Hansard, 1980-10-31

Under the provisions of clause 2(d) of Article 30 of the Constitution of Singapore, the following Members have been granted permission 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 C.V. Devan Nair (Anson) - from 12th to 18th August, from 16th to 30th September and from 16th to 26th October, 1980. Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra) - from 21st August to 15th September, 1980. Mr Lim Chee Onn (Bukit Merah), Minister - from 25th August to 6th September, 1980. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi (Kampong Kembangan) - from 27th to 31st August, from 1st to 8th September and from 9th to 14th September, 1980. Dr Tan Eng Liang (River Valley) - from 28th August to 3rd September, from 11th to 25th September, from 1st to 10th October, from 12th to 16th October and from 22nd to 25th October, 1980. Dr Augustine H.H. Tan (Whampoa) - from 1st to 3rd September, from 12th to 14th October and from 28th to 31st October, 1980. Dr Koh Lip Lin (Nee Soon) - from 1st to 6th September and from 22nd to 27th September, 1980. Mr Rohan bin Kamis (Telok Blangah) - from 1st to 6th September, 1980. Mr Tang See Chim (Chua Chu Kang), Deputy Speaker - from 1st to 7th September, 1980. Mr Phua Bah Lee (Tampines), Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence - from 1st to 7th September and from 13th to 23rd September, 1980. Mr Ho Kah Leong (Jurong) - from 1st to 7th September, from 12th to 22nd September and from 1st to 24th November, 1980. Mr Lai Tha Chai (Henderson) - from 1st to 7th September and from 13th to 21st September, 1980. Mr Teo Chong Tee (Changi) - from 1st to 7th September and from 13th to 30th September, 1980. Mr A. Rahim Ishak (Siglap), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - from 1st to 12th September and from 4th to 28th October, 1980. Mr Sia Kah Hui (Upper Serangoon), Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Government Whip - from 2nd to 6th September, 1980. Dr Ang Kok Peng, B.B.M. (Buona Vista) - from 2nd to 7th September, from 10th to 13th September, from 19th to 23rd September and from 22nd November to 1st December, 1980. Mr S. Rajaratnam (Kampong Glam), Second Deputy Prime Minister (Foreign Affairs) - from 2nd to 12th September, from 20th September to 11th October and from 8th to 24th November, 1980. Mr Goh Chok Tong (Marine Parade), Minister for Trade and Industry - from 3rd to 8th September, from 28th September to 1st October, from 23rd to 26th October and from 8th to 24th November, 1980. Mr S. Dhanabalan (Kallang), Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 3rd to 9th September, from 16th September to 20th October and from 3rd to 4th November, 1980. Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta) - from 4th to 8th September, 1980. Dr Ong Leong Boon (Kim Seng) - from 5th to 7th September, 1980. Mr Ong Teng Cheong (Kim Keat), Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture - from 6th to 30th September, 1980. Mr Lim Kim San, D.U.T. (Cairnhill), Minister for the Environment - from 8th to 10th September, and from 21st September to 25th October, 1980. Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture - from 9th to 14th September, 1980. Mr Lee Yiok Seng (Bukit Panjang), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development - from 9th to 14th September and from 24th October to 14th November, 1980. Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng (Mountbatten) - from 9th to 14th September, 1980. Mr Chin Harn Tong (Aljunied), Parliamentary Secretary - from 12th September to 4th October, 1980. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin (Bedok) - from 13th to 20th September and from 15th October to 3rd November, 1980. Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee (Toa Payoh) - from 13th to 24th September, 1980. Dr Lau Teik Soon (Serangoon Gardens) - from 15th September to 11th October, 1980. Mr Chan Chee Seng (Jalan Besar), Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs - from 18th September to 8th October, 1980. Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol) - from 18th September to 8th October, 1980. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon (Tiong Bahru) - from 18th September to 8th October, 1980. Dr Goh Keng Swee (Kreta Ayer), First Deputy Prime Minister - from 22nd September to 6th October, 1980. Mr Tan Cheng San (Paya Lebar) - from 25th September to 8th October, 1980. Mr Lee Khoon Choy (Braddell Heights), Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office - from 28th September to 8th October, 1980. Dr Ahmad Mattar (Brickworks), Acting Minister for Social Affairs - from 4th to 28th October, 1980. Mr Ho See Beng, B.B.M. (Khe Bong) - from 8th to 20th October, 1980. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam (Sembawang), Minister of Education - from 19th to 21st October, 1980. Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (Farrer Park) - from 27th October to 1st November, 1980. Mr Ngeow Pack Hua (Boon Lay) - from 30th October to 2nd November, 1980. Mr Sia Khoon Seong (Moulmein) - from 11th to 27th November, 1980. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the dates stated:- 6th August 1980 National University of Singapore Bill. 7th August 1980 (i) Hire Purchase (Amendment) Bill; (ii) Supplementary Supply (No. 2) Bill; (iii) Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill; (iv) Parliamentary Membership Bill; (v) Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill; and (vi) Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Bill. YEOH GHIM SENG Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

asked the Prime Minister when the People's Association will set up a community centre in Neighbourhood Six of Ang Mo Kio New Town.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply on his behalf. A site has been reserved at Ang Mo Kio Street 61, Neighbourhood Six of Ang Mo Kio New Town, for the building of a new community centre. It is scheduled for construction in FY 82. However, pending the construction of the new centre, the People's Association has rented from the Housing and Development Board a shop unit at Block 151 in Neighbourhood Six for conversion into a temporary community centre. As soon as it has been converted, the centre will be open to the residents.

