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 8 of 44.
“Perhaps postal balloting for the old and the feeble who live in Singapore is practical. We were even at this stage thinking of postal balloting not only for those in Singapore but for those outside. But it could lead to practical problems because we cannot send the ballot papers out until we know who is standing in Potong Pasir, whether it is Mr Baptist or his rival. It is no use having a nomination form and just putting a PAP candidate. So those ballot papers cannot go out to the constituents until Nomination Day and the papers have been printed in the Government Printing Office. That having been done, perhaps two or three days later they are posted out. If the address is in Singapore it is all right. If the address is in New Zealand or Timbuctoo, by the time the nomination paper reaches the Singapore citizen, elections would have been over, if we confine our elections campaigning to nine or 10 days. In 1968 we had it for two months. If there is a reasonable period, say, two or three months, then our constituents outside Singapore will be able to receive their ballot papers and post them back in time. 7.30 p.m.”
“Perhaps my example is not the best. Let me give the Member another one. The number is 14L instead of 14l. This "L" is so written that the bottom part of the "L" is merged with the bottom line. So it is no longer 14L. It becomes 141. So instead of 14L Bukit Timah Road, it could be 141 Bukit Timah Road. The result could be that the person with that address could either be voting in Cairnhill, or Tanglin or Ulu Pandan. If you take it further, Bukit Timah. Or if the figure gets bigger, to 1400, he ends up in Woodlands or Bukit Panjang. But this is just an example. These errors do happen. I use the letter "I" but you can have it either way. If the letter "L", it depends on which part of the "L" is merged with which part of the line.”
“As a result the Government had to come out with an announcement that none of these evils would befall anybody if his name was not on the register. All it meant was that he could not vote. He could always have his name restored in the register if he has a valid excuse for non-voting or pay a sum of $5. The Member has given the names and addresses of some of his constituents.”
“Sir, I do not think the Member for Changi needs an answer from me. He has answered his own question. It is up to him to take action and make a report to the Presiding Officer or the police. He has done that. As for the future, what can we do? If canvassing takes place, as prohibited, then it is his duty to report it to the Presiding Officer or to the police. and leave it to them. This happens in all elections. People get excited and sometimes they do worse things, at least in this country no one has died as a result of an election. As for the Member for Potong Pasir, perhaps I could point out to him that cases of persons having to go and vote in another constituency or of names of persons not on the register need not arise if these people had gone to check the registers of electors when they were exhibited. The errors in the registers could have been rectified then. As the Member himself has pointed out. "there was not enough time", "standing in the rain" and "there is no place in the community centre", but as far as I remember the position was this. The registers were exhibited over a period of time. People could not be bothered to find out whether their names were there. Then some bright spark started a rumour in Singapore, a rumour to the effect that if you did not vote, then not only would you not have the chance to vote, but cancellation or absence of your name from the register of voters would have disastrous results like the loss of your citizenship, followed by loss of your Housing Board flat, and followed by lots of other privileges that Singapore citizens have. As a result of this rumour, and rumour spreads very quickly in Singapore, all the community centres were jammed with worried Singapore citizens. That was the position. They checked too late.”
“Sir, the Ministry has made investigations. I myself saw this dust flying in the air. But unfortunately we have not found the source. Members will remember that some years ago we had a haze in the sky which appeared on several days and evenings. Various causes were suggested. Some said it was caused by a forest fire in Johore. Some said from Sumatra. But till today nobody knows the answer. All this means we have got to be always careful to see that the air you and I breathe is fit for breathing.”
“There are a few vacancies but the positions are still there. The Unit itself is doing more and more work and will be increasing the scope and nature of its activities.”
“For some years now it has embarked on a programme to prevent and control discharge of wastewater into the open drains and canals from domestic, trade and industrial premises as well as from farms. This section also advises house-owners how to divert wastewater from their premises to the sewers, and the industries on how to deal with trade effluent. This keeps the Chairman of the PUB happy. The most effective method of controlling water pollution is the extension of sewerage to all premises and to ensure that wastewater goes into sewers and not into open drains. If we are to use the word "target", the target is to sewer the whole island finally. But it is not an easy process nor is it an easy process to clean up the Kallang and Singapore Rivers. However, the Member can rest assured that a plan is being worked out to meet this target set by the Prime Minister. Many run-down areas in the older parts of the city would have to be redeveloped. Open markets and street hawkers must be cleared and resited to proper premises where sewerage and other sanitary facilities are available. Only then can refuse be systematically collected and disposed of and wastewater properly channelled into the sewers. I think the Member will agree that though the Government can provide sanitary facilities, the ultimate success in our clean-up programme would depend on the cooperation of every member of the public. No litter should be thrown or wastewater discharged indiscriminately into our open drains. Only then can our canals and rivers be free from pollution. As for the employment position, the Member has quoted some figures. I am afraid I do not have the answers to those figures. All I can assure the Member is that there has been no reduction in staff in this Unit.”
