E.W. Barker
Singapore
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This is a simple Bill which seeks to amend section 33 of the Land Acquisition Act on the amount of compensation payable to owners of land compulsorily acquired under the Act.”
“For the five-year period from 1st July, 1981 to 30th June, 1986, the HDB demolished a total of 8,098 units. As the HDB's new accounting system was only implemented from 1st April, 1985, the Board does not have ready information on the value of flats demolished prior to 1st April, 1985. RELOCATION OF CREMATORIUMS 4.”
“The HDB did not allocate any MP's office to the previous PAP MPs for Anson and Potong Pasir constituencies. NUMBER OF H.D.B. UNITS DEMOLISHED 3.”
“I would not know. Why don't you ask them? I don't know. Sir, to put things in a nutshell, it is the legal profession amongst all the professions that help in the administration of Singapore. Doctors help to cure you of diseases.”
“I am not saying it's wrong. I am not telling you stories. I am relating. So they decided to take us on. When we went into Select Committee, the first day and the later part of the second day, there was confrontation between the Committee and the lawyers.”
“As the Member for Anson would know, the Minister for Law is not in charge of prosecutions or the conduct of any criminal proceedings in court, nor does he give any directives on these matters.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,152 lines we hold for E.W. Barker, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 31 of 44.
“In other words, Sir, the principle of legitimatio per subsequens matrimonium was not afforded to them. This obvious omission should, in fact, have been taken care of in the Act of 1966 itself. It is therefore to provide for this hiatus in the law, i.e., legitimation of children born of such marriages, that the present Legitimacy (Amendment) Bill is being introduced. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.59 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Bill which is now before the House seeks to amend the law relating to legitimacy of one's children. Although it is a general principle of English law that children born out of wedlock may, nevertheless, become legitimate children of their parents if and when their parents subsequently marry after the birth of such children, this has not been the case in Singapore in regard to all members of our several communities. This anomaly in the law has resulted from the fact that our society seeks to accord the respect due to such personal laws of the various sects and religions that form part of our multi-racial population. And so it is that those members of our society that belong to the Muslim faith are governed by their own personal laws in respect of such matters as marital laws, family laws and laws of succession. Those of the Muslim faith, therefore, are governed by those precepts of the Muslim law as would be applicable to the respective schools of Muslim law to which they belong. However, the general precepts of Muslim law were consolidated in the very comprehensive Administration of Muslim Law Act which was passed in 1966. That Act specifically provides that members of our society who belong to the Muslim faith are obliged to register their marriages at the Shariah Court. Unfortunately, although it is so provided in that Act that such registration of marriages must take place, it was not provided in regard to children that were born of legal marriages, should they be born out of wedlock, that they would receive the consequential benefits of having their status altered and becoming legitimate children of their parents.”
“Hydroponics has been employed in the study of plant physiology for many years and has been adopted more recently by commercial and amateur growers as a means of producing crops of high yields and quality at lower cost. It has been successfully experimented with in growing all kinds of vegetable crops, particularly in Israel, Japan and South Africa. According to the experts, hydroponics has the following advantages. Higher yields than in normal farming due to better nutrient and water control. In South Africa, apparently, yields of over 20 times those obtained in ordinary soil have been obtained in vermiculite culture. Less labour is required. In Japan, for example, the labour required is only half of that of normal farming. Secondly, less wastage of water and fertilisers and freedom from soil-borne diseases. Further, hydroponics is not affected by soil conditions and any land, whether eroded or hilly or tidal swamp unsuited to normal farming, can be used in the hydroponics system. The hydroponics project requires the construction of concrete tanks or other types of structures, irrigation and feeding systems, shade and, of course, offices-cum-store rooms. Laboratory facilities for chemical analysis must also be available. These are being set up in the Sembawang Research Station for which a sum of $50,000 is required. In due course, it is hoped that if the research succeeds, what is learnt at the Research Station will be communicated to our farmers in the hope that production in Singapore can be increased with less labour and cost. 7.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I answer the Member for Ulu Pandan first and then get on to the technical subject of hydroponics. I would like to assure him that I am paying attention to the question of flooding, and I have paid attention to this question ever since September 1963. When there is heavy rain which coincides with a high tide, especially a high spring tide in Singapore, Bukit Timah gets flooded, which means the constituencies of Tanglin and Ulu Pandan get flooded. And I have to rescue my constituents, just as the Member of Parliament for Ulu Pandan has to rescue his. We have taken measures to alleviate, if not eradicate, the floods. Bukit Timah has been raised in parts by about one and a half to two feet. But this is not good enough. We are cutting two canals in this area and one in the Member's constituency itself. One canal will be cut from Bukit Timah Road to Ulu Pandan and another canal from Bukit Timah Road to Kallang. The object of these two canals is to drain the flood waters to Ulu Pandan and to the Kallang swamps. The Member will realise that the cutting of these canals is quite a big matter. If he goes round to his constituency, he will see the construction of a canal. That is quite a big job. In fact, there are several contractors with different contracts doing the work in several parts. But I am afraid we will have to put up with the floods next year. By 1970, both canals will have been completed and the floods in Ulu Pandan will be alleviated, if not eradicated. If I can go on to hydroponics, I confess I too know little about this subject. I am told hydroponics means soilless culture or the art of growing plants without soil in water impregnated with chemicals.”