asked the Minister for Labour, in view of the substan- tial rise in wage level arising out of the accumulated NWC wage increases in the past few years, whether he will consider raising the present wage ceiling of $750 p.m. to a higher ceiling for workers covered by the Employment Act.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the hon. Member for Toa Payoh that the $750 per month wage ceiling laid down in Sections 33, 35 and 144 of the Employment Act will be raised with effect from 1st December, 1980, to $1,250 p.m. in view of the substantial increase in the level of wages since the ceiling was fixed 12 years ago. Hon. Members may wish to know that section 35 of the Employment Act stipulates that Part IV of the Act applies to non-manual employees whose salaries are not more than $750 p.m. However, Part IV applies also to manual employees irrespective of the amount of their monthly salaries. Part IV lays down conditions of service like rest days, holidays, hours of work and payment for overtime work. On the other hand, section 33 provides that where the property of an employer is sold, or any money due to such employer is garnished on the application of a person holding a mortgage, charge or lien or of a person who has obtained a judgment or decree, the court ordering the sale or garnishment shall not distribute the proceeds of such sale or such money unless the salaries due to all employees of the employer have been paid. In the case of section 144, it empowers the Commissioner for Labour to enquire into and decide on any dispute between an employee and his employer relating to matters arising out of any term in the contract of service or any provision of the Act. The wage ceiling of $750 p.m. was fixed in 1968. Since then the level of wages has increased substantially. The median monthly income of all employees, according to CPF records, rose by 138%, from $175 in 1968 to $416 in June 1980. In terms of occupational groupings, the median monthly earnings of sales and service workers based on the Singapore Sample Household Survey, 1966, and the Labour Force Survey, 1979, increased by about 94% and 88% respectively between 1966 and 1979. Following consultations with the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers' Federation, the Government has decided that with effect from 1st December, 1980, the wage ceiling in sections 33, 35 and 144 of the Employment Act be raised to $1,250 p.m. The wage ceiling will in future be adjusted at regular intervals to take into account rises in the level of wages.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether capital punishment for certain drug offences has had the desired deterrent effect, and, if not, whether he will consider introducing amending legislation to make the law more effective.

Mr Speaker, Sir, since the enactment of the death penalty in 1975, 20 major drug traffickers have been arrested and prosecuted. Eighteen have been tried in Court and sentenced to death. Six of them were executed after they failed in their appeals to the Privy Council. With vigorous and sustained enforcement, the organised drug trafficking syndicates have been smashed. The deterrent effect of enforcement, convictions and executions is reflected in the declining number of major drug traffickers arrested for such offences after the introduction of the death penalty. In 1976, 11 major drug traffickers were arrested. The figure dropped to six in 1977, one in 1978 and one in 1979. What is even more significant is that the pattern of trafficking has changed to ant trafficking. The ant traffickers smuggle very small amounts of drugs from Johore Bahru into Singapore. With strict enforcement action at our checkpoints, not much could get through. As a result the addicts are finding it difficult to get their supplies from the street pushers and they have to pay a high price for the drugs. This scarcity has resulted in an increase in the price of heroin at the street level from $35 per gram in 1977 to $333 per gram in the first half of this year. For the foreseeable future, I have no intention of introducing amending legislation. There must, however, be no relaxation in enforcement so that distribution networks which have been smashed are not rebuilt or new ones created. This together with the deterrence of the death penalty will continue to keep the drug problem in Singapore under control.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister whether there is any difference in the number of cases of capital punishment between 1979 and 1980.

Sir, to date, in 1980, we have not arrested any drug trafficker for an offence that entails the death penalty if he is prosecuted and convicted.

Sir, I would like to know whether there has been any conviction of a drug trafficker that entails capital punishment in 1980.

The answer is none.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs, that since 1st January 1980 up to the latest convenient date, how many gang fights have taken place in hawker centres and shopping complexes and how many foreigners were involved in those fights; and what plans he has to curb such incidents in the interests of the public.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there was only one gang fight at a hawker centre but none at shopping complexes between 1st January, 1980, and 25th October, 1980. The fight which took place at the Bedok South Hawker Centre on 18th January, 1980, was between 12 members of two secret societies. They are all Singaporeans and five of them were charged and convicted in court for rioting. However, during the same period, there were 153 fights at hawker centres and 201 fights at shopping complexes. These fights were between individuals or small groups of persons and had no secret society connection. Most of the fights resulted from arguments over minor issues, such as prices and seating arrangements at hawker centres. A total of 12 foreigners, namely, 10 Malaysians and two European boys, were involved in 11 of the fights. The Police will continue to take preventive measures, including visits by its uniformed officers on patrol, to curb such incidents. Where the situation warrants, detectives or plainclothes officers will also be deployed.

asked the Minister for Finance whether his Ministry has finalized the criteria for assessing the eligibility of employees in the public sector for the 1980 National Wages Council's recommendation of the 3% award for above-average employees, and, if so, when the recommendation will be implemented and how many will benefit from it.

asked the Minister for Finance (a) when and how the Government intends to implement the 1980 NWC recommendation on the second tier payment of 3% for the above-average workers in the public sector; (b) whether he is able to indicate at this juncture the probable percentage of the public service that will get the 3% increase; (c) how his Ministry defines an above-average watchman, clerk, nurse, teacher, lawyer, doctor, administrative officer and permanent secretary, among others; and (d) whether all permanent secretaries and other superscale officers will automatically get the 3% increase, and, if so, what is the rationale.

Mr Speaker, Sir, as both the Members for Delta and Moulmein have raised questions on implementing the NWC recommendation for the payment of the additional wage increase to above-average performers in the public service, it would be convenient if I could answer their questions together.

Yes.

Sir, my Ministry, in close consultation with other Ministries and their statutory boards, is still in the process of finalising a suitable scheme for implementing, in the public service, the NWC recommendation. From the way in which they pose their questions, the hon. Members appear to have appreciated the difficulties created by the size of the public service and the multiplicity of grades among the officers involved. It will take some time yet before appropriate instructions with the necessary uniformity and flexibility can be issued to Ministries and statutory boards. It is not possible at this stage to indicate the probable percentage of officers who will be paid the additional wage increase. The number of officers so paid will ultimately depend on the assessment of the performance of officers by their supervisors in the various organisations of the public service. There should, however, be no automatic award to any categories of officers. It would indeed offend the principle of greater rewards for more meritorious workers if too high a proportion of officers were awarded this second tier payment.

asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture (a) when the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd will increase the number of bus services to Neighbourhood Six of Ang Mo Kio New Town; and (b) before the introduction of those new services, whether the SBS will increase the frequency of the existing services.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to the first part of the question is that the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd will introduce a new feeder service to link Neighbourhood Six to the Ang Mo Kio Interchange in December this year. With this new service, residents of the Neighbourhood can take a feeder bus to the Interchange where there are trunk services linking Ang Mo Kio to the other parts of Singapore. As regards the second part of the question, pending the introduction of the new feeder service, SBS will increase the frequency of Service No. 263 by adding one more bus to the service. Further additions will be made if necessary.

asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture whether a firm decision has been made by government with regard to the proposed Mass Rapid Transit System.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has not as yet made a decision on the MRT. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to elaborate on the developments that have taken place and how we intend to proceed from here. As hon. Members are aware, the Hansen Review Team which was recently asked to examine all previous MRT-related studies has finished its task. They have disputed the findings of earlier studies. They state that an MRT is not inevitable and that we will be able to manage quite well in the 1990s and beyond with buses - provided we redesign our bus system in the radical manner that they have proposed. But they have not been able to substantiate their views in a con- vincing manner. Serious operational implications, such as high-boarding volumes in the Central Area, have not been considered. It has therefore been decided to do further quantitative work to settle, conclusively, this issue of whether an all-bus system will be able to cope. This will be done as part of the Comprehensive Traffic Study to be undertaken by the Provisional MRT Authority. This Study, which is scheduled to start in January, will be conducted in two phases. Phase A, which will take about 6 to 9 months to complete, will examine in detail the Hansen Team's proposed all-bus system to see if it can be implemented, and if so, with what consequences. Other all-bus systems thought to be comparable or superior to the Hansen Team's system will also be evaluated. In addition to looking at the operational details such as commuter travelling times, bus fleet size and so on, the Study will do an economic benefit-cost analysis that will rank the various all-bus alternatives in their order of merit. Phase B which will be done concurrently with Phase A will take about 2 1/2 years. It will do a refined analysis and examine the basic MRT system established in Phase III of the Mass Transit Study to see how it compares with the all-bus system. In addition, at least two other limited but possibly more cost-effective MRT configurations will also be analysed. All these systems will then be subjected to a benefit-cost and financial analysis and ranked in order of merit. Notwithstanding all that I have said, we should not forget that the MRT is more than just a transportation issue. Its implementation has wide implications, and a decision can only be taken after all factors have been carefully considered.

Mr Speaker, Sir, whilst the House appreciates the due care and caution taken by the Hon. Minister before making a decision on the proposed Mass Rapid Transit System, however the study has taken a period of not less than eight years. And it will be longer than that because the Minister disclosed to the House just now that another Comprehensive Traffic Study will be carried out in two phases, Phase A and Phase B, which will take some 30 months or so. In short, can the Hon. Minister indicate to this House how much more money will have to be spent on such further feasibility studies on the MRT? And when a firm decision on the MRT has been reached, how much will it cost Singapore, not forgetting the fact that by that time, the cost of setting up the MRT would have doubled, if not trebled?

Mr Speaker, Sir, at this stage, I am afraid I am not able to tell the hon. Member what the cost will be with regard to the Comprehensive Traffic Study that will be conducted over the next 30 months. The proposal has yet to be submitted by the consultants. When the consultants have made their submission, the Provisional MRT Authority will have to evaluate the proposal and negotiate before actual work on the Study could be implemented. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage for me to give any indication. As for the quantum or additional cost involved in the delay on the decision of the MRT, this again is something which is difficult to quantify. We do not know at this stage whether there will be any technological breakthrough in respect of construction techniques, in rolling stocks and other control systems. This is something that no one can tell at this stage. Who knows, maybe by waiting for another year or two, there could be some technological development that would lead us to control systems or construction methods which are cheaper than what we have or are available today. So this question is one that I am not able to answer now.

What is the cost of the study?

I mentioned earlier that it is too early for me to tell him the cost of the Study. Maybe I will be in a better position to tell him after the consultants have made their submission.

Sir, the MRT is a service to the people of Singapore. If at all consultation is necessary, why not consult the people of Singapore instead of the experts, so that the Government need not have to pay for the consultation!

Sir, I think I have answered the same question by the hon. Member some months ago. No doubt the MRT is an essential service and that in the long run it may have to be provided whether we like it or not. But it is a large-scale investment, and therefore we have to ensure that the money is wisely spent so that the maximum economic advantage is achieved.

Sir, I am still not convinced. The funds come from the people. Therefore, we should consult the people. If the people say, "Yes", then we spend the money. What is wrong with that?

Mr Speaker, Sir, as a Government, we have a duty to safeguard the money of the people.

Sir, bearing in mind that, as a Government, we have a duty to perform, can I ask the Minister this question. If he decides to go ahead with the MRT, what is the biggest thing that can go wrong that is holding him back from making such a decision? On the other hand, why is he taking so long to decide on the all-bus system? Is there anything that is very attractive that is holding him back from making a definite decision?

Sir, the decision is not merely whether we should have an MRT or we should not. It is more a question of when do we need an MRT. If we do, in what configuration the system should operate? As Members have been exposed to the public debate on the issue, I am sure Members will appreciate the complexity of the subject. It is not just whether we need an MRT or we do not, but a series of issues or factors which are involved.

Sir, the Minister seems to be afraid of making up his mind whether to go ahead with MRT or not. So there must be something that is holding him back. Can we just know what it is?

Mr Speaker, Sir, we ourselves also would like to know what it is all about. As I have said, this is a complex subject and I myself have expressed in this House some months ago that my personal view is that it is inevitable that we will need an MRT in the long-run. But it is a question of when do we need an MRT, and as Members have expressed concern, the longer we delay the higher the cost will be. On the other hand, technological advancement may achieve a breakthrough in certain aspects of the system, and that may save us money or give us a better system that we do not know at this stage.

asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture when the Changi International Airport will become operational and what will happen to the Paya Lebar International Airport.