“Sir, the Anti-Pollution Unit has objectives. It has got no targets. The target in one respect has been fixed by the Prime Minister who has asked to clean up the Singapore River and the Kallang River and set the target date of 10 years within which he wants to see fish swimming in these two rivers. That settles the water question. As for air, again we do not have any targets. The air is not so bad that we have got to clean it up, say, within five or 10 years. The objective is to keep the air we breathe as clean as it is today or even cleaner. With the introduction of industries into Singapore, the air is being polluted by many industries and the work of the Unit is to see that this pollution in the air does not become so bad that you and I cannot safely breathe the air. Both the Clean Air Act and the Water Pollution and Drainage Act set out the requirements on the emission of pollutants and effluent discharges from premises. Our basic approach to the solution of air and water pollution problems is to deal with them at source through preventive and palliative measures. This is complemented by public education on the need to control and minimise environmental pollution and by enforcement action. New industries are carefully screened to ensure that they are not too polluting and are carefully located in industrial areas without adversely affecting residential estates. Both new and existing industries are required to install anti-pollution equipment, improve on their house-keeping and operation in order to reduce air pollution. They are also required to use the best practical means to control noxious emissions from their factories. On water pollution, the Ministry of the Environment has a section in the Sewerage Department to deal with this problem.”
“Photochemical oxidants are detected on some hot days during the afternoon and are formed by the interaction of pollutants such as hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which are emitted by motor vehicles, factories, power stations and all combustion processes. The reaction in the atmosphere is very complex and it also depends on the condition of the atmosphere such as temperature, relative humidity, wind and the relative concentration of the pollutants. This oxidant disappears as the sun goes down. Sir, as I have said, the Unit is at present studying the position in detail and may introduce control measures to reduce the emission of some of the pollutants such as hydrocarbons which I mentioned before were the precursors to photochemical smog.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of the Prime Minister. Since 1971 the Anti-Pollution Unit has been monitoring the air for various pollutants which may have direct or indirect effects on health. While the smoke level has decreased, other pollutants such as sulphur dioxide have increased. This is mainly due to the increase in the consumption of oil by our industries, power stations and motor vehicles. Some factories have refused to comply or have been reluctant to comply because it increases their costs. Because of the bad period in the past year we have not been rather strict in enforcement, but in the future we will have to take stricter measures. `The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Ivan Baptist and Ahmad Haleem. Sometimes, of course, air pollution is caused by poor maintenance and operation of plant and equipment. In order not to affect the viability of some of these industries, adequate time has been allowed to comply with anti-pollution measures. But Members may be interested to know that in 1976, the Unit inspected over 900 factories to ensure that preventive as well as palliative measures are taken to minimise the pollution of the air. Tests were also carried out in various factories to check on dust and acid emissions to ensure that they do not exceed the specified limits. 7.00 p.m. The Member may be interested to know that the Unit has recently acquired more sophisticated equipment and has been able to detect the presence of ozone which is the main constituent of photochemical oxidant or sometimes called photochemical smog.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member is well aware that the area referred to is a low-lying area. In fact. Mountbatten Road was formerly known as Grove Road. Grove Road and the area referred to formed part of the Grove Estate. I do not know where the word "Grove" came from, probably from "mangrove". The Member should also be well aware that one-quarter of Singapore island is swampy. Hence the many reclamations which have taken place; the outstanding one being Jurong which was previously one big large swamp. As the Member has pointed out, the area he referred to is very well developed. In fact, the floods are controlled by tidal gates at the Geylang River. But that is all we can do. My experts tell me that they can suggest nothing except that the land be raised. If the land is raised the buildings must go up too. So I am afraid it must be just one big "NO". But the Member is not alone in his complaint because there are other parts of Singapore, like parts of Chinatown for instance, which are below high tide level and without any rain parts of Chinatown