“We can now eliminate some abuses by certain people seeking compensation and land allocation in resettlement cases under the guise of farmers. The response from the farming community to the licensing campaign was very encouraging, and Members will be interested to know that a total of over 20,000 farms have been licensed in the exercise. And the basic information obtained in the last exercise will be used for planning and designing the nation-wide agricultural survey to be made next year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of the Republic, there is an urgent need for comprehensive and forward planning in agricultural development in order that this sector of the economy does not lag behind in its contribution to national productivity. The modest achievement in intensive agriculture and animal husbandry in recent years demonstrates that intensive farming can play some part in our economic deve lopment and, with proper planning, it can supplement considerably our efforts in industrialisation and the development of trade and services. However, in order to formulate any plans, much more essential information on agriculture and animal husbandry than the present scanty information we have is required. It is proposed to set up an Agricultural Statistics Unit in the Primary Production Department to collect data for the purpose of formulating plans for agricultural development. Next year, it is also proposed to conduct a nation-wide agricultural census apart from the licensing of all farmers engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries. The proposed unit will be manned by highly qualified personnel with academic and practical training in statistical work. It will be responsible for planning and conducting the census, sampling surveys and market research on all aspects of animal, fishery, vegetable and horticultural production in the island. When choosing the personnel, I will bear in mind the remarks of the Member for Jalan Kayu. The nation-wide farm licensing campaign, which was launched in October this year, provided reliable and essential information on the existing structure of agriculture. The campaign has also enabled us to ensure more effective use of limited land resources for farming purposes.”
“My own view is that, had it not been for the efforts of the Primary Production Department about a year ago when the swine fever epidemic was at its height, we would have lost most of our pigs. The Primary Production Department sends out teams every day not only to Jalan Kayu but also to Jurong. These teams help the farmers not only in respect of disease but also provide them with better stock. This is what the Sembawang Research Station does. They rear pigs and sell stud boars to the farmers. I do not think it would be right to say that the Primary Production Department is concentrating on orchid growers and forgetting the farmers who rear pigs.”
“Perhaps both are correct. The cultivation of orchids, particularly the export of cut orchid flowers, is contributing considerably to the national economy of the Republic. Orchids bring in foreign exchange. In 1967 orchids brought to Singapore more than $650,000 in foreign exchange. It is envisaged that this figure will bc exceeded this year. In fact, for the first eleven months of this year, more than a million stalks of cut flowers valued at about $575,000 were exported. Of course, the peak period of export will be December. In order to sustain the growth of this industry and to keep ahead of other competing countries, like Hawaii and South Africa, there is need to inject scientific methods into the industry. I would say that, in contrast to the orchid trade, the stage of development in many other horticultural crops is far behind, for instance, the growing of fruits. We import more than 95 per cent of the fruits consumed in Singapore. We have encouraged farmers to grow orchids. Some have done it with success. But success with orchid means that they abandon the growing of vegetables. I hope that satisfies the Member for Bukit Ho Swee. The Member for Jalan Kayu was a little concerned that we put our efforts into helping orchid growers but do nothing for the farmers who rear pigs and chickens. I can assure him that this is not the case. We have been helping farmers much longer than we have been helping orchid growers. In fact, the Member will be interested to know that we have about one million pigs in Singapore. This means we have one pig for two persons. One million pigs on this small island is quite a big number. We have millions of chickens. We export chickens and eggs. But I am ashamed to say that we import three-quarters of our requirements of fish.”
“Sir, I only hope that both Members are not speaking in contradictory terms. One questions me on the wisdom of giving encouragement to the growing of orchids, and the other wants me to encourage farmers to grow orchids. An hon. Member: Both.”
“Sir, I am glad to inform the Member for Jurong and the Member for Changi that surveys have been conducted into the feasibility of using some of the 40 islands around Singapore for agriculture or animal husbandry. They were intensive surveys carried out for more than a year. The surveys were completed this year. The recommendations are that Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong Besar and Puiau Tekong Kechil can be used for agriculture and the growing of orchids. We have plans, foi a start, to redevelop Pulau Tekong because it is the biggest island. It has water, though perhaps a little brackish. We hope it will be suitable for the growing of orchids. I think the Member for Changi will understand that the Ministry of National Development cannot be blamed for the poverty of the islanders who live in Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. But my Ministry will do its best to develop the potentialities of the islands in Changi in the hope that our efforts will relieve the suffering, if any, of the constituents of Changi.”
