below. TABLE I

Age- 1975 1976 1977 Group Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total _______________________________________________________________ 19 & below 7 4 11 6 3 9 4 6 10 20-30 28 17 45 20 15 35 16 14 30 31-40 11 15 26 10 11 21 10 11 21 41-50 11 7 18 5 3 8 4 4 8 51-60 10 6 16 11 8 19 5 4 9 61 & above 39 14 53 31 15 46 24 15 39 _______________________________________________________________ Total 106 63 169 83 55 138 63 54 117 _______________________________________________________________ TABLE II

Age- 1975 1976 1977 Group Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total _______________________________________________________________ 19 & below 2 9 11 4 6 10 3 1 4 20-30 4 6 10 17 16 33 5 9 14 31-40 1 2 3 3 6 9 2 2 4 41-50 2 2 4 2 - 2 3 - 3 51-60 - - - 1 1 2 2 - 2 61 & above 2 - 2 7 6 13 7 2 9 _______________________________________________________________ Total 11 19 30 34 35 69 22 14 36 _______________________________________________________________ TABLE III

Age- 1975 1976 1977 Group Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total _______________________________________________________________ 19 & below 96 206 302 106 226 332 90 215 305 20-30 23 78 101 35 66 101 32 72 104 31-40 15 27 42 19 23 42 13 15 28 41-50 6 13 19 12 11 23 5 8 13 51-60 4 6 10 5 6 11 4 2 6 61 & above 21 6 27 20 8 28 15 5 20 _______________________________________________________________ Total 165 336 501 197 340 537 159 317 476 _______________________________________________________________

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education what was the number of (i) road accidents: (ii) persons killed in road accidents; (iii) persons injured in road accidents; and (iv) traffic offences committed, in 1977, giving the figures for (ii), (iii) and (iv) according to whether the persons involved were motorists, motor-cyclists, cyclists or pedestrians; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

In 1977 there were 31,127 road accidents compared to 29,950 in 1976 and 29,583 in 1975. The number of persons killed in road accidents in 1977 was 269 which was slightly lower than the number of 286 persons killed in 1976 and the same as that in 1975. The number of pedestrians killed made up an average of 45% of the total for the 3 years. The number of persons injured in road accidents has increased from 8,999 in 1975 to 9,400 in 1976 and to 10,211 in 1977. The number of traffic offences committed in 1977 was 219,770 representing a reduction of 4,408 compared to 1976 and an increase of 77,457 compared to 1975. The breakdown of these figures according to whether the persons involved were motorists, motor cyclists, cyclists or pedestrians is given in the Tables below. TABLE I

Year 1975 1976 1977 CLASSIFICATION _______________________________________________________________ Motorists 27 27 17 Motor-cyclists 67 55 55 Cyclists 29 26 31 Pedestrians 122 132 124 *Others 41 46 42 _______________________________________________________________ Total 286 286 269 _______________________________________________________________ TABLE II

Year 1975 1976 1977 CLASSIFICATION _______________________________________________________________ Motorists 929 1,044 1,347 Motor-cyclists 2,038 2,314 2,392 Cyclists 772 953 828 Pedestrians 2,600 2,582 2,793 *Others 2,660 2,507 2,851 _______________________________________________________________ Total 8,999 9,400 10,211 _______________________________________________________________ *Others include: Cyclist pillion passengers Trishaw passengers Motor car passengers Motor cycle/scooter pillion passengers Bus passengers Lorry passengers Pickup/van passengers TABLE III

YEAR 1975 1976 1977 CLASSIFICATION _______________________________________________________________ Motorists 98,230* 203,463 174,235 Motor-cyclists 9,250* 19,410 21,051 Cyclists 3,393* 1,305 1,261 +Pedestrians - - 23,223 _______________________________________________________________ Total 142,313** 224,178 219,770 _______________________________________________________________ * These figures exclude those recorded in the months of January and February of 1975 as records were then not kept to reveal a breakdown of the offenders according to the categories requested for. During these two months, the total number of traffic offences committed was 31,440. **The total figure for the year 1975 includes the number 31,440 for January and February. + The Pedestrian Rules, 1977 came into effect on 1st September, 1977. Thus records were only kept from 1st September, 1977, onwards.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will state the number of premature school leavers in 1977 at (i) primary level; (ii) secondary level: (iii) pre-university level; and (iv) tertiary level, according to the different language streams and expressed also as a percentage of the total student population for each category; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

