Ang Kok Peng
Singapore
“Sir, earlier this morning, the House was informed that HDB has an ongoing project to detect urine in lifts by installing urine sensors inside the lifts. Will the Minister inform us whether the purpose is to expedite the cleansing of the lifts after somebody has urinated or is it to catch culprits urinating?”
“Sir, I believe there are regulations under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act which require building contractors to take adequate measures to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes at construction sites.”
“Sir, may I ask the Minister how many statutory boards are retaining the services of their low income employees aged over 60 years? And would the Minister agree that the information I am seeking now should be given fair publicity so that the private sector employers could be encouraged to follow suit.”
“Sir, I have two questions for the Minister. How many blocks of flats along Avenue 8 Ang Mo Kio are really having a higher dose of noise because of the MRT system? What other areas near the MRT system will experience a higher noise level in future when more MRT lines become operational?”
“Sir, I have two supplementary questions for the Senior Parliamentary Secretary. First, has the Ministry conducted any survey to find out whether the disposable ware used by food hawkers and vendors in Singapore are of a quality that meets the safety specifications adopted by advanced countries such as the USA or UK?”
“Sir, I would like to seek some clarification from the Minister. Clause 34 which replaces section 42 of the Environmental Public Health Act being repealed provides for the licensing of itinerant hawkers. Today, apart from the ice-cream vendors who are mobile, all hawkers are now operating from stationary stalls.”
The complete record
Every one of 198 lines we hold for Ang Kok Peng, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 4.
“The costs of travel will also increase if trips made during peak-hour periods are not reduced. These costs, which we shall call "traffic congestion costs", cost to the individual such as increased cost of operation and increased stress and emotional tension, and social costs like air pollution, accidents, noise and the undesirable aesthetic effects of congested streets and parking. Therefore, to resolve our problem of traffic congestion, we need to attack the problem along two fronts: - (a) to spread (and thus reduce) peak-hour travel demand, and (b) to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads during peak hours. Peak-hour travel demand can be reduced if all trips, other than work or school trips are made outside the peak periods. One way of spreading peak-hour travel is by introducing staggered working hours. From January this year, Government and Statutory Boards have introduced staggered working hours for their staff, if only for a trial period of six months. This has resulted in the following:- Working Hours: 0800 to 1630 hours ... 44% 0830 to 1700 hours ... 51% 0900 to 1730 hours ... 4% 0930 to 1800 hours ... 1% ---- 100% ==== As the civil servant population constitutes only about 10 per cent of the total working population of Singapore, it is necessary that the private sector should also adopt staggered working hours to have any significant effect. The formation of car pools will not only save fuel but will also greatly reduce traffic congestion. This was stressed by me, Sir, at an earlier Oral Answer. The insurance industry has assured vehicle owners participating in car pools that the insurance policies would not be invalidated under the present terms of these motor insurance policies.”
“I can do no better than to provide this House with a diagram of the peak-hour travel pattern (typical of a week-day) which exists in Singapore today. I shall now hand over to the Clerk of Parliament copies of the diagram* for distribution to Members. (* See Appendix, cols. 525-6.) Total Transport Trips by time of day (Cols. 525-526) [Copies handed in to the Clerk and distributed to Members.] The diagram in Members' hands was produced by our Mass Transit Study Unit and forms part of the many diagrams attached to the draft Final Report (June 1973) of the Singapore Mass Transit Study, Phase I, which I had occasion to refer to yesterday. As the saying goes, "A picture speaks more than a thousand words". Most cities of the world have only two peak-hour travel periods (morning peak from 7 to 9 a.m, and the evening peak from 5 to 7 p.m.). We in Singapore have three peak periods, i.e, the addition of a midday peak because most of our primary schools operate on two sessions-morning and afternoon. This diagram of Total Transport Trips by time of day made up of work trips, school trips and other trips was drawn up after the State and City Planning Department carried out a survey to determine household trip-making characteristics of 12,500 households over a period of six months in 1968. The traffic jams and frustrations we face in Singapore today are essentially those encountered during peak-hour travel. Unless changed, which we have decided will be done and the sooner the to determine household trip-making more congestion on our limited road space. The business and industrial activities on which we depend for our livelihood would then be forced to a slower and slower pace, ultimately coming to a grinding halt.”
“Then came the $25 per month additional wage supplement recommended by the National Wages Council, which was made applicable to SBS workers as from the 1st of February (last month), and I am pleased to hear from none other than the General Secretary of SILO, a valuable member of the Bus Services Reorganisation Committee and Member of Parliament for Boon Teck, who confirmed at a television feature one week ago and yesterday in Parliament that SBS workers, on the whole, have been given a very good deal in that with the formation of SBS, each worker got no less than $40 per month extra, all within a short space of four months, which is not what other workers in Singapore can hope to expect. Now that the BSRC will monitor and supervise the operations of SBS, it is my confident hope that the public bus service will be seen to improve with time, as we tackle other aspects of Road Transport reorganisation, in earnest. New hornets' nests will be stirred! In what direction will this arise? Increasing restraints on the use of 137,000 private cars during peak hours and that is what I wish to dwell upon at some length, now. And Members will be speaking on their own behalf after this. In an earlier Oral Answer in this House, I had indicated that any attempt to improve our public bus service cannot be successful, if made in isolation, and we must at the same time tackle the problem of increasing traffic congestion. The formation of the Road Transport Action Committee (RTAC) in November last is the weapon to ensure high priority for the public bus service on our limited road space and to launch a multi-pronged attack on traffic congestion. What is the problem we have to overcome? To resolve our traffic problem let us identify it first, which we have.”