Mr Speaker, Sir, most of the facilities required for the operation of Changi airport, like runway, control tower and navigational aids, will be completed by early 1981. The last and very important project to be completed is the Passenger Terminal Building. The construction of the Terminal Building has been slightly delayed because of shortage of building material and manpower. We are trying to complete the construction of the Terminal Building in early 1981. After a few months of debugging and familiarisation, we hope to be able to have Changi airport operational on 1st July 1981. Mr Speaker, Sir, Changi is an airport with two runways. While the first runway will be operational next year, the second runway will only be completed in 1983. For the period from 1981 to 1983, Paya Lebar airport will be used to cater for any overflow of civil aircraft traffic which could not be handled at Changi with just one runway. A new direct express road has been built to link Paya Lebar airport to Changi airport. This will provide a speedy link between the two airports. After all civilian aircraft operations have been transferred to Changi, the RSAF squadrons now operating in Changi Air Base will be transferred to Paya Lebar airport. Paya Lebar will also serve as a supplementary airport to Changi for non-scheduled and chartered commercial flights.

Sir, since the Hon. Minister has informed this House that there has been a slight delay in completing the construction of the Passenger Terminal Building at the Changi International airport and that he is hopeful that the airport will be operational on the 1st of July next year, can he indicate to this House that definitely by next year - not necessarily the 1st July, just in case we cannot have the first aircraft land at the Changi International Airport on the 1st July - that sometime next year Changi International Airport will become operational?

Sir, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the answer is yes.

asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture whether he will request the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd to consider extending the seasonal bus pass facilities, which are presently enjoyed by SBS shareholders, school children and some other categories of persons, to commuters who have to change buses several times on a single trip to and from work.

Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has taken up with SBS from time to time the subject of providing season bus passes to commuters who have to make several transfers to and from work. The difficulty, it seems, is not that these passes cannot be provided, but at what price. SBS shareholders and school children who currently enjoy the use of such passes do so at a concession rate. They pay much less than what they would normally have to pay, i.e. they are subsidised. Since SBS is a privately-owned company, this subsidy must come from bus fares paid by other commuters. It is therefore not possible to extend these concession passes to ordinary bus commuters without somebody having to pay more.

Sir, may I ask the Hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications whether he would further request the SBS to look into other measures to lighten the burden of these bus commuters who not only suffer from the inconvenience of having to change two or more buses for a single trip but also have to pay a high cost in bus fares as a result of the several changes which they have to make for a single trip?

Sir, as far as the service is concerned, I would say that the SBS would look into the matter and improve the service. As for the concession, one way out for them is to buy a minimum of 500 SBS shares using part of their CPF money, so that they can travel at the concessionary fare of $24 a month.

Sir, would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications request SBS to consider extending the use of season bus passes for school children during school holidays, because school children still have to go to school during school holidays for their extra-curricular activities?

Sir, as of now, the answer is no. For the information of the hon. Member, with the concession rates that are being given, we have to take from the kitty of the SBS a subsidy to the tune of several million dollars.

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what was the rationale for closing up the opening in the divider, instead of installing traffic signals, at the New Upper Changi Road/Bedok South Avenue 1 junction, and is the Minister aware that the closure has resulted in (i) curtailment of bus services 31 and 401; and (ii) congestion of city-bound traffic along New Upper Changi Road; and (b) whether his Ministry will consider making an opening in the divider along New Upper Changi Road opposite Apartment Block 24, so as to enable motorists from the city to turn right into the car park at Block 24 or to make a U-turn.

Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin.

Question No. 11, Sir.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the opening in the divider at New Upper Changi Road and Bedok South Avenue 1 junction was closed recently as it was hazardous for motor traffic to turn right from Bedok South Avenue 1 to New Upper Changi Road, in view of the heavy traffic along New Upper Changi Road. The installation of traffic signals at this junction was not recommended as it would reduce the traffic capacity of New Upper Changi Road, considering the fact that there were already four sets of traffic signals between Bedok South Road and Bedok Road. After the closure of the divider, traffic wishing to turn right from Bedok South Avenue 1 can still do so at two other signalised junctions at Bedok South Road and Bedok South Avenue 3. Bus services 31 and 401 have not been curtailed. The closure of the divider has only resulted in the rerouting of bus services 31 and 401 from Bedok South Avenue 1 to Bedok South Road. The congestion presently experienced along New Upper Changi Road between Bedok South Road and Siglap Road is not due to the closure of the central divider at Bedok South Avenue 1. It has come about because the traffic volume has exceeded the capacity of the two-lane dual carriageway road. There are plans to widen this stretch of New Upper Changi Road, including improvement to its junction with Bedok South Road, to increase its capacity. Construction work is expected to commence early next year. Making an opening in the central road divider along New Upper Changi Road opposite Apartment Block 24 is not recommended as it will interfere with the free movement of vehicles along New Upper Changi Road. It is also hazardous for vehicles to turn right from New Upper Changi Road into the car park, or to make a U-turn.

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are plans to construct an overhead bridge at New Upper Changi Road near the Bedok Sports Complex, when the work will commence and when it is expected to be completed; and (b) whether his Ministry will look into the possibility of installing a signalised pedestrian crossing across New Upper Changi Road in the vicinity of the Changi Theatre.

Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin.

Question No. 12, Sir.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department has a plan to build an overhead pedestrian bridge at New Upper Changi Road near the Bedok Sports Complex. Construction is scheduled to commence in April 1981, subject to the availability of funds. Our field observations show that pedestrians can cross without difficulty New Upper Changi Road in the vicinity of Changi Theatre, as there are gaps in the traffic flow along this stretch of New Upper Changi Road, which are created by the traffic lights at Bedok South Road and Bedok North Road, A signalised pedestrian crossing at this location is therefore not recommended, as it will only reduce the traffic capacity of New Upper Changi Road.

asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the uncompleted factory building fronting Blocks 74 and 78 at the junction of Bedok North Road and New Upper Changi Road will be demolished as it is an eye-sore and a breeding ground for mosquitoes and when; and (b) what plans the Housing and Development Board has for the site.

Sir, the factory building was formerly used for the construction of prefabricated HDB flats. It was bought over by HDB when the contractor failed. The building will be dismantled and transferred to a new site at Tampines by the end of 1981 to be used by a new contractor for prefabricated flats. The present site is earmarked for the construction of a school.

asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board will convert the vacant land in the vicinity of Blocks 74 to 77, Bedok North Road, into a children's playground, complete with recreational facilities such as slides and swings, for the benefit of children residing in Blocks 74 to 83 as presently they have to cross the road to use the nearest playground.