The statistics on premature school leavers for 1977 are not yet available except for those at primary level. Pupils at the 'O' and 'A' levels are waiting for the results of their Examinations and in the case of tertiary level, they have not sat for the final examination yet. In the circumstances only figures for 1974, 1975 and 1976 are provided. They are as follows:- Year 1974 1975 1976 Primary level (Pr 1-6) 12,040 12,186 10,992 Secondary level (Sec 1-4) 19,763 19,475 20,142 Pre-University 2,693 2,147 2,170 Tertiary 785 622 594 The breakdown of the figures into the English and non-English streams and expressed as a percentage of the total student population for each category is given at Table I below. The definition of premature school leavers is given at the footnote of Table I. It should be noted that the definition includes students at primary, secondary and pre-university level who sat for PSLE, GCE 'O' and 'A' level examinations but do not pass these examinations. If a premature school leaver within the school system is defined as a student who failed to reach the level at which these examinations are set, the numbers would be very much smaller as given at Table II below. TABLE I

Year 1974 1975 1976 No %+ No %+ No %+ _______________________________________________________________ Primary Level (Pr 1-6) All Streams 12040 3.6 12186 3.7 10992 3.5 English Stream 6542 2.8 6857 2.9 6203 2.6 Non-English Stream 5498 5.2 5329 5.7 4789 5.9 _______________________________________________________________ Secondary Level (Sec 1-4) All Streams 19763 12.5 19475 12.1 20142 12.5 English Stream 12439 11.8 11606 11.0 12585 11.8 Non-English Stream 7324 13.7 7923 14.4 7557 13.7 _______________________________________________________________ Pre-University Level (PU 1-2) All Streams 2693 19.3 2147 15.6 2170 15.1 English Stream 1684 19.3 1344 14.8 1534 15.7 Non-English Stream 1009 19.3 803 17.0 636 13.8 _______________________________________________________________ Tertiary Level Universities (Nanyang University and University of Singapore) 112 1.4 177 2.2 288 3.4 Technical Colleges (Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Technical College) 621 10.9 370 6.3 242 3.6 Institute of Education 52 11.5 75 11.0 64 5.4 * Premature Leavers are students who fail to achieve the following qualifications in the respective courses they have enrolled in: 1 a degree/diploma/certificate for students at Tertiary Level; 2 2 'A' and 2 'O' level passes including a pass in GP at PU Level; 3 3 'O' level passes at Secondary Level; 4 pass in PSLE at Primary Level. + Percentage of the enrolment at a relevant date in the year; and is calculated as a percentage of enrolment for the respective stream. TABLE II

Year 1974 1975 1976 No %+ No %+ No %+ _______________________________________________________________ Primary Level (Pr 1-5) All Streams 2335 0.9 2567 1.0 1535 0.6 English Stream 1277 0.7 877 0.5 665 0.4 Non-English Stream 1058 1.3 1690 2.4 869 1.5 _______________________________________________________________ Secondary Level (Sec 1-3) All Streams 7243 5.9 7883 6.3 7062 5.8 English Stream 3582 4.5 4184 5.1 3528 4.4 Non-English Stream 3661 8.4 3753 8.6 3534 8.2 _______________________________________________________________ Pre-University Level (PU 1) All Streams 178 2.7 203 3.0 137 1.9 English Stream 91 2.2 119 2.5 90 1.8 Non-English Stream 87 3.5 84 3.8 47 2.0 * Premature Leavers are students who fail to reach the levels which these examinations (PSLE, 'O' and 'A' Level Exams) are set. + Percentage of enrolment for the respective stream.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, out of the more than 9,000 officers in the teaching service shortlisted for the promotion exercise in 1977, (i) how many had 5 - 9 years, 10 - 14 years, 15 - 19 years, and over 20 years of confirmed service; (ii) how many had been shortlisted for the promotion exercises in 1972 or 1974 or both; and (iii) how many had been promoted in the 1972 or 1974 or both promotion exercises.