“Bus commuters are in the best position to know how the rising cost of living over the past year has eroded into their daily or monthly income and are, therefore, able to understand and sympathise with the plight of 9,000 workers of SBS who have to perform a hard and onerous job and hard-put to provide for their families, under trying conditions. It was, therefore, my first concern to ensure that SBS must improve on the terms and conditions of its workers even before SBS started operations on 1st November, 1973. I can now disclose that SBS was not prepared to make any wage increase in November, 1973, because that would immediately put its operations in the red. But I advised and prevailed on SBS to make the gesture of a wage increase, so that its workers can see that they are benefiting materially with the formation of SBS. We must first raise morale before we can enforce discipline and call for better performance from workers. That was how the 60 cents per day increase came into effect on 1st November, 1973, besides an incentive scheme costing SBS a further sum of $1 million per annum to be operated by SILO, on behalf of the workers. 4.15 p.m.”
“Members, who were present in this House last night, that I would be making a policy statement today, with a new angle on reorganisation of Road Transport, other than on buses, on which subject many have agreed that there is already an overdose, with hon. Members repeating tediously what had been said earlier -almost like flogging a dead horse. Before proceeding, however, with my new subject, may I be permitted to place on record my appreciation for the patience, understanding and maturity of our long-suffering bus commuters and that I pledge to put our public bus service right, soonest possible. When the Singapore Bus Service Ltd (SBS) buses operated on Sunday, 10th February, 1974, without any incident whatsoever, the day the revised bus fares came into operation, Singapore stood proud by its people, especially the hundreds of thousands of bus commuters in having to pay more when the bus services as operated by SBS fell short of expectations, especially during peak periods, without resorting to riots or burning of buses which irate commuters elsewhere do when fares go up, be it in Hong Kong, or cities in India or Pakistan. Ours are a law-abiding people. Since we became independent in 1965 (nine years ago), we as a people have been constantly learning the hard lesson that nobody owes us a living, that nothing is for free, as being without any natural resources but human resources we have to work hard, to earn our keep and pay for everything we need, even necessities for life, like food, water, clothing, transport, etc. Water is for free. When the rain comes, you could open your mouth and drink it. But you still have to pay for water because it has got to be processed, and millions of dollars have to be spent on this.”
“On the question of the vehicles turning left, which was raised by the Member for Anson, the Member's problem is the difficulty of cars turning left when there is a bus lane on the left-hand side. He will notice that all the bus lanes end at a certain distance from a road junction or where there is a slip-turn. Therefore, a little bit of care need to be exercised before he makes the necessary turn. The Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Mr Speaker, Sir, as I happened to be in the House when the Member for Toa Payoh raised his questions, perhaps I can now take over from my Minister of State and answer the two points raised by him. Firstly, the name of the private motor repairer responsible for repairing 400 buses of the SBS is the Singapore Automotive Engineers, which is a subsidiary of MINDEF. At the time when they signed the contract, they were not aware that the 400 buses would be in such a bad state that it would take a very long time to repair them. So up to the moment I believe they have been able to repair only 50 buses, although they had hoped to be able to repair the 400 buses by April of this year. I think, in a previous Oral Answer, I had indicated that it might take a bit longer for the 400 buses of the SBS to be repaired. As to the second question about various connections of repairers with the SBS directors, etc., I am afraid, Sir, he is anticipating a question which the Member for Kallang has tabled for answer on Monday. Instead of repeating answers to Members, perhaps he could be a little bit more patient. It will be on Monday, the 25th, only a few days from now, when I will answer the Member for Kallang. Sir, I promised hon.”
“And if he can also provide me with definite cases where the ROV discourages taxi drivers from returning lost property or creates undue hindrance to their wish to have lost property returned, I will personally look into the problem. Concerning the taxi-meter adjustment, originally six workshops were included in the list of workshops where taxi-meters can be adjusted in connection with the revised taxi fares. Members may wish to know that these six workshops were the workshops that the taxi drivers had patronised in the past in the previous meter adjustment exercise. Therefore, they were automatically included in the list. The introduction of a schedule for the adjustment of meters was necessary in order to have an orderly process for the inspection of these adjusted meters. Later, more workshops were included in the list because the six workshops were charging $40 per meter adjustment, and the taxi drivers thought that was too high. The reason for charging $40 was that the workload was such that it was necessary to employ skilled workers to work over-time in order to make the necessary adjustments within the scheduled time. However, the schedule has been relaxed and more workshops have been included in the list and, I am sure, this problem has resolved itself satisfactorily. The Member for Jalan Kayu has raised the question of delay in the examination of vehicles for exhausts and for overloading. If we do not have as many vehicles emitting black smoke as we have now, the workload would have been less and speedier examination could be carried out. But if there is any case where undue delay has come to his attention, I would be much obliged if he would refer the case to me.”