Sir, the Housing and Development Board has already provided two children's playgrounds to serve the residents of Blocks 74 to 83, Bedok New Town. They are located in front of Block 83 and between Blocks 78 and 79, and are within short walking distance. There is no necessity to provide an additional playground. The vacant land adjacent to Blocks 74 to 77 is to be allocated to the PUB for use as a water-collection pond.

asked the Minister for National Development how many bus shelters were constructed or renovated during the past two financial years.

Sir, in FY 1978, the Public Works Department constructed 128 bus shelters. This number increased to 221 in FY 1979. For the first half of the current financial year, i.e. from April 1980 to September 1980, the Department has been able to maintain its momentum and has constructed a total of 107 bus shelters.

Sir, could the Minister inform the House whether his Ministry is satisfied that the design of the bus shelter is such that it provides adequate protection for commuters, for example, from rain, and more importantly, from the possibility of commuters failing into the path of buses which drive into the bus bays? Could his Ministry consider the construction of safety railings at the bus shelter, if there is the possibility of such an accident occurring? Could he also investigate why in certain new bus shelters there is heavy leakage of rain water, thus wetting the seats meant for commuters to rest?

Sir, the design of the bus shelter is constantly being improved. Any shortcomings found in the old bus shelters will be rectified. So if we find that certain shelters have a leaky roof, they will be replaced with a better design.

What about the safety measures to prevent commuters from falling into the path of buses which drive into these stopping bays?

Sir, this question shows the conflicting aspects in the design of the bus shelters. If the passengers are to got into the bus easily, we should not put up barriers at the bus shelter so that when a bus stops the passengers can get into the bus straightaway. On the other hand, when there are too many passengers at the bus stop, especially during the peak hour, they may scramble to get into the bus, and in pushing one another there is the possibility of an accident occurring, as mentioned by the hon. Member, i.e. a commuter may fall into the path of the bus and be run down. The PWD has always been bearing this safety aspect in mind. In fact, this safety barrier has been erected at some bus shelters where we expect a lot of passengers, as for example, the bus shelter in front of the Victoria Concert Hall, which is not very far from Parliament House.

asked the Minister for National Development what is the rationale for two departments, namely, the Housing and Development Board and the Public Works Department, each controlling its own half of the field located at Block 5 in the Old Kallang Airport Estate.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the field next to Block 5 at Old Kallang Airport Estate is partly owned by the State and partly by the HDB. The State land portion which is at the junction of Mountbatten Road and Old Airport Road will eventually be affected by the Kallang Expressway. In the meantime, the Parks and Recreation Department has been planting trees and landscaping the area as a temporary measure. In any case, the Housing and Development Board and the Parks and Recreation Department have jointly ensured that the field is well maintained.

Mr Speaker, Sir, can I ask the Hon. Minister whether there are other areas in Singapore that are similarly controlled?

Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes. In fact, there are many areas where you can find that one part of the land is owned by the State and the other part is owned by the Housing and Development Board. This is, in fact, very common.

Then, for the purpose of saving time and manpower, would the Minister agree to centralize control at the Area Office of the HDB for each respective constituency?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am afraid this is not possible. I will quote a simple example. In a new town, you will find that the expressway runs through an HDB estate. All these expressways are owned by the State. In fact, the trees along the expressways are planted by the Parks and Recreation Department. But in the public housing estates, they are maintained by the HDB. So it is not possible for the HDB to take over all the functions of the Government department.

asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what is the targeted rate of inflation in Singapore for the next 12 months; what factors will determine the rate of inflation in Singapore during that period; and what Singaporeans should do to ensure that they will succeed in maintaining a low inflation rate.

Mr Speaker, Sir, we do not target to achieve inflation in Singapore. We aim to minimize it. Ours is an open economy and inflation is mostly imported. The Government will, however, continue to keep domestic inflation down by improving productivity in the economy. Our inflation rate for this year is estimated to be around 9%. Barring any major oil price increase in the next 12 months, our inflation rate in 1981 should be lower than this year's. Further oil price increase is a major factor that will determine the rate of inflation in Singapore in 1981. Higher oil prices will mean that we have to pay more for our oil and other imports. Our inflation will therefore depend on the action of OPEC and the consequences of the Iraq-Iran war in the next 12 months. On the domestic front, higher cost of housing construction due to higher oil and labour costs will affect the level of inflation. If the effect of any price increase in oil imports is to be ameliorated in the next 12 months, there must be a conscious effort by Singaporeans to conserve energy, thereby reducing our need for oil imports. They must also be more productive and use energy-saving devices so that higher oil import and wage costs are offset by productivity increases. As consumers, they must spend wisely and not excessively. With these efforts, we should be able to minimize the rate of increase in our inflation in the next 12 months.

Sir, possibly, one effective way of combatting inflation is to help Singaporeans to increase their earning capacity. How would the Minister propose to help Singaporeans, especially pensioners who cannot earn enough wages, who cannot be trained, and who will not be spared from the effects of inflation?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not quite see the rationale of that question, i.e. increasing the earning capacity of people to combat inflation. I do not see the direct linkage or cause of inflation in that question.

I am no economist, Mr Speaker, Sir. The Minister should be in a better position to clarify this. But let me explain. I go with the layman's understanding that if a person is able to earn more wages, he would possibly be able to withstand the effects of inflation. Therefore, I thought it would be logical for Singapore to use this as the main rationale rather than, for example, in some countries where they used to dole out subsidies or financial assistance. In so far as the healthy workers are concerned, it would be possible to train them with new and better skills so that they can take on jobs which can provide better wages. But in certain categories, for example, pensioners, we really cannot use this rationale of helping them to earn more wages. But, at the same time, we do not practise the giving out of doles or subsidies to pensioners. So how do we solve the problem of such a category of Singaporeans?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am now clear as to the import of the question and, that is, the effect of inflation on people who are unable to increase their earning capacity. That is quite different from the causes of inflation. If a person is a pensioner, it is true that he will suffer the impact of inflation and, frankly, there is no way in which the pensioner can be compensated for such pernicious effects of inflation.

Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Hon. Minister think that the explanation for inflation given by Milton Friedman is applicable to Singapore?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not know which part of Milton Friedman's arguments the Member was referring to because while in Singapore he touched on many things. But, in essence, if the Member is talking about the free-play of market forces as a means to check inflation, and that is generally the thrust of Dr Friedman's arguments, then we think that is applicable in Singapore. We are trying to use market forces to improve efficiency in the economy so that cost increases as a result of wage-cost increases and oil price increases will be offset by productivity increases.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that Milton Friedman said many things, but is the Minister not aware that Milton Friedman blamed excessive supply of money as the basic cause of inflation? And does he not think that such a factor is also operative in Singapore at the moment?

Mr Speaker, Sir, in theory, I think excessive supply of money is a cause of inflation. Whether or not money supply is excessive in Singapore is best seen in the inflation rate which we have in Singapore, and I think an inflation rate of 9%, taking into account factors which have caused price increases, such as the oil price increase, would seem to suggest that money supply in Singapore has not been excessive.

Sir, why does the Hon. Minister think that imported inflation is inevitable when we can change the exchange rate, i.e. allow the currency to float upwards and thereby mitigate the effects of imported inflation?

Mr Speaker, Sir, it is true that one can mitigate the impact of imported inflation by allowing the currency to appreciate vis-a-vis currencies outside Singapore. But there are also other implications of an increase in the exchange rate and, that is, it would affect the exports.

Sir, is the Hon. Minister not aware that by keeping the value of Singapore's currency down, this will lead to an increase in money supply and, at the same time, allow import prices to be filtered into the domestic economy and, on both counts, raise the rate of inflation?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am fully aware of the implications as mentioned by the hon. Member for Whampoa. However, the exchange rate determination comes under the Ministry of Finance.

3.25 p.m. With the consent of Mr Speaker and the general assent of Members present, Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, Questions for Oral Answer set down in the Order Paper may be taken after 3.30 p.m. at today's sitting." - [Mr E.W. Barker].

asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what the position is with regard to the proposed agreement between Indonesia and Singapore under the Batam Project.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the question has been overtaken by events, and I am pleased to inform the House that I have this morning signed the Agreement between Indonesia and Singapore for Economic Cooperation in the Development of Batam Island. The Agreement focuses on the cooperative effort to promote the development of the Industrial Region of the Batam Island, which consists not only of Batam Island proper but also the group of islands of Janda Berias and Islands of Tanjung Sau, Ngenang and Kasem. The Agreement covers areas of mutual interest in trade, industry, banking, communication, taxation, customs and immigration. The Agreement will come into force immediately after the respective governments have fulfilled the constitutional requirements and notified each other. The Agreement will remain in force for five years from the date of implementation, after which it can be extended with the consent of the two governments. The full text of the Agreement will be published when the necessary formalities to bring it into force have been completed by the two parties.

Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Hon. Minister inform this House when ratification of this Agreement would take place?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would not be able to speak for the Indonesian government at this stage. They would have to ratify the Agreement on their side. On our side, I have been authorised by the Government to sign the Agreement and in accordance with our own constitutional requirements, that will be sufficient for the Agreement to take effect. So it is more a question of waiting for ratification from the Indonesians.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of recent press reports to the effect that a superpower was establishing a military base in Cam-Ranh Bay, he will consider initiating moves, in concert with his ASEAN counterparts, to balance the said military presence in South East Asia.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member has raised a pertinent issue. There is evidence that the Soviet Union has obtained the use of naval and air facilities in Cam-Ranh Bay from its ally, Vietnam. This has enhanced Soviet strategic capability both in the Pacific and in the Indian Oceans and, if unchecked, will eventually tilt the power balance in Asia to Soviet advantage. Soviet intentions in the region are clear. As in so many instances in the past, they obviously hope to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of another super-power. The conclusion of the Treaty of Friendship between the Soviet Union and Vietnam in November 1978 foreshadowed the granting of these base facilities by Vietnam to the Soviet Union. There are provisions for military cooperation in the treaty. Through this treaty and other friendship treaties between Vietnam and Laos and the Vietnamese-installed Heng Samrin regime in Kampuchea, the three Indo-Chinese regimes are locked into a de facto military alliance with Soviet military underpinning. All these, of course, do not augur well for peace and security in the region, especially since this treaty relationship has provided the Soviet Union an opportunity and a treaty obligation to intervene in South East Asia as they consider necessary. It would be ideal for the peace and stability of the region if big power rivalry is kept out of the region. However, this is an unrealistic expectation. It is in the nature of things that big powers will seek to extend their power and influence wherever they can and to exclude the other contending powers from these areas. This is why Singapore has consistently argued for a multi-power presence in the region. A multi-power presence is the best guarantee. No single big power will then be in a position to dominate the region. Singapore has publicly enunciated this and has called on friendly powers to play a role in the region. As the hon. Member knows, we have repeatedly urged the US and the West to play a part in this region as it is so much in their interest as well as ours for them to continue maintaining an active interest and presence in the region. The hon. Member is aware that ASEAN is primarily a socio-economic organization. This is prescribed in the Bangkok Declaration of 1967. However, in the recent past ASEAN has increasingly played a political role, as evidenced by its action to mobilize world support to deny legitimacy to the Vietnamese occupation of Kampuchea. ASEAN has no intention of pursuing a military role unless this is forced upon ASEAN by others. Although ASEAN does not have a military dimension, this has not precluded individual ASEAN countries from instituting bilateral defence cooperation among themselves to enable them to better withstand external threats to their security.

asked the Minister of Education how many school fields were repaired during the last two financial years; and how many of them were completed and commissioned for re-use within eight months after repair work began.

Mr Speaker, Sir, during the last two fiscal years, that is, FY 79 and FY 80, 84 school fields were repaired. According to records, none of them were completed and commissioned for re-use within eight months after repair work began. According to the Public Works Department, the average length of time required for the repair work is between 12 and 14 months.

Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Senior Minister of State inform us which section of the PWD says that it will take between 12 and 14 months for the repair work? I have got information which says that in normal cases it would take about six to eight months to repair a standard-sized school field.