9,696 were shortlisted for interview in the 1977 Promotion Exercise. They included: From 5 - 9 years confirmed service . . . . . . . 2,923 10 - 14 years confirmed service . . . . . . 3,537 15 - 19 years confirmed service . . . . . . 2,045 20 years confirmed service and above . . . 1,191 _____ 9,696 _____ Of those shortlisted for the interview in 1977, 820 had been shortlisted for the promotion exercise in 1974 and 354 for the 1972 promotion exercise. Of the 820 shortlisted in 1974, 41 were promoted and of the 354 shortlisted in 1972, 71 were promoted. Only one officer was promoted in both the 1972 and 1974 exercises.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, out of the 473 officers in the teaching service promoted in the promotion exercise in 1977, (i) how many had 5 - 9 years, 10 - 14 years, 15 - 19 years, and over 20 years of confirmed service; (ii) how many had been shortlisted for the promotion exercises in 1972 or 1974 or both; and (iii) how many had been promoted in the 1972 or 1974 or both promotion exercises.

473 officers were promoted in the 1977 Promotion Exercise. They included: From 5 - 9 years confirmed service . . . . . . . 71 10-14 years confirmed service . . . . . . . 121 15 - 19 years confirmed service . . . . . . 153 20 years and more confirmed service . . . . 128 ___ 473 ___ Of these 13 were promoted in the 1974 exercise and 47 were promoted in the 1972 exercise. Only one had been promoted in both the 1972 and 1974 exercises.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, out of the 2,320 officers in the teaching service who had been shortlisted but declined to participate in the promotion exercise in 1977, (i) how many had 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, and over 20 years of confirmed service; (ii) how many had been shortlisted for the promotion exercises in 1972 or 1974 or both; and (iii) how many had been promoted in the 1972 or 1974 or both promotion exercises.

2,369 officers declined the invitation to appear for interview and be considered for promotion. They included: From 5 - 9 years confirmed service . . . . . . . 836 10 - 14 years confirmed service . . . . . . 834 15 - 19 years confirmed service . . . . . . 459 20+ years confirmed service . . . . . . . . 240 _____ 2,369 _____ Of those who declined 332 were shortlisted in the 1974 exercise and 355 were shortlisted in the 1972 exercise. Among those who declined 24 were promoted in the 1974 exercise and 5 were promoted in the 1972 exercise. No single officer was promoted in both the 1972 and 1974 exercises.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, in view of the long period of interview, heavy costs in terms of man-hours, manpower and organisation support and the small percentage of officers promoted, whether there is any plan to rationalise the promotion system in order to save time and cost as well as to reduce the frustrations of officers in the teaching profession.

The present promotion exercise was in fact an attempt to rationalise the promotion procedures taking account the experience gained from the first two promotion exercises in 1972 and 1974. In the last two promotion exercises, only about 1,200 officers, or about 7% of those eligible, were shortlisted for a single round of interviews by the Public Service Commission. Many of the 93% of those not shortlisted voiced their disappointment at not being called. This time, after months of discussion and consultation with the Public Service Commission and planning by the Ministry, a total of about 7,000 were originally shortlisted based on their records. The names of these 7,000 were then provided to their Principals who were asked to comment on the list and to suggest further names for inclusion if they felt any deserving officer had been left out. This resulted in another 2,000 or so names being added to the shortlist. Although the number shortlisted was large, totalling more than -9,000, the Public Service Commission and the Ministry felt it would be well worth the time and effort to interview them. Firstly, it would give as many as possible the opportunity to appear for interview and be considered for promotion. Secondly, they would be given the chance to express their views on the education system, the teaching service and their own personal problems, preferences and career expectations to the interview boards comprising Public Service Commission members and senior Ministry officials and Principals. Thirdly, and very importantly, it would allow as many as possible to be identified for future career development leading to appointments as Principals, Vice-Principals, Senior Assistants and in specialist capacities. All these objectives were, to a large extent, achieved in this last promotion exercise which was the most thorough and comprehensive of all the promotion exercises held so far in the Education Service. No doubt, the numbers promoted were far less than those not promoted. This is so in any promotion exercise. The considerable time and effort put into this exercise were not counter-productive. Nevertheless, a thorough post mortem on this exercise is now being conducted and the lessons learned from this will be used to make further improvements, in consultation with the Public Service Commission and others, to the next promotion exercise for which initial planning has already begun.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether there are plans to build schools in Neighbourhoods Two and Three and, if so, where the schools will be built and when they are expected to be completed.