“The Member will be pleased to hear that in the first tenders of urban renewal sites where 14 sites were offered to the public, eight were taken up. Of the eight taken up, six were completely being done by local capital. In two cases, there was a joint effort by local and foreign capital. What the outcome of the second tender system will be, I am afraid I cannot say. There is one more point which I have not dealt with, and that is the floods which disturbed the Member for Anson and some of his constituents a week or so ago. I must apologise for these floods. But there is quite a lot of work going on at the moment along and around Outram Road. There is a Housing Board complex, new drains are being made, and new roads are being laid. Unfortunately, there was a very heavy shower on that day and one of the drains along New Bridge Road was blocked. As a result, the water rose. I also have to tender my apologies to the Member for Queenstown who apparently was stuck along Outram Road. But I assure the Member for Anson that we will do our best to alleviate these floods as far as possible, but building operations somehow always lead to floods even if it is for a short period of half an hour. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $40,524,050 for Head 92 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 93 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what the Member for Anson said about urban renewal is not exactly correct. The Government, in selecting areas for re development, does not necessarily consider only the structural condition of the buildings but also other factors such as general town planning and the system of transportation. Hence, certain precincts have been marked or mapped out for urban renewal. 6.15 p.m. Sometimes buildings in these redeveloped areas or areas to be developed are not necessarily in the worst condition. But, generally speaking, most of the buildings in the area will be in a very bad condition. I am sure the Member understands that the present urban renewal programme does not cover the whole island of Singapore nor the whole town, and that there are still many dilapidated areas which have to remain for some time. Urban renewal is a very slow and expensive process, and the redevelopment of these dilapidated areas must be properly phased out. As for the Member's proposal that people living in a particular area should be given the first opportunity to rebuild on the spot, I will say that this is a good proposal. But, unfortunately, it does not work out in most cases because the financial backing that is needed to put up multi-storey flats is sometimes too much for one individual, and the urban renewal experts have had a difficult time trying to get hold of 10 and 12 shopkeepers to combine and rebuild. But if any of them are prepared to combine and pool their resources, we always give them the first opportunity. As far as foreign participation in our urban renewal plan is concerned, we welcome foreign capital, but we do not give preference to foreign capital over local capital.”
“As regards other reclamation projects, 1,000 acres of swamp and foreshore at the east bank of Jurong will be reclaimed for marine, wood-working and other industries; 307 acres of prawn ponds and swamp at Sungei Kadut for wood-working and other industries; 108 acres of swamp close to the armaments depot in the Naval Base for marine and other industries, and it is also intended to reclaim further the-land along the west coast towards the city to provide an area for the construction of godowns. 6.00 p.m. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong - (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (002) of subhead 301. (4) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (003) of subhead 301. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I am not moving.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the 13th of December this year, in answer to a question from the Member for Katong, I gave a detailed reply on the reclamation projects. I am afraid I will have to repeat what I have already said. Shortly, as far as the East Coast reclamation is concerned, about 1,000 acres of foreshore extending from Bedok to the Singapore Swimming Club and another 125 acres from the Singapore Swimming Club to the tip of Tanjong Rhu will be reclaimed. By October last, 705 acres were reclaimed. Comprehensive plans for the utilisation of the reclaimed land along the East Coast are now being prepared. A new coastal highway will first be constructed to meet the increasing needs of the East Coast area. In addition, land will be set aside for housing, parks, hotels and shops. As for the reclamation in Kallang Basin, 370 acres out of the proposed 450 acres were reclaimed by October. Two-thirds of the reclaimed land in Kallang will be used for labour intensive industries and one-third for low-cost housing. About 10 acres of the foreshore at Pasir Panjang have been reclaimed. This piece of reclaimed land will be used for the development of tourist recreational facilities. A total of 247 acres of swamp land at Kranji have been earmarked for reclamation, out of which 160 acres have already been reclaimed. This area is to be developed for sawmills and related industries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Minister for Science and Technology, I name the 23rd December, 1968, for the Second Reading of the National Museum (Amendment) Bill.”
“Sir, if the land on which Paya Lebar Police Station stands is to be acquired I have to take on the Minister for Defence. This is the first time a bottleneck at Paya Lebar has been drawn to my attention and I assure the Member that I will look further into it and perhaps accept his submission that the road at this junction should be widened. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong - (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1208 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1581. (3) That the total sum to be allocated for Head 1208 be reduced by $100. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I am not moving. The sum of $10,006,150 for Head 1208 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1209 - The following amendment stood in the name of Inche Mohd. Ariff bin Suradi - That the sum to be allocated for Head 1209 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 201-6.”