Sir, our school fields are repaired by the PWD (Schools Division) which looks after school fields. If the Member has that information, may I know from which particular PWD officer he obtained it, so that I can check it up?

Sir, I will make my own investigation. But may I ask the Senior Minister of State whether he considers it desirable for such prolonged delay in repairing school fields? I feel that the pupils have been unduly deprived of the use of school fields. I also wonder whether the Senior Minister of State is aware that certain school authorities have issued stringent instructions to the children not to play in the field during periods of consolidation of the field. In some cases students have been penalized and reprimanded for playing in the school field.

As regards the second part of the question, the principals have the authority to run the schools. If the hon. Member feels that there are cases of grievance, perhaps he can bring them to my attention and I will look into them. As for the time taken to repair school fields, whether that is too long I cannot judge it as I am not an engineer. But the information given to me shows that there are four major factors which govern the length of time for repairing and reconditioning school fields. The size of the field is one factor. The other factors are the availability of materials, the efficiency of the contractors and, of course, the supervision of the work involved. I am, therefore, not in a position to say whether the time taken to repair school fields is too long or too short. But from the Ministry of Education's point of view, I definitely agree with him that we would like to have the fields repaired, if we can, within one or two months. But that is obviously not possible because grass takes time to grow and then it will have to be trimmed before the fields can be made suitable for re-use.

Sir, I am grateful to the Senior Minister of State for his comments and clarification. But can he give an assurance that he is as concerned as many other parents about the prolonged time taken to repair the school fields? But more important is the fact that some children, and because they are children they need to play in the field, have been unduly reprimanded for using the school field during the period of consolidation.

As I am in the Ministry of Education and as I am also a parent, my answer is definitely "yes".

asked the Minister of Education (a) how many and what type of schools will be built in Ang Mo Kio Neighbourhood Six; and (b) when those schools will be completed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, according to the Ministry of Education's school building plan, three sites in Ang Mo Kio New Town Neighbourhood Six have been reserved for schools. On Site 11, construction work for one primary school and one secondary school has already started. They are expected to be completed before December 1981. Site 10 is for two primary schools and one secondary school. Construction work is expected to start next month. The two primary schools are expected to be completed by December 1981 and the secondary school by February 1982. A third site is reserved for the construction of a junior college which is expected to be completed by the end of 1983.

asked the Minister of Education (a) how many primary and secondary schools will be convened to full-day schools in 1981; (b) whether and when the teachers and parents of the pupils in those schools will be informed; (c) to what extent the curriculum and ECA load for the pupils will be increased and will be different from those in the two-session schools; (d) whether the teachers' teaching load will be increased; (e) whether principals and teachers will be given flexibility in implementing the full-day school programme; (f) how the additional hours will be utilized; and (g) whether adequate facilities, including proper facilities for lunch, will be provided to meet the increased demands of a full-day school programme.

Mr Speaker, Sir, full-day schools will be introduced as a pilot scheme in three secondary and two primary schools next year. The three secondary schools are the Anglican High, Chinese High and Nanyang Girls' High. The two primary schools are Broadrick Primary and Parry Primary. Details of the scheme will be released to the parents and teachers concerned, in the first week of November. The curriculum and ECA workload will not be increased. The extended school hours from 7.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. for Lower Primary classes and 7,30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. for Upper Primary and Secondary classes will allow a more relaxed pace of teaching and learning, and much of the homework and assignments given by the teachers can be completed at school. In view of the extended school day, teachers will have to stay on in school until dismissal time in the afternoon for a few days each week but it is not intended that their teaching load will be increased unduly. No activities will be carried out on Saturdays. Principals and teachers will be given flexibility in implementing the full day programme. The schools will be provided with adequate facilities for teaching, quiet study, rest and recreation. An organised lunch programme is unnecessary and impractical. However, school tuckshops will be upgraded to meet the needs of teachers and pupils.

Mr Speaker, Sir, may I know from the Minister whether in planning for the full-day schools, consideration has been given to pupils from a certain section of the population who may have to fulfil certain religious obligations. By virtue of the full-day school scheme, secondary school children especially cannot go home to fulfil their religious obligations. Will there be facilities for such purposes?

Sir, I have already informed the House that principals and teachers would be given flexibility in implementing the full-day programme. That is the reason why we are starting the full-day school scheme as a pilot scheme next year so that we can see what problems will arise and how they can be best resolved.

asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs what is the rationale for stopping payment of public assistance allowances to recipients who are also receiving financial aid from friends or relatives, and whether he is aware that the dole paid is inadequate for the recipients to make ends meet unless they can supplement their dole by some other means.

Mr Speaker, Sir, if I may take the second limb of the hon. Member's question first. My Minister has stated in this House before that public assistance allowances are not enough to meet all the basic needs of the recipient. Indeed, it is not intended that they should be. The Social Welfare Department does not see its role as the mere handing out of public assistance allowances. If a public assistance recipient is physically able to work, the Department will find him light work or part-time work so that his earnings, together with his public assistance allowance, will be adequate for subsistence. In the case of the less fortunate ones who are unable to take on any kind of work, the Department will arrange supplementary assistance from privately administered charitable funds. A number of public assistance recipients do, of course, receive financial aid from friends and relatives. It is not true to say that a recipient will lose his public assistance allowance if he receives any aid from friends and relatives. On the contrary, as I said earlier, the Social Welfare Department recognises that the public assistance allowance by itself is not enough for subsistence and needs to be supplemented. The grant of public assistance allowance will be stopped if the Social Welfare Department is satisfied that a recipient has close relatives, for example, children or nephews and nieces or brothers and sisters, who are in a position to support him. In each case, the Department will make extensive investigations to ascertain the financial circumstances of the relatives. I can assure the hon. Member that the recipient will not lose his public assistance allowance if the relatives, who are in difficult financial straits themselves, can only give him occasional help.

Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Senior Parliamentary Secretary assure me that he will look into the matter if I can refer him to cases of recipients whose doles have been withdrawn on the ground that they are receiving financial aid from their friends?