The current School Building Programme is geared to meet the demands of school places in new towns. Insofar as Neighbourhoods Two and Three of Bedok New Town are concerned, 5 primary and 3 secondary schools would be required to cater for 15,348 housing units or a population of 76,740. For Neighbourhood Two, a new primary school and a new secondary school each with 28 classrooms have been built so far and are already functioning. Construction on 2 more primary schools will begin soon and these are expected to be ready in 1979. Another secondary school is expected to be ready in 1980. The Ministry is also planning to build schools in Neighbourhood Three in its next School Building Programme, details of which are being worked out. Anglican High School is, however, in this Neighbourhood. In addition, 1 primary school and 1 secondary school will be built in Neighbourhood One (which is near Neighbourhoods Two and Three) and they are targetted for completion in 1980. The new schools' and the existing primary and secondary schools which are within 4 km of Bedok New Town would be adequate to cater for the school-going population in these 2 Neighbourhoods. * Note: Location of these schools is given in the table below. TABLE I

No. of Schools Remarks Location Primary Secondary School School _______________________________________________________________ Neighbourhood 2 1.1 New Upper 1 1 Both the schools Changi Road/ are functioning now Bedok South ie Bedok View Avenue 3 Primary School and Bedok View Secondary School. 1.2 New Upper 1 1 The primary school Changi Road/ is scheduled to Bedok South complete in 1979 Avenue 3 while the secon- dary school in 1980. 1.3 Bedok South 1 - Expected to complete Avenue 3 _____ _____ in 1979. 3 2 _______________________________________________________________ Neighbourhood 1 1.4 New Upper 1 1 Targetted for Changi Road/ completion in 1980. Bedok South Road

asked the Minister for Finance what was the number of (i) radio licences; and (ii) television licences issued as at 31st December, 1977; and what were the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976, and 31st December, 1975.

The television and radio licences issued during the year ending 31st December, 1977 and the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976 and 31st December, 1975 are as follows:- 31 Dec Radio Licences Television Licences 1977 58,370 328,937 1976 60,148 309,276 1975 64,211 280,479

asked the Minister for Finance, in 1977, (a) how many businesses were registered with the Registry of Businesses; (b) how many companies were registered with the Registry of Companies; (c) how many businesses ceased to operate as a result of insolvency; and (d) how many companies ceased to operate as a result of insolvency; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

The number of new businesses and companies registered with the Registries of Businesses and Companies for the years 1975, 1976 and 1977 is shown below: 1975 1976 1977 New Businesses registered 10,115 10,525 10,553 Companies registered Local companies 2,296 2,612 2,885 Foreign companies 83 84 71 The number of businesses and companies which ceased operations in the corresponding years is as follows: 1975 1976 1977 Businesses terminated 8,546 5,492 6,379 Companies terminated Wound-up by the Court (Local Companies) 36 86 127 Struck-off (Local Companies) 414 386 275 Wound-up voluntarily and ceased business Local Companies 51 50 75 Foreign Companies 83 90 55 Businesses are not required to give a reason for terminating operations. The procedure requires that they complete a form giving information only of the name and address of the business, the Certificate of Registration number and the date of termination of business. However, normally a business is terminated because it has failed. The larger number of terminations of business operations in 1975, however, may be an effect of the Business Registration Act, 1973, brought into force on 1st September, 1974 which requires all businesses to have their registrations renewed annually. In the case of companies that terminate operations, by and large, those that are wound-up by the Court and those that are struck-off under Section 308 of the Companies Act (viz. because they have ceased to carry on business for a period of time) are normally insolvent. The majority of companies voluntarily wound-up are solvent. Companies ceasing business in Singapore apply to foreign companies which for various reasons decide to cease operation as a branch in Singapore.

asked the Minister for Finance (a) how many tourists visited Singapore in 1977, according to country of origin; (b) what was the average number of days spent by them in Singapore; and (c) what were the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