“One of them is in front of the Istana and another one is Grange Road circus, and the experts have apparently changed their thinking about the Rochore junction. Recent traffic studies have indicated that an improved circulation of traffic can be attained by turning Jalan Besar and Bencoolen Street into a one-way system. For this to be feasible, the traffic circus has to be abolished, just like the circus in front of the Istana and the Grange Road circus. Sir, may I end on one note by asking Members of Parliament to let me know if there is too much road digging in their constituencies, or a road just surfaced has been dug up the next day or next week. I only travel along certain roads. I do -not go to every constituency. I shall be grateful if Members will let me know if our road-digging efforts have upset their constituents so that I can see to it that something is done to reduce the inconvenience caused. Mr Tay Boon Too(In Mandarin): Sir, I think the Minister is at fault in one part of his reply. He, of course, has the right not to accept the repre sentations which I made on behalf of the residents of my constituency. But why does he not demolish Paya Lebar Police Station so that the road can be widened, otherwise there will be a bottleneck? The police station should be demolished so that the sides of the road can be parallel. The residents will not complain if the police station is demolished because it is on Government land. But it is the residents' land which has been acquired while the Government land is left alone.”
“Is she satisfied? Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): How am I to withdraw my amendment when no reply was given to me?”
“The Parliamentary Secretary will reply. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Sir, may I ask the Minister whether he will consider setting up a resettlement agency in the Ministry of National Development to look after the interests of those people affected by the urban renewal scheme and to consider the complaints and grievances of those affected. 5.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Training Centre has not begun operations yet, but we expect to commence courses in the middle of next year. Two types of courses will be provided. One is a short course of three months' duration for people who are already fishermen, and the other is a longer course of one year's duration for those who have no fishing experience. For the short course, about 20 fishermen will be trained at a time and for the longer course about 50 "school-leavers", if one can put it that way. The Member for Jurong suggests that trainees should also be instructed in the use of firearms in order that they can protect themselves from pirates when they are at sea. This would appear to be a reasonable suggestion provided the firearms are not used on Singapore island and increase the number of kid nappings that we already have here. A better idea would be to provide them with training in firearms not for use at sea but for national defence. We are seriously considering training these fishermen in the use of arms by sending them for a short period of military training with the Ministry of Defence as soon as their training as fishermen has been completed.”
“Sir, as I said, initially there was resistance from the fish agents at Ellenborough and Clyde Terrace Markets. In fact, there was strong resistance and representations were made to several Members of Parliament, including the Member for Kreta Ayer. For that reason, the move was delayed. My officials have been very patient in this matter and have not used the big stick. Rather, they have used methods of persuasion and now all fish merchants are anxious to go to Jurong. But to show their bona fides and in order that the allegation is not made that the Director of Primary Production is forcing them to go to Jurong, he has asked them to pay a deposit of $500. This money has been paid and shows that the fish agents and merchants are not being forced but that they want to go. But then when they agreed to go, they asked for more space at the Fishing Port and Auction Markets, and this is being provided. I have the figures here. In fact, an initial area of 11 acres has been developed and another 28 acres reserved for future expansion. Seven hundred feet of wharf is ready for immediate use. The fish merchants want more office space and 73 units of offices are now being constructed for them. The building of office space is taking a little time and so also is the building of extra market space. But the Director of Primary Production assures me that these requirements will be met early next year and it is expected that the move can take place immediately thereafter; I would say, at the earliest, in January and, at the latest, in February next year.”
“There has been no reduction in the parking facilities for taxi-drivers. I hope Members of this House will also be rational and reasonable. I also hope that the Member for Serangoon Gardens is not as stubborn as the Member for Jurong. Sir, when we increase parking spaces in Singapore, we have to answer questions in Parliament. I remember answering several supplementary questions front the Member for Bras Basah who was very concerned that we were marking out more car parking places in various parts of Bras Basah. When we did that, we were criticised. But now an allegation has been made that we are cutting down on the number of taxi-stands in Singapore. I assure the Member for Serangoon Gardens that this is not so. Instead, representations have been made for an increase in the number of taxi- stands. They are being seriously considered by the Car Parks Division, and if a case is made out for an increase in the demand for taxi-stands, we will provide more taxi-stands. When we do, I hope I will not have to answer questions in this House as to why I am taking away some hawkers' pitches?”
“There has been strong opposition to move the slaughter of pigs from the French Road Abattoir to Jurong, as there was opposition to the move as far as cattle and sheep were concerned. All sorts of red herrings are drawn. One such red herring is that the meat of pigs slaughtered in Jurong becomes a little paler and this is bad. I would ask the Member to he patient as efforts are being made to complete the transfer. There is delay because of the opposition and the further requirements demanded by pig butchers in respect of the slaughter of their animals. They want additional facilities and we are providing them with these facilities. They want a separate room to clean the guts of the pigs, and we provide them with a room. But I assure the Member that in five to six months' time the abattoirs will be fully operational.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in order to answer the Member for Havelock on the abattoirs, perhaps I should refer him to our efforts to get the fish merchants from Ellenborough Market and Beach Road Market to go to Jurong with which he is well conversant. Sir, in order to progress, Government has to take certain measures and these measures are usually not popular with those having vested interests. As far as fishing is concerned, when we started this project of the fishing port plus a central market at Jurong, there was opposition from the Ellenborough and Beach Road Markets and several Members of Parliament joined in this opposition. Hence, the fishing market has not been started. The Ellenborough Market has now been burnt and the fish merchants are anxious to go to Jurong. So if there is any delay, it is not the fault of the Primary Production Department. I give this as an example of the reason why the abattoirs at Jurong are not fully operational. Perhaps I should first state the facts. Cattle slaughter was started in Jurong in October 1967, which is more than one year ago. The slaughter of sheep commenced in early January this year. About 50 head of cattle and about 350 head of sheep are being slaughtered daily in the abattoirs. What about pigs? There was opposition to the move to go to Jurong and we have not yet overcome such opposition. The slaughter of pigs in Jurong - if I can call them rural pigs commenced in June 1968, and about 200 head of pigs from the rural areas are being slaughtered daily in Jurong. Pigs are still being slaughtered at the French Road Abattoir and about 1,000 head of pigs are slaughtered there a day.”