“These measures are taken to ensure that the vehicles are in a roadworthy condition. On the question of surprise inspections of smoky exhausts, this is done to make sure that vehicles are maintained in good condition at all times, and not just for the sake of having them checked. Therefore, it is necessary that inspections on the spot should be made besides this half-yearly inspection. 4.00 p.m. If the Member for Aljunied has any definite case of intimidation or undue harassment of taxi drivers, I would be pleased to look into the matter. However, I can assure him that the officers are only doing their duty, not for any other reason but to ensure that these vehicles do not emit excessive smoke from their exhausts. There was also a suggestion by him that taxis should be allowed to use bus lanes either to drop or to pick up passengers. This request cannot be granted because it would defeat the very purpose of creating bus lanes which is to expedite the movement of buses during the peak hours. He also said that taxi stops along certain bus routes have been removed to make way for bus lanes. In actual fact, taxis are shy of the Central Business District during peak hours because, finding the traffic a little heavy there they would not be able to make as many trips as they would have liked. Concerning the taxi stands at the terminal for cable cars, we will look into this matter. If there is space or if there is a need for it, then there might be a possibility of putting up a taxi stand there. The Member for Aljunied has suggested that the ROV issues identification cards with photographs and names of taxi drivers. I think this is a good suggestion and we will look into it.”
“The Member for Aljunied mentioned that there was only one qualified engineer and a few assistants to service a fleet of 2,000 buses. This is only partly true. The SBS has one qualified engineer but a very large number of technical assistants to help in the maintenance of a fleet of 2,000 buses. Furthermore, SBS also contracts out work to motor workshops for repairs and' other services. At the moment, 37 trainees are undertaking a special training scheme organised by SBS in conjunction with the Industrial Training Board, the ROV and SILO, and they are on a three-month attachment to Progress Motors and Cycle and Carriage, which are the main suppliers of buses to SBS. The Member for Potong Pasir asked whether monthly tickets could be obtained at other places besides Changi. The Member will be pleased to know that SBS is getting some expert advice on a programme for wider distribution of such season tickets. The Member for Tiong Bahru asked when the motor insurance bureau would be set up. The present position is that discussions on the setting up of a motor insurance bureau have been going on for quite some time between the Insurance Commissioner and the insurance industry, and they are now reaching the final stages of their discussions. Sir, if I may come back to some of the questions raised just now. Regarding the fines imposed on taxis with smoky exhausts, I would like to inform Members of the House that the fines are imposed by the Traffic Police. As taxis are public service vehicles, it is necessary to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained and kept in good working condition. For this reason, half-yearly inspections for any mechanical deficiency or body defects are being made.”
“The purpose of the reserved bus lanes is to provide a smooth flow of bus traffic in order that large groups of people can travel speedily from one destination to another in the course of their daily activity during peak hours. This is vital to the economy of our country. It is, therefore, a proper use of public money to reserve bus lanes for buses during peak hours, and besides the bus lanes are only operative during a few hours each day. As to the suggestion that the punishment of confiscation of vehicles on the third offence is too severe, I would like to say that it was considered a necessary deterrent in order to ensure that bus lanes are free for smooth flow of bus traffic during peak hours. Otherwise the purpose of bus lanes would be defeated. The Member for Jurong also raised the question of a minimum fare of 10 cents instead of 20 cents. I would like to refer him to two previous statements released by the Ministry on the 3rd and 20th February, 1974, where adequate reasons were given. And only a few days ago, the Minister for Communications also touched on this point in his reply to an Oral Question. I need not elaborate here. The Members for Sembawang and Jurong also suggested the use of 14-seater mini-buses. I am not quite sure whether they mean just the participation of these buses in the supplementary transport service which we have at the moment, or they are thinking of an entirely new supplementary transport system involving 14-seater mini-buses. At the moment we do have a few small buses taking part in the supplementary transport system, and the possibility of using a different system of 14-seater mini-buses for passengers commuting within five miles of the City centre will be referred to the BSRC for their consideration.”
“Members that the Ministry is always in sympathy with any measure taken to improve the working conditions of bus workers. Steps are also being taken to install canteen and toilet facilities at all major bus termini. Furthermore, with the implementation by the SBS and SILO of an incentive scheme effective from January, 1974, whereby $� million would be paid every quarter to courteous and effective bus crew members, there should therefore be considerable improvement in the morale and in the performance of the bus workers. The Member for Telok Blangah suggested the use of automatic transmission and power steering. Introduction of automatic transmission and power steering has been considered, but it was found too expensive for introduction at this stage. However, he will be pleased to know that power steering is now part of the standard equipment of the new buses that are being introduced. The Member for Telok Blangah also suggested that some relief or soft loans to SBS be considered to enable SBS to purchase new buses. The need has not arisen as SBS has no problem in getting the necessary finance for the purchase of new buses. There was also a suggestion that notice boards displaying bus routes be put up at bus termini and at bus stops. This matter is actually in the process of being implemented at the major terminals, and at a later stage will also be implemented at major bus stops. At the moment the buses do carry route numbers and destination points. I can assure Members that other measures will be introduced for the greater convenience of commuters in due course of time. The Member for Jurong asked whether it was fair to use taxpayers' money to provide bus lanes for buses only. I presume that the Member is assuming that bus commuters are not taxpayers as well.”
“Sir, I will first respond to the invitation from the Member for Telok Blangah to answer questions raised under Head HA which should more appropriately be tackled under the present Head. The Member for Bras Basah suggested that a referendum be held on whether the bus service should be handled by Government or be left in the hands of a private organisation. We are not in Britain and we are not thinking of joining the Common Market. Therefore we are not contemplating a referendum of that nature. I do not think that the matter of the bus services warrants a referendum. There were various comments on the poor management of the SBS. The SBS is currently engaging some consultants to assist it in modernising its management, including the computerisation of the various aspects of management, the scheduling and maintenance of buses, inventory control for spare-parts, and other matters. It is also in the process of appointing a Personnel Manager to look after the Personnel Section, and also a Public Relations Officer to work more closely with the public. There is also a suggestion from the Member for Moulmein that Government should develop expertise in the running of the bus transport services. You will remember, Sir, that the Minister for Communications has previously announced that the BSRC, i.e, the Bus Services Reorganisation Committee, and the BSLA, the Bus Services Licensing Authority, are keeping a close supervision on bus operations, and in doing so they are acquiring the necessary expertise. Some Members have suggested better working conditions for the bus workers. SILO, which represents the bus workers, is constantly working to improve the working conditions of the bus workers. I would like to assure hon.”
“Sir, the post office does not subsidise the POSB. They will be paying their share, and they will also be paying their own counter staff.”
“Sir, the request by the Member for River Valley will be looked into. Since he is now the Chairman of the new Urban Redevelopment Authority, we should be able to look into this problem with much ease.”
“Sir, the Geylang Post Office is in a position to continue to serve the residents of the Old Kallang Airport estate and its neighbouring areas. But in future if the need warrants it, the situation will be reviewed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, for the fiscal year 1974-75, there will be 13 postal development projects, two of which are actually carried over from last year's allocation. The following are the places where the post offices will be located. There will be a post office in each of the following places: Old Kallang Airport Estate, Toa Payoh North, Brickworks Estate, Marine Parade, Telok Blangah, Tiong Bahru, Balestier Road, Redhill Estate, Plaza Singapura, Shenton Way, Jurong Town and Tanjong Pagar. The post office at Telok Blangah will be a delivery type but the post office at the Old Kallang Airport Estate will be a non-delivery type. Concerning the question from the Member for Mountbatten as to where a suitable site for his post office is going to be, he will be pleased to know that it will be at the Kallang Emporium and Hawker Centre. It will also have facilities for a Post Office Savings Bank. He will also be pleased to know that it would be ready sometime in the middle of 1974, that is, this year. 3.15 p.m.”
“Sir, at the moment, there are 308 taxis having this special permit to operate at the Singapore Airport. The number is determined by the needs and, if required, more taxis will be allowed to operate there. Taxis without permits are not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. They are only allowed to pick up passengers going to the airport and not from the airport to the city. As regards the taxi stands, the situation is constantly under review, and if there is actual shortage I am sure the Airport authorities will provide the necessary space to see that there are sufficient taxi stands to cater for the various taxi drivers. Concerning the control of the taxi traffic at the airport, we have the Airport police which makes periodic checks to ensure that only taxi drivers who have been registered are allowed to operate. 8.00 p.m.”
“All these will help in the development of Singapore as a financial centre.”
“Just to tell the Member that we do derive benefits from it by knowing what has happened in a short period. In 1968, we had on our register 253,000 tons and on 28th February this year, we have more than 2.85 million gross tons registered in our Registry. What does this mean in terms of benefits to us? First, we come to the actual revenue which the Member mentioned was not much. In 1971, the revenue was $885,000. In 1972, it was $2.33 million. That is in terms of the actual revenue. What about other advantages that we have derived from this registry of ships? We must remember that we have a port which is the fourth largest in the world serving ships of many nations and equipped with facilities for cellular container ships. Then we have shipping and ship-repair industry which is a very substantial industry. We also have the national shipping line providing liner and other shipping services. In addition, we have local shipping companies, some of them are owning substantial fleets. Then we have a whole range of associated activities from ship-breaking to ship-chandlering, ship insurance, financing, legal services, inland transport services, and so on. All these are various aspects of the shipping industry and the registry of ships is part of this system. Viewed in this broader context, the Registry can be seen to play a role in helping to promote Singapore as a shipping centre. The fact that the earnings of Singapore-registered ships are exempt `from Singapore income tax may make financial institutions more willing to provide credit facilities particularly against the security of firm period charters since the possibility of changes in tax level is removed. Owners of Singapore flag ships may then find it easier to get access to financing from local financial institutions.”
“Sir, Members have heard what the Member for Telok Blangah has said about the disadvantages, and that there are no advantages to be gained in the various aspects of this "flag of convenience", as he termed it, ship registry of Singapore. In 1969, an open registry of ships was established under which non-Singapore citizens and companies could register their ships in Singapore. It was decided at that time that incentives similar to those offered to the pioneer industries should be introduced to encourage registration of ships in Singapore, and the major incentive was the exemption from Singapore income tax of earnings from the operation of Singapore-registered ships and low registration fees. The success of our Registry can be seen from the tonnage figures.”
“As I have mentioned just now, this is a matter to be discussed between the POSB and the Ministry of Finance. The contribution comes from the Ministry of Finance. If it is willing to assist the POSB to promote savings among the young citizens, I think all the more the encouragement should be given.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in 1968 the Post Office Savings Bank Advisory Committee was set up to examine ways and means of improving the Post Office Savings Bank. One of the recommendations of the Committee was the introduction of the Students' Gift Account scheme. The scheme was accepted, and it was introduced to Secondary I students in 1969. Under this scheme, any student entering Secondary I classes for the first time will be eligible to apply for a gift of $5 from the Government provided he has a minimum of $5 in his POSB account. However, the sum of $10 can only be withdrawn after a period of five years from the date of Government's contribution. If the Member for Telok Blangah is interested, I will mention the various amounts provided. For the year 1971, although $60,000 was provided, $11,905 was actually paid out. In 1972 $50,000 was provided, and only $10,625 was used. Last year $20,000 was provided and $14,505 was actually paid out. The amount provided for 1974 was $20,000. This is the amount referred to by the Member. The Government's contribution is rather small and it is actually a worthwhile expenditure to encourage the saving habit among our young citizens. The need to save is even more important in the present inflationary situation. However, the question whether the Government should cease to make the contribution is a matter which has to be considered between the Ministry of Finance and the POSB. Regarding the suggestion that the interest on deposits with the POSB be increased, Members of the House will recall that this same question was raised with the Minister for Finance during the Budget debate, and the Minister had already mentioned the reason for the present rate and, if necessary, the matter might be reconsidered.”
“On conviction in Court, an offender would be liable to a fine of up to $500. Mr Speaker, 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. -[Dr Ang Kok Peng]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to prohibit smoking in public buses. I do not need to go into the whys and wherefores for prohibition on smoking in public places. Members are well aware of these. The Prohibition on Smoking in Certain Places Act came into operation on 1st October, 1970, followed by prohibition on smoking in cinemas, theatres and similar public places. More recently, smoking in public lifts was also prohibited in March this year. About 1.75 million bus trips are made by fare-paying passengers, including school children, in one day. It is therefore logical that the prohibition on smoking in public places should be extended to public buses to give these passengers a better atmosphere to travel in and protect them from the harmful effects of smoking by others. With the enactment of this Bill, the present division in public buses between smoking and non-smoking sections will be done away with. Each public bus will be wholly non-smoking. The prohibition on smoking in buses would apply to buses operating on scheduled routes while carrying fare-paying passengers. Excursion and private buses would not be included in the prohibition. The Bill empowers the conductor or a ticket inspector to warn passengers against smoking in buses. A passenger who disregards such warning may be asked to leave the bus. The conductor or ticket inspector may also seek the assistance of any police officer, public health auxiliary or other public officer authorised by the Commissioner of Public Health, to deal with a passenger who refuses to heed the warnings or leave the bus. Under the Bill, smoking in public buses would be an offence subject to arrest without warning.”
“Sir, I have not got the information with me. But if the hon. Member will give me notice of a question, I will be able to give him an answer. 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. -[Dr Ang Kok Peng]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. DESTRUCTION OF DISEASE-BEARING INSECTS (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.22 p.m.”
“In cases where liability is not based on clause 3 but on common law, the Bill gives the right to recover costs of measures taken to prevent oil pollution damage. The Director of Marine and the Port Master are empowered to detain a ship suspected of polluting the sea and to require the owner to make a cash deposit or other security before the ship is released. The Bill, however, does not apply to warships and government vessels not used for commercial purposes. The Schedule of the Bill will amend the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, 1971, and will raise the maximum penalty for oil pollution offences from S$20,000 to S$500,000. Mr Speaker, Sir, if this provision of the Bill would appear to be severe, it is because we regard the problem of pollution of the sea as a major problem requiring strong measures for effective control. As our Port is a fairly busy one, it is vital that adequate measures are adopted to discourage the pollution of our harbour, territorial waters and shore-lines by ships and shore establishments. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 5.20 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." In the recent oil pollution incidents the experience of the Port of Singapore Authority shows that the existing laws are inadequate to ensure that the Port and the Government are fully reimbursed for the expenditure arising from the damage caused by oil pollution. The purpose of this Bill, therefore, is to enable us to impose strict liability for oil pollution damage. The Civil Liability (Oil Pollution) Bill, 1973, is based on the principles embodied in the 1969 International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage. This Convention imposes strict liability but entitles a shipowner to limit his liability for oil pollution damage in any one incident. It also provides three exceptions to liability. I shall now summarise briefly the main provisions of the Bill. Clause 3 provides that where oil is discharged or escapes from any ship or off-shore or on-shore facility, the owner or operator shall be liable for any damage caused, for the cost of any measures taken to prevent the damage, and for any damage caused by the measures so taken. However, a shipowner's liability for oil pollution damage is limited to S$375 for each ton of the ship's tonnage or S$50 million (when the tonnage results in a greater amount). The Bill provides for three exceptions to liability. The owner or operator will not be liable if he proves that the oil escaped as a result of: - (i) an act of war or an act of God; (ii) wilful act of a third party; (iii) negligence of the Government or the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) in maintaining navigational aids. It is only equitable that exception (iii) is included, for the PSA must be held responsible for proper maintenance of navigational aids in the Port.”
“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. -[Dr Ang Kok Peng]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. CIVIL LIABILITY (OIL POLLUTION) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.15 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS for short) was established on 1st April last year under the TAS Act, 1972, by transformation of the former Telecommunications Department into a statutory body. It has now been found from experience that it is necessary to amend the Act to enable disciplinary control over officers of the Authority to be delegated to committees appointed by the Authority, or to the Chairman or the General Manager. This would allow disciplinary cases to be more speedily disposed of. Instances have also arisen where disciplinary proceedings need to be taken against staff of the Authority for acts committed while they were employees of the former Telecommunications Department. Since the Public Service Commission is not empowered to institute such proceedings against these officers following their transfer to the Authority, the Authority itself has to be vested with powers to do so. It is inconceivable that the Authority should be powerless to take action against its staff who may have committed serious offences just because these offences were committed while the staff were employed by the former Telecommunications Department. Particularly so as the Authority has, under the provisions of the TAS Act, 1972, taken over the assets and liabilities of the former Telecommunications Department. This Bill also seeks to establish beyond doubt that the Authority is vested with powers to terminate the services of, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over its staff. It also seeks to enable the Authority to make regulations for the disciplinary control of its staff. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“In addition, I wish also to inform hon. Members of this House that separate action is being taken to increase the performance bond of $100,000 presently required from each of the three bus companies to $500,000. All these measures are taken in order to safeguard the interest of the public in a bus transport system operated by a single bus company which in effect has a de facto monopoly of an essential public service. Mr Speaker, 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. -[Dr Ang Kok Peng]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Hon. Members may recall that on 11th April, 1971, the 10 Chinese bus companies regrouped into three companies, namely, Amalgamated Bus Company (ABC), Associated Bus Service (ABS) and the United Bus Company (UBC). The Singapore Traction Company (STC) was the fourth bus company and when it ceased operation in December, 1971, its routes were taken over by these three companies which in due course built up a fleet of over 2,000 buses deployed in 143 bus routes. With the recent amalgamation of the three companies into a single company known as the Singapore Bus Service Ltd (SBS), which we understand was registered on 11th July, 1973, it will be necessary for the Bus Services Licensing Authority to monitor closely the progress of the new company, its affairs and its financial position. The existing Bus Services Licensing Authority Act has provisions requiring bus companies to submit audited accounts. However, it is not mandatory for the bus companies to do so within a stipulated period of time after the close of the financial year. The amendment Bill, therefore, proposes to make it mandatory for the bus companies to submit audited accounts, including Statements of Revenue and Expenditure, to the Bus Services Licensing Authority within three months after the close of each financial year. Every Director and Manager of the company will be held responsible for failure to submit the accounts within the stipulated period. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine of up to $10,000. The Bill also empowers the Minister for Communications to appoint Inspectors to investigate into the affairs of the company. This power is necessary to ensure that the bus company is responsibly managed.”
“The Marine Department staff, who are required to be transferred to the service of the PSA as a result of this exercise, will be transferred on terms as near as may be to those they had enjoyed immediately prior to their transfer (clause 45). I am confident that all these changes will enhance the efficiency of the Port. The streamlining of the functions of the Marine Department and the PSA will bring about better co-ordination which will result in a better service to our port users. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The amendments to be made to the Merchant Shipping Act (Cap. 172 of the Revised Edition) are a result of the transfer of certain functions of the Marine Department to the Port of Singapore Authority. This Bill proposes the following main changes: (i) the function of the Director of Marine in granting port clearance to vessels to be transferred to the Port Master (clauses 10 and 31); (ii) the examination and issue of certificates of competency as steersman to be the responsibility of the PSA (clauses 4 to 8 and 14); (iii) the PSA to have general supervision over all matters relating to wrecks in Singapore waters (clauses 15, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24 and 25); (iv) the PSA to have jurisdiction over the licensing of harbour craft which operate solely within port limits (clause 37); and (v) the Port Master to be empowered to detain or refuse port clearance to any ship which has failed to comply with our maritime laws (clause 33). The following other changes are also proposed:- (a) the licensing of pilgrim brokers by the Deputy Commissioner of Police to be transferred to the Pilgrimage Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs (clauses 11, 12 and 13); (b) the Director of Marine or the Port Master to be empowered to prohibit any vessel from entering Singapore waters if it is not in the Republic's interest for the vessel to enter (clause 28). The purpose is to ensure that ships especially tankers which have suffered casualty may not be allowed to come in if there is risk of massive oil pollution.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as regards cheap housing for the staff of the PSA, we will look into the matter to see whether the present housing scheme is really not sufficiently economical for them. As regards the second question, the NTUC will be represented in the reconstituted PSA.”
“The PSA will also be empowered to levy rates for removal of oil pollution and other services, and to levy dues, including garbage removal dues. Existing sections dealing with dues and rates are replaced with more comprehensive provisions to enable the PSA to charge proper dues and rates (clause 8). The First Schedule to the Port of Singapore Authority Act is also amended to reduce the membership of the PSA from 14 to 9 and to make the period of office more flexible (clause 18). A compact Board will be able to discharge its functions more effectively and expeditiously. Present members will continue to serve until they complete their terms of office. I am confident that the PSA will achieve the basic objective of this reorganisation exercise which is to eliminate wastage of manpower and resources, and to ensure greater efficiency and better co-ordination of personnel dealing with related shipping matters. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 2.51 p.m.”
“(iv) Recovery of wrecks While the Director of Marine is officially the receiver of wrecks, actual wreck recovery is undertaken by the PSA or by private firms since the Marine Department has no salvage facilities. This function should be the responsibility of the PSA as it relates to harbour safety. The PSA will also take over from the Singapore Light Dues Board the responsibility for provision and maintenance of navigational aids for the safe navigation of ships in Singapore waters (clause 3 (b) paragraph (d)). The transfer of these functions which deal with shipping activities within the port, from the Marine Department to the PSA, is a logical move and is indeed necessary as a consequence of the growth of shipping in our port. When these functions are transferred to the PSA, the Marine Department will be able to concentrate on specialised marine matters so that Singapore's maritime interests are effectively advanced. This will enable us to take greater advantage of our strategic location as a major shipping and trade centre. The Department would be able to exert more efforts to enhance the attractiveness of the Singapore Registry of Ships by providing more efficient service to the 800 ships, totalling some 1.7 million gross registered tons, at present flying the Singapore flag. Opportunity is also taken to make other amendments to the Port of Singapore Authority Act, generally to tighten control of activities and operations within port waters. The Bill will enable the Port to effectively supervise the users of the seas around Singapore to ensure that they do not pollute the seas or rivers or cause navigational hazards (clause 13).”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." First of all, permit me to give a brief background of this Bill. The operational functions of the Marine Department include the licensing of harbour craft, port clearance, the dissemination of navigational information and the recovery of wrecks. These functions should properly be exercised by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) whose Port Master is responsible for the seaward control of the harbour, harbour safety, tug services, berthing and piloting, as well as the supervision and direction of ships and shipping. The prime objective of this Bill is to rationalise the distribution of maritime functions between the Marine Department and the PSA. The Bill proposes the transfer of the following functions of the Marine Department to the PSA:- (i) Licensing of harbour craft (Clause 12(a)) The PSA to have jurisdiction over the licensing of harbour craft which operate solely within port limits. Harbour craft are operated by certificated steersmen and the examination and issue of certificates to steersmen would then become the PSA's responsibility. (ii) Port entry and clearance (Clause 12 (c)) Since control of shipping in port is the PSA's responsibility, it is only logical that this function is also exercised by the PSA. This will also simplify the collection of shipping statistics. (iii) Dissemination of navigational information (Clause 3 (b) paragraph (e)) At present the Marine Department issues notices to mariners while the Port Master issues notices to ships in the harbour. Since the PSA will take over the provision and maintenance of navigational aids and is also responsible for hydrographic work, the dissemination of navigational information should properly also be a function of the PSA.”
“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. - [Dr Ang Kok Peng]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. PORT OF SINGAPORE AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 2.43 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Let me begin by giving a brief history of the Singapore Light Dues Board. The Board was established on 1st March, 1957, under the provisions of the Light Dues Ordinance, 1957, and is responsible for the provision and maintenance of marine navigational aids. The Board, which consists of a Chairman and eight members, operates five lighthouses, and some Ill beacons and buoys. The operation, maintenance and improvement of navigational aids for the safe navigation of ships in Singapore waters is clearly a port function and should logically come under the ambit of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) which has a Hydrographic Department dealing with surveys of Singapore waters. The Hydrographic Department, in conjunction with the Port Master's Department of the PSA, determines the location and recommends the type of navigational aids to be established. The purpose of this Bill therefore is to transfer these functions relating to navigational aids to the PSA. When the Light Dues (Repeal) Bill comes into force, the Board will cease to exist and all its functions, liabilities, assets and staff will be transferred o the Port of Singapore Authority (Clause 3). The staff will be transferred to the service of the PSA on terms no less favourable than those enjoyed by them immediately prior to the date of coming into operation of this Bill (Clauses 4 and 5). The transfer of the Light Dues Board's functions to the PSA will enable the Port to plan more efficiently its maritime activities within our waters and maintain the position of the Port of Singapore as one of the largest and safest ports in the world. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“Sir, the Member for Jalan Kayu has brought up a very good suggestion, and we shall give it due consideration. 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.-[Dr Ang Kok Peng]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 3.47 p.m. Clause 1--”
“A further fee of $5, known as warrant fee, is levied for renewals made after 20 days of expiry of the vehicle licence. This is far from satisfactory and has not been effective in getting vehicle owners to renew their licences promptly. In conjunction with the new scale of road taxes, it is proposed to raise the late payment fee. The new rate for late payment fees would take into account the graduated scale of road taxes and would range from 510 to $50 depending on the class and description of vehicles. For private vehicles, the rate of late payment fees would be determined by the engine capacity. These late payment fees would he levied for renewals made after 14 days to a month of expiry of licence. Renewals made after one month of expiry of licence may be compounded, provided the late payment fees are paid in addition. Clause 6 of the Bill seeks to introduce a new category of public service buses to be called Private Hire Buses. This is to augment the existing public transport service to help meet the demands of office and factory workers, especially those on night shifts. Such buses will be allowed to be hired out on charter or on contract. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.46 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill he now read a Second time." The main object or this Bill is to provide for a motor insurance policy to cover the full period for which a licence (road tax) is granted to a vehicle. At present a vehicle owner needs only to possess a valid insurance policy on the date when the licence comes into operation. This can result in the insurance policy expiring before the vehicle licence, giving rise to a situation whereby a vehicle though properly licensed is without a valid insurance cover. This can go undetected during the period of the licence unless the vehicle is involved in an accident. The new requirement would therefore remove the existing anomaly in respect of the insurance cover for motor vehicles. Another object of the Bill is to give the Registrar of Vehicles additional powers to cancel the registration of motor vehicles whose licences have not been renewed for more than three years, or when the vehicles have been destroyed, permanently exported, or have become totally unfit, or have exceeded the age limit prescribed for that class or description of vehicle. The present Act has no provision empowering the ROV to de-register vehicles whose owners have failed to renew the licences over a long period of time. As a result there are many "dead" vehicles on the register. The proposed amendment will minimise the number of "dead" vehicles that are maintained on the register. Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to increase the late payment fees for renewals made after expiry of the vehicle licence (road tax). At present a late payment notice fee of 50 cents is charged for renewals made after 10 days of expiry of the licence.”
“Expansion work is expected to be completed sometime in 1976. JALAN UBI (Making up of portion between Pan Island Expressway and Airport Road) 3. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Law and National Development when that portion of Jalan Ubi from the Pan Island Expressway to Airport Road will be made up similar to the other portion between the Expressway and Changi Road.”
“Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan)(In Malay): Sir, can the Minister of State for Communications tell us whether the present plans for expansion have been carried out? If so, when can the expansion be expected to be completed?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, prior to 1971, there were very few special pilgrimage flights. Most pilgrims went and returned by ship. With the advent of cheap charter flights, special pilgrimage flights have increased. There were 12 such flights from Singapore in 1971, and 13 in 1972. During 1971, there were 1,103 passengers by special pilgrimage flights arriving and 827 departing. For 1972, there were 939 of such arriving passengers and 492 departing. The total number of passengers by special pilgrimage flights arriving and departing is only about 2 per cent of the total number of passengers passing through the Singapore Airport on a single day. For a normal day in 1972, about 9,000 passengers would be passing through the Singapore Airport. For pilgrimage flights, Singapore Airlines has made special provisions to begin checking in passengers as early as three to four hours before each flight, compared to some one to two hours for other flights. Other departure and arrival procedures at the Singapore International Airport have also been improved for all incoming and outgoing flights, including pilgrimage charter flights. There is some congestion at the Airport terminal building before the departure or arrival of a special pilgrimage flight. But this is caused by the many well-wishers of the pilgrims. These well-wishers begin to assemble at the terminal building from as early as five to six hours before the departure or arrival of a special pilgrimage flight. The present terminal building was not designed to cater for such large crowds of well-wishers over such long periods of time. However, when the present plans for expansion of the Airport are completed, the Airport terminal buildings should be well able to cope with such capacity crowds. Tuan Haji Mohd.”
“The difficulty of recruitment into this Enforcement Squad is something that is beyond our control. This problem is also faced by the Police Force as a whole. It is, of course, desirable that we get our full complement of officers as soon as possible. TRAFFIC POLICE MOBILE SQUAD (Particulars) 2. Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Health and Home Affairs what the actual strength is, in terms of personnel and machines, of the Mobile Squad of the Traffic Police, and whether it is sufficient for current traffic conditions. The Minister for Health and Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Mobile Squad of the Traffic Police has a total strength of 155 officers and 89 motor-cycles. Action is being taken to increase the number of personnel and machines to the authorised strength of 184 officers and 164 motor-cycles. The Mobile Squad at full strength should be able to cope with current traffic conditions.”
“As I have pointed out in my answer, we are actually operating with 32 men out of an authorised strength of 80, from the efforts put in by these 32 men in keeping order on our roads, one could grant that there is efficiency in this Force.”
“Sir, to some extent, office hours in the city area have already been staggered. Perhaps a greater measure of it would help to ease the traffic.”