Tourism is an important growth industry. During the recession in 1975, tourist arrivals did not decline but grew at 7.5%. The pace increased to 12.9% and 14.1% in 1976 and 1977, respectively. In 1977, tourist arrivals by air and sea reached 1.51 million. All tourist generating markets in 1977 registered increases except for slight decline for USA and Australia. This was probably due to slower economic growth in the US, the devaluation of the Australian dollar and the special Apex fare introduced between Australia and UK which discourages stopovers between the two countries through the imposition of a stopover surcharge. The slight decline in tourist arrivals from Australia and USA has, however, not affected their relative ranking among tourist generating markets. In the last three years, visitors from Indonesia constituted the largest proportion of total visitor arrivals followed by Australia and Japan. In 1977, Japan registered the highest annual growth rate of 35.4%. Other major tourist generating markets in order of ranking are Malaysia, USA and UK. Table I below gives a detailed breakdown of tourist arrivals and growth rates for 1975 to 1977. In 1975 and 1976, the overall actual length of stay of all visitors remained at 3.4 days. Tourists from Southeast Asia (for example Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia) generally stayed longer than those from Europe, USA and Australia. Data collection for the 1977 survey has just been completed and the data are being processed. Table 2 below gives details of the average actual length of stay of visitors by country of residence for 1975 and 1976. TABLE 1: TOURIST ARRIVALS BY AIR AND SEA (By Country of Residence) _______________________________________________________________ Tourist Arrivals Country Number Growth Rates (%) 1975 1976 1977p 1975 1976 1977p _______________________________________________________________ TOTAL 1,169,270 1,320,625 1,506,688 7.5 12.9 14.1 Indonesia 207,197 245,719 300,367 20.3 18.6 22.2 Australia 193,933 216,488 215,511 5.3 11.6 -0.5 Japan 118,668 139,539 188,921 8.6 17.6 35.4 Malaysia 109,700 115,277 128,433 -3.7 5.1 11.4 USA 106,241 122,303 118,076 2.0 15.1 -3.5 UK 74,925 73,292 78,708 -10.5 -2.2 7.4 Hong Kong 37,233 40,159 44,142 3.1 7.9 9.9 New Zealand 28,758 34,723 44,120 5.1 20.7 27.1 West Germany 31,045 35,555 39,909 21.6 14.5 12.2 France 22,772 28,845 31,031 19.9 26.7 7.6 Others 238,798 268,725 317,470 12.6 12.5 18.1 Note: Figures do not include visitors arriving by road and rail and Malaysians embarking from Peninsular Malaysia by air and sea. P: Preliminary. Source: Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. TABLE 2: AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY IN SINGAPORE (By Country of Residence) __________________________________________________________ Average Actual Length of Stay Country (Days) 1975 1976 __________________________________________________________ TOTAL 3.4 3.4 Indonesia 3.2 4.0 Australia 3.2 3.1 Japan 3.1 3.3 Malaysia 2.5 3.9 U.S.A. 3.8 3.1 U.K. 3.5 2.9 Hong Kong 3.4 4.6 New Zealand 2.9 2.8 West Germany 3.4 3.3 France 3.4 2.8

asked the Minister for Social Affairs what was the number of (i) marriages; (ii) divorces; (iii) births; and (iv) deaths in 1977, expressing births and deaths also as percentages of the total population; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

The information pertaining to marriages, divorces, births and deaths is given below: 1975 1976 1977 Number of marriages registered: (a) Civil marriages 20,175 18,551 17,658 (b) Muslim marriages 3,233 2,946 3,163 ______ ______ ______ Total 23,408 21,497 20,821 ______ ______ ______ Number of divorces registered: (a) Civil+ 426 446 706 (b) Muslim 304 300 377 ______ ______ ______ Total 730 746 1,083 ______ ______ ______ Number of live births++ 39,948 42,783 38,840 Number of deaths++ 11,447 11,648 11,950 Number of births as percentage of total mid-year 1.78% 1.88% 1.68% population++ Number of deaths as percentage of total mid-year 0.51% 0.51% 0.52% population++ + Figures obtained from Registrar, Supreme Court. ++ Figures obtained from Chief Statistician, Statistics Department. The figures for 1977 were preliminary counts.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) how many cases were reported to the Central Complaints Bureau in 1977; (b) how many of them were investigated; and (c) how many cases resulted in disciplinary action being taken and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

In 1977, the Central Complaints Bureau received 592 cases. Of these, the Bureau investigated 77 cases which were complaints against civil servants. These complaints concerned discourtesy, misconduct, petty bureaucracy, unnecessary delay of service and discrimination of service. Arising from investigation by the Bureau, 10 cases resulted in disciplinary action being taken against the officers concerned. The rest of the cases received in 1977 were either complaints or requests relating to enforcement action taken or to be taken by Government departments or statutory bodies or appeals for assistance and enquiries. Where necessary, the Bureau referred the requests, appeals or enquiries to the appropriate Government departments and statutory bodies. The Bureau received 559 cases in 1976 and 695 cases in 1975. Of the cases received in these 2 years, the Bureau investigated 28 cases in 1976 and 56 cases in 1975. The cases investigated were complaints against civil servants. Action was taken against 6 cases in 1976 and 5 cases in 1975.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs if he will state (a) the number of fires in 1977 involving (i) industrial premises; (ii) commercial premises; and (iii) residential premises; and (b) the estimated economic wastage in terms of properties lost; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