“For the moment, there will be no change. An old flat is an old flat, but the prices of land and buildings have gone up in Singapore with the passing of time. Anyone in occupation of an old flat is not forced to buy it. If he thinks the price is not reasonable, he can always apply to buy a new flat. DENTAL SERVICES FOR GOVERNMENT-AIDED SCHOOLS 5. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending dental services to Government-aided schools.”
“Sir, there is no difference in the selling price between a newly completed flat and an existing flat of a similar type built by the Housing Board. In the sale of existing flats, necessary repairs, redecorations and repainting are carried out before the flats are offered for sale.”
“Sir, the total number of applicants registered for the purchase of flats under the "Home Ownership Scheme" as at 30th November, 1968, is 15,675. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Purchase prices of previously rented out flats and newly completed flats) 4. Mr N. Govindasamy asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board whether there is any difference between the purchase price of a flat that has been previously rented out and that of a similar newly completed flat.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been our policy to cater for the really poor, and about 50 per cent of the flats that are let out are, in fact, reserved for applicants requiring one-room flats. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Number of applicants registered under "Home Ownership Scheme") 3. Mr N. Govindasamy asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board how many applicants for the purchase of the Board's flats have been registered under the "Home Ownership Scheme" up to the latest convenient date.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of applicant on the waiting list as at 30th November, 1968, for the renting of Housing Board flats is as follows: One-room flats 7,064 applicants Two-room flats 4,837 applicants Three-room flats 3,022 applicants ------ Total 14,923 applicants ======”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Government's policy in respect of the home ownership scheme is to limit the income level of the applicant to $800 per month in the case of individual incomes and $1,000 per month in the case of joint family incomes. Those earning above these limits are considered to be reasonably well off and their housing needs should be catered for by private developers. The income restrictions, however, do not apply to sitting tenants who may wish to use their Central Provident Fund balances to purchase the flats they now occupy. With the recent implementation of the amendments to the Central Provident Fund legislation and the reduction in the deposit requirements for the purchase of flats, more families in the lower income group will be able to purchase a home of their own. For the time being, therefore, the Government feels that it should not revise the income limits to which I referred. HOUSING BOARD "HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME" (Number of units sold and number proposed to be sold in 1969) The following Question stood in the name of Mr N. Govindasamy --- 7. To ask the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board (a) what is the total number of housing units that have been sold by the Board under the "Home Ownership Scheme" up to the latest convenient date; and (b) what is the total number of housing units that are proposed to be sold under the said scheme in 1969.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, currently about 9,000 units of flats have been completed and occupied while another 8,000 units are under construction in Toa Payoh Housing Estate. It is the Government's policy to sell as many flats as possible, but notwithstanding this, approximately 40 per cent of the flats in Toa Payoh will be set aside for rental to accommodate those applicants who are unable to participate in the home ownership scheme. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Revision of limits of incomes for eligibility to purchase) 6. Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board whether the Board will consider revising the limits of individual and total family incomes, at present $800 and $1,000, respectively, for eligibility to purchase the Board's flats, in the light of the recent amendment to the Central Provident Fund Ordinance raising the maximum of contributions to the Fund to encourage workers to become home owners.”
“Sir, if such vacancies are reserved for resettlement cases who are given priority, then transfers within the estate will not be approved unless it is an exchange between two tenants who desire to exchange accommodation. TOA PAYOH HOUSING ESTATE (Flats for rent) 5. Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board what measures are being taken by the Board to make available more flats in the Toa Payoh Housing Estate for rental to applicants who are in no position to participate in the Board's "Home Ownership Scheme".”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, applications from existing tenants for transfer to other flats are not given priority because there is a larger number of applicants waiting to be allocated accommodation. However, transfers are permitted when the applicant is suffering some hardship, e.g., overcrowding or due to financial circumstances. On 31st October, 1968, about 5,309 applicants had been registered for transfers, most of whom had been made offers by the Board which they hail rejected. In the result, there has been no delay in dealing with transfer applications. Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten): Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister consider transfers within the estate whenever there are vacancies available, as I understand these vacancies are normally reserved for rehousing dispossessed families?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at the time of registration, applicants are asked to state their choice of localities and order of preference. Allocations are made accordingly and wherever possible allocations are made of flats in estates of choice. However, difficulties a rise when applicants begin to apply for flats in housing estates that are already fully occupied. There is also the difficulty of more popular areas where, because of land limitations, only a few blocks are built and the supply cannot meet the demand. Under such circumstances, the applicants will have to wait for casual vacancies which are few and far between, and they have to wait for a considerable time. On occasion, the Board allocates to such applicants new flats that may not be too far from the locality of the applicants' choice, but often such allocations are rejected. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Policy on applications for transfer to larger or smaller flats) 4. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development Board if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board (a) what is the present policy in regard to applications from existing tenants for transfer to larger or smaller flats; (b) how many such applications were out standing on 31st October, 1968; and (c) whether there has been any delay in dealing with the applications and the reasons for the delay.”
“Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board what steps are being taken by the Board to ensure that applicants for the Board's flats are allocated flats in estates that are nearest to their places of work.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since January 1968 about 13,000 trees have been planted at about 240 roads and sites. These trees, together with those planted last year, bring the number of trees planted as at October 1968 to about 28,000 at about 380 roads and sites. The sites include 21 traffic islands, 20 road circuses and 23 Government buildings. In the development of the "floral mile" along Bukit Timah Road, ten nurseries and a drive-in restaurant have been constructed. Nine of the nurseries and the restaurant block have already been let. The floodlighting of King George V Park has been completed at a cost of about $26,880. Lighting is also being provided at several children's play grounds, e.g., the Hindoo Road children's playground, the Kampong Wak Tanjong children's playground and the children's playground between Lorongs 38 and 40. Floodlights have been provided in the Botanic Gardens which are now open to the public nightly till 10 p.m. The first phase of the development of Tiong Bahru Regional Park with an area of about seven acres has been completed. This involved landscaping and the planting of trees and shrubs. The second phase which includes the provision of lighting, benches and other facilities will be completed soon. Public amenities have also been provided at Mount Washington and the site has been landscaped and trees and shrubs planted. There are no plans to construct fountains in every constituency. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Allocation of flats nearest to applicants' places of work) 3.”
“Sir, work on the public garden at Tiong Bahru commenced in February this year and is expected to be completed by the end of January next year. SINGAPORE - GARDEN CITY (Projects carried out) 2. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) what is the extent of the projects carried out since 1st January, 1968, towards making Singapore a garden city; (b) if he will give details of (i) the areas where trees and plants have been planted; and (ii) the number and location of new gardens developed; and (c) whether there are any plans in hand to construct fountains in every constituency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if I may refer to the allegations made by the Member for Ulu Pandan against officials of the Ministry of National Development. First, may I answer his question and tell him that, in my view, in the final analysis, it is the Minister who is responsible and not the civil servants. But my Ministry is not under discussion as yet. I will welcome from him further information giving particulars of rudeness from my officials. I cannot answer general statements in Parliament, but if he has specific instances, he can write to me, or, better, raise them here when the affairs of the Ministry of National Development will be discussed in a few days.”
“The financial implications of the project, the amount of subsidy required and the effectiveness of possible anti-pollution measures are amongst the many problems that are being carefully examined. Once these evaluations are completed, it is hoped to be able to proceed with the implementation of this venture which will complement the proposed aviary at present under construction at Jurong. NEW BRIDGE ROAD (Erection of overhead pedestrian bridges) 14. Mr Lim Soo Peng asked the Minister for Law and National Development, in view of the heavy vehicular traffic along New Bridge Road, especially in that sector between Canal Road and Merchant Road, whether he will consider erecting an overhead bridge for the safety and convenience of pedestrians, and also for the smooth flow of vehicular traffic.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the feasibility of setting up a zoological garden within the catchment area of Seletar where a site of 260 acres is available, is under consideration by the Public Utilities Board. Sizable water catchment areas totalling 8,600 acres are vested in the Board and the need to put these large areas of land, which would otherwise be sterilised, to such maximum public use as is compatible with the over-riding necessity of ensuring a safe water supply has resulted in the development of MacRitchie Park as well as the present proposal. The concept envisages moated enclosures and spacious paddocks to house a variety of mammals and reptiles, a development which will have immense educational benefit for the younger generation and also serve as a tourist attraction. The natural environment would be retained as far as possible and concrete bars and wiremesh fencing kept to a minimum. Towards this end, in the middle of this year, the Board invited a Mr E. H. 'Thong, Director of Whitsney Zoo in England, to advise on all aspects and possibilities of the construction of a wild life sanctuary and limited zoo. Mr Thong, who was in Singapore for five weeks, has submitted a detailed report which suggests that the proposed area at Seletar would be highly suitable for the purpose and can be made into an attractive zoo park. The Board has also had the advice of Mr Straham, Director of the Tarronga Zoo in New South Wales, Australia, who was also in Singapore for a short period. Mr Straham is also of the opinion that the area could be developed into one of the best zoos in this region. A number of other experts have also been consulted.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, these are specific problems which we have had to meet because of the reclamation. I have also received complaints from other constituencies. For example, one was from Siglap. Reclamation of the sea must lead to blockage of some drains and outlets leading to the sea. Follow ing complaints by the Member for Siglap, the position in Siglap was remedied. Now that the Member for Joo Chiat has complained in the House, I assure him that I will look into the matter and try to improve the drainage system in Joo Chiat. MOUNTBATTEN ROAD AND GUILLEMARD ROAD CIRCUSES (Fountains and landscaping) 12. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether Government has any plan to construct fountains on or provide landscaping to the Mountbatten Road Circus (outside Kallang Park) and the Guillemard Road Circus, both of which are on the main traffic route between the City and the eastern part of the Republic. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and National Development (National Development Division) (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no intention to build fountains at or to landscape Mountbatten Road Circus and Guillemard Road Circus as these two circuses will be affected by road and junction improvement by 1970 when work begins ,on the Kallang Sports Complex development. However, shrubs have been planted to beautify these two circuses. NATIONAL ZOO 13. Mr Lee Teck Him asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Government proposes to set up a National Zoo and when.”