Sir, we will look into those cases, and if the assistance given is inadequate, we will consider them.

asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs whether the Singapore Fire Service is sufficiently and adequately equipped to fight fires in high-rise buildings.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the equipment needed to fight fires in high-rise buildings is basically the same as those used to fight other fires. The Singapore Fire Service has the necessary equipment. As the tallest mechanical ladders have a maximum height of 30 metres, fires which break out on the upper floors of high-rise buildings cannot be fought through exterior-based operations. They have to be fought from within, using built-in fire-fighting facilities such as internal fire water main systems, fire lifts, pressurised or ventilated staircases and fire-fighting lobbies. The local fire codes require the provision of these facilities in high-rise buildings. The Singapore Fire Service practises high-rise fire-fighting procedures every week. Officers and men are sent to high-rise buildings on these occasions to practise fire-fighting and rescue drills and to familiarise themselves with the layout of the buildings. The High-rise Fire-fighting Unit, which was formed in 1976, carries out periodic inspections of fire-fighting, detection and protection systems in high-rise buildings. The Singapore Fire Service has a Search and Rescue Squad consisting of 108 men who have undergone intensive training in the rescue of trapped victims of fires in high-rise buildings. They have been sent for specialised training with the Commando Battalion and Helicopter Squadron of the Singapore Armed Forces. In addition, there is a contingency plan for obtaining the assistance of RSAF helicopters for carrying out aerial evacuation of trapped victims and for lowering fire-fighting equipment onto the rooftops of high-rise buildings. Three-quarters of the efficacy of these fire practices depend on constant co-ordination and rehearsals of what to do in an emergency. If these practices are not being taken seriously by occupants of high-rise buildings, they will be repeated until the Singapore Fire Service is thoroughly satisfied. Finally, I would like to assure the House that the Singapore Fire Service keeps abreast of technological advances in the fighting of high-rise fires. Wherever practicable, the Service will adopt proven fire-fighting techniques.

Sir, that is all fine for completed high-rise buildings. Are the facilities of the Singapore Fire Service adequate enough to fight fires in high-rise buildings which are under construction?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I suppose fighting a fire in a building which is under construction is almost the same as fighting a fire in a building which has been completed.

Sir, I do not think so because uncompleted high-rise buildings are not equipped with localised internal fire-fighting equipment.

Mr Speaker, Sir, it is true that an incomplete high-rise building is without ventilated staircases and fire-fighting lobbies. But in fighting a fire in an incomplete highrise building, we still need to fight it from within and not from above or from anywhere.

Sir, how do the firemen go up from the lower floors to the upper floors when the building is not completed?

Mr Speaker, Sir, that depends on the mate of the building and the situation of the fire.

Sir, can the Hon. Senior Parliamentary Secretary elaborate?

Sir, can the hon. Member quote a case?

The recent fire at Dynasty Hotel which was reported in the press.

I think we did quite well in fighting the fire at Dynasty Hotel. 3.50 p.m.

"to amend the Abortion Act, 1974 (No. 24 of 1974) and to make consequential amendments to the Penal Code (Chapter 103 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Health (Dr Toh Chin Chye); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

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

"to amend the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1975 (No. 25 of 1975)". presented by Mr Ong Pang Boon; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the State Lands Act (Chapter 285 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Law 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 Accountants Act (Chapter 212 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr H on Sui Sen); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.

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

"to amend the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act (Chapter 88 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture (Mr Ong Teng Cheong); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the Sale of Commercial Properties Act, 1979 (No. 14 of 1979)", presented by the Minister for Notional Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.

"to amend the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act (Chapter 135 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry (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. 3.55 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The existing provisions in the Professional Engineers Act, 1970, restrict registration of engineers to those who have passed the pro- fessional practice examination set by the Professional Engineers Board, after they have obtained two years' professional practical experience. This requirement of passing local examinations may have deterred good foreign engineers from seeking registration in Singapore. The amendment Bill therefore seeks to provide for the registration of engineers without the need of passing a professional examination if the engineer has at least -

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 Teh Cheang Wan]. Bill considered in Committee; 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." This Bill seeks to make a number of amendments to the Jurong Town Corporation Act, mainly to Part IV of the Act which deals with the sale of flats, houses and other buildings owned by the Corporation. The amendments made to the Act are based on similar amendments made to Part IV of the Housing and Development Act which deals with the sale of Housing Board flats and buildings. At present, an applicant or owner of a Jurong Town Corporation flat, his spouse or authorised occupier is not allowed to own any other property. The Bill seeks to allow such applicant or owner, his spouse or authorised occupier with the written consent of the Corporation to purchase any commercial property not exceeding $250,000 in value, or such higher value as the Minister may allow, if he uses it to carry on his own business. The amendment is similar to that made to the Housing and Development Act. Recently amendments have been made to the Housing and Development Act to enable the Housing and Development Board, through its authorised officers, to act for parties in the resales and in other transactions of Housing Board flats in cases where the parties are not represented by any solicitors. The Bill seeks to empower the Corporation to provide similar services for owners of Jurong Town Corporation flats in the resale or other disposition of their flats. This is to help the flat owners to reduce legal costs. The Act allows the Corporation to acquire a flat sold by the Corporation if the owner contravenes certain provisions of the Act. However, for less serious offences, this penalty is considered too harsh and can cause considerable hardship to a family. In line with the Housing and Development Act, the Bill seeks to enable the Corporation to impose penalties on the owners who contravene the Act, instead of acquiring the flats, where the offences are not serious. Under the existing rules of the Corporation, a person cannot apply for a Jurong Town Corporation flat if he owns a property during the 30-month period before the date of his application for such flat. He is also prohibited from owning another property after the date of the purchase of a flat. The Bill seeks to extend this prohibition to cover the period between the date of application and the date of purchase of a flat. The Bill also empowers the Corporation to take enforcement action where the flat is misused by the owner or any other occupier of the flat. Under the existing law, the Corporation can take such action only if the owner has misused the flat. The other aspect of the Bill is to make clear that any notice or document sent by the Corporation to the owner of a flat by registered post or affixed to some conspicuous part of the flat shall be deemed to be of good service. This will enable the Corporation to serve notices on owners of flats who try to evade service of notices by locking up their flats and staying away. 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 Goh Chok Tong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment: read a Third time and passed.

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