The statistics requested by the Member for Jalan Kayu are given below: Number of Fires in Estimated Year loss of Industrial Commercial Residential properties premises premises premises 1975 122 118 428 $15,139,138 1976 67 63 179 $19,303,094 1977 107 44 597 $18,889,813

asked the Minister for Social Affairs, as at 31st December, 1977, (a) how many aged and destitute persons were accommodated at the various Homes; (b) how many girls were accommodated at the various Social Welfare Homes; (c) how many boys were accommodated at the various boys' Homes; (d) how many persons were in receipt of public assistance; and (e) what was the known number of beggars; and if he will give the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976 and 31st December, 1975.

As at 31st December, 1977, there were 1,100 aged and destitute persons, 350 girls and 358 boys residing in the various Social Welfare Homes. An analysis of these residents by sex and type of residential institution together with the comparative figures for 31st December, 1975 and 31st December, 1976 is given in the following table: ________________________________________________________________________________ Category Name of Home On 31 Dec 75 On 31 Dec 76 On 31 Dec 77 M F Total M F Total M F Total ________________________________________________________________________________ Aged Home Woodlands Home 461 128 589 414 127 541 412 164 576 for the Aged Destitute Bushey Park 267 -- 267 295 -- 295 286 -- 286 Persons' Home Home Woodstock Home 101 -- 101 93 -- 93 99 -- 99 Woodstock Home -- 131 131 -- 131 131 -- 139 139 (DP) Dormitories A and B Boys' Homes Singapore Boys' 121 -- 121 117 -- 117 108 -- 108 Home (A) Singapore Boys' 51 -- 51 62 -- 62 68 -- 68 Home (B) Perak House 101 -- 101 90 -- 90 95 -- 95 Bukit Batok 29 -- 29 33 -- 33 49 -- 49 Boys' Hostel Pasir Panjang 44 -- 44 28 -- 28 38 -- 38 Boys' Hostel Girls' Homes Toa Payoh -- 171 171 -- 148 148 -- 175 175 Girls' Home (Main Home) Nursery 11 10 21 3 2 5 8 6 14 Mount Emily -- 48 48 -- 59 59 -- 67 67 Girls' Home Jalan Eunos -- 28 28 -- 33 33 -- 16 16 Girls' Home Katong Girls' -- 26 26 -- 26 26 -- 28 28 Hostel Children's Telok Blangah* -- 34 34 2 37 39 2 58 60 Home Children's Home ________________________________________________________________________________ *Telok Blangah Children's Home was a Girls' Home until 10th November, 1976, when it was converted into a Home for Children without behaviour problems. 6,397 households comprising 8,801 persons were in receipt of Public Assistance as at 31st December, 1977. The comparative figures for 31st December, 1975 and 31st December, 1976 are shown in the following table: On On On 31 Dec 75 31 Dec 76 31 Dec 77 Number of Households 6,992 6,288 6,397 Number of Persons 11,036 8,769 8,801 The total number of beggars in Singapore is unknown. However, a number of such persons are apprehended by the Social Welfare Department regularly. Some of them are required to reside in Social Welfare Homes. The number of beggars accommodated in the Homes was 54 as at 31st December, 1975, 68 as at 31st December, 1976 and 75 as at 31st December, 1977.

asked the Minister for Social Affairs how many cases were handled by the Legal Aid Bureau in 1977 and what were the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.

The number of cases handled by the Legal Aid Bureau as at the end of the respective years 1975, 1976 and 1977 is as follows: 1975 1976 1977 Cases brought forward from previous year 10,986 12,554 10,051 Cases registered for the year 6,834 8,165 8,580 Total number of cases handled in the particular year 17,820 20,719 18,631 Number of cases completed in the particular year 5,266 10,668 9,682 Cases carried forward to next year 12,554 10,051 8,949 figures - APPENDIX TO ORAL ANSWER TO QUESTION NO. 1 (Cols. 203-205)