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry would not only welcome but would appreciate suggestions from members of the public as to how we should use this land.”
“Early this year, a pilot scheme to reclaim the West Coast foreshores at Pasir Panjang began. By September, the scheme was completed and ten acres of land near the 6th mile were reclaimed. This piece of land will be used for the development of tourist recreational facilities. Detailed investigations into the feasibility of reclaiming more land along the West Coast are being conducted at present. The Kranji reclamation. A total of 247 acres of swamp land was earmarked for reclamation out of which 160 acres have already been reclaimed. This area is to be developed for sawmills and related industries. Lastly, other reclamation projects which are being planned or undertaken include the following: (a) 1,000 acres of swamp and foreshore at the east bank of Jurong for marine, woodworking and other industries; (b) 307 acres of prawn-ponds and swamp at Sungei Kadut for woodworking and other industries; (c) 108 acres of swamp close to the Armament Depot in the Naval Base for marine and other industries; (d) extension of the East Coast Reclamation from Bedok towards Changi; and (e) extension of the West Coast Reclamation towards the city to provide an area for the construction of godowns. Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister for Law and National Development entertain submissions on the utilisation of reclaimed land from members of the public who may be deemed to have the necessary technical expertise to comment on such matters?”
“Sir, the question requires information in respect of several reclamation projects and I will take them in turn. First, the East Coast foreshore. The biggest reclamation project at present is proceeding along the East Coast foreshore in two phases: the first reclama tion of about 1,000 acres of foreshores extending from Bedok to the Singapore Swimming Club, and the second reclamation of about 125 acres from the Singapore Swimming Club to the tip of Tanjong Rhu. By the end of October last, 705 acres of land had been reclaimed. It is expected that both phases will be completed by early 1970. Comprehensive plans for the utilisation of the reclaimed land along the East Coast are now being prepared. A new coastal highway will first be constructed to meet the increasing needs of the East Coast area. In addition, land will be set aside for housing, parks, hotels and shops. It is likely that another 200 acres of land along Nicoll Highway will be reclaimed at a later stage to provide better open spaces and recreational facilities for the people in the central areas of the city. Another major reclamation project now in progress and nearing completion is the Kallang Basin Reclamation. Out of the 450 acres of swamp land in Kallang Basin, 370 acres had been reclaimed by the end of October last. The remaining 80 acres will be reclaimed in the next two years. Two-thirds of the reclaimed land in the Kallang Basin will be used for labour intensive industries and one-third for low-cost public housing. Two blocks of flatted factories have been constructed and already occupied, and more blocks are now under construction. About 3,550 units of housing have been completed and occupied and another 12,000 units are expected to be built within the next five years. The Pasir Panjang reclamation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the law requires that planning decisions be given within three months of an application being submitted. This is provided for in the Planning Ordinance, but in most cases planning decisions are given much earlier than three months. In cases where the proposals submitted involve alterations to the Master Plan, the procedure required by the law is somewhat lengthy as it involves notification in the press and public exhibition of the proposed alterations. Where there is a special need to encourage and expedite a particular type of development in the public interest, for example, hotels, there is a provision in the Planning Ordinance for such development proposals to be considered expeditiously without following the strict and lengthy procedure normally required for alterations to the Master Plan. Whilst efforts are continuously being made by my Ministry to investigate into possible ways and means to expedite planning approvals, developers and their architects can also help by submitting complete well-thought-out and properly planned proposals and by providing all relevant information necessary for the consideration of the planners. RECLAMATION PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS 11. Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Law and National Development to what extent reclamatory works along the East Coast and at Pasir Panjang, Kallang and Kranji have been completed; what plans there are to reclaim land in other areas in Singapore; and, if he will make a statement on plans to develop the land already reclaimed and to be reclaimed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, 15 hotels with a total of about 5,000 rooms are under construction. Ten hotels with a total of about 2,000 rooms are awaiting planning approval. The hon. Member should appreciate that it would be premature for me at this juncture to say whether the total number of rooms available will not exceed the demand in the next five years. It is not easy to forecast with any degree of accuracy the future increase in tourist traffic and the accommodation that will be required for the next five years. The known fact is that Singapore has experienced, and is still experiencing, an acute shortage of hotel accommodation which has led to some hotels increasing their charges and also has led to some tourists by-passing Singapore. If we are to promote the tourist industry, there must be easily available adequate good class hotel rooms at reasonable charges coupled with first-class service. We have always thrived on competition and with more hotels and keener competition, even better service will be provided for hotel guests. PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT (Expedition of planning approval) 10. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether planning approval can be expedited so as to speed up private development.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Chief Building Sur veyor's Department is prepared to allow repairs to or reconstruction of dilapidated temporary buildings without the landowner's permission provided that the reconstruction is carried out on the same site with no extension of the floor area. In such cases, the applicant is required to submit the following documents: (1) a sketch plan of the proposed structure; (2) a temporary permit licence issued by the Chief Building Surveyor's Department to prove that the existing structure is an authorised one; and (3) either ground rent receipts and/ or property tax receipts to prove ownership of the building. The above, of course, does not apply to reconstruction of large temporary structures with floor areas in excess of 750 square feet or those structures which may be affected by redevelopment or other public improvement schemes. HOTEL CONSTRUCTION (Particulars) 9. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) how many hotels are under construction and the number of rooms they will have; (b) how many hotels are awaiting planning approval and the number of rooms they will have; and (c) whether he anticipates that the total number of rooms available will not exceed the demand in the next five years.”
“However, statistics are available in respect of persons convicted under the age of 21 years, and the figures are given hereunder: - Males Females (i) Assault, causing hurt, 22 1 grievous or otherwise, with or without weapons (ii) Robbery 70 Nil Males Females (iii) Extortion 18 Nil (iv) Theft / Housebreaking 499 4 (v) Cheating Nil Nil (vi) Criminal Breach of Trust 5 Nil and Misappropriation of property (vii) Sexual Offences 5 Nil (viii) Vagrancy 9 Nil (ix) Drunkenness 4 Nil (x) Gambling and connected 67 Nil offences (xi) Opium smoking and connected 1 Nil offences (xii) Smuggling and connected Nil Nil offences Young persons are separated into two groups in the Subordinate Criminal Courts - (i) persons under 16 years are classified as juveniles in pursuance of the Children and Young Persons Ordinance; and (ii) persons above the age of 16 years and under 20 years when convicted, are considered for reformative training before sentences are passed.”
“(a) Number of prosecutions 45,143 conducted in the Subordinate Criminal Courts for the period 1st January, 1967 to 30th June, 1968 (b) Number of prosecutions 41,046 which resulted in convictions (c) Number of convictions which 35,417 were the result of the accused pleading guilty (d) Number of prosecutions classified under the following:- (i) Assault, causing hurt, 1,110 grievous or otherwise, with or without weapons (ii) Robbery 373 (iii) Extortion 143 (iv) Theft / Housebreaking 1,877 (v) Cheating 126 (vi) Criminal Breach of Trust 147 and Misappropriation of Property (vii) Sexual Offences 86 (viii) Vagrancy 83 (ix) Drunkenness 1.275 (x) Gambling and connected 12,147 offences (xi) Opium smoking and 2,146 connected offences (xii) Smuggling and connected 292 offences (e) Number of women convicted under the following classifications: (Also given are figures for Male convicted for comparison, though not asked) Convicted (Adults) Females Males (i) Assault, causing hurt, 22 574 grievous or otherwise, with or without weapons (ii) Robbery 1 273 (iii) Extortion Nil 93 (iv) Theft / Housebreaking Nil 1,226 (v) Cheating Nil 104 Convicted (Adults) Females Males (vi) Criminal Breach of Trust 1 115 and Misappropriation of property (vii) Sexual Offences Nil 60 (viii) Vagrancy Nil 44 (ix) Drunkenness 14 1,195 (x) Gambling and connected offences 250 11,606 (xi) Opium smoking and connected offences 16 2,090 (xii) Smuggling and connected offences 14 170 (f) It is not possible to tell from the available statistics in the Subordinate Courts the number of persons of the age of 18 years or below convicted under the classifications requested for.”
“The company will undertake, at its own expense, the work of reclamation as agents for the Government. The whole island, including the reclaimed foreshore, will subsequently be alienated to the Jurong Town Corporation on a 99-year lease allowing the Corporation to sub-lease the land to Esso (Singapore) Private Limited. The company also requires the exclusive use of the foreshore shown coloured green on the said plan for siting its wharves and jetties, and it is proposed to issue foreshore leases to the Jurong Town Corporation to cover these areas. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pulau Ayer Chawan containing an area of approximately 332 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/68" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT 3.22 p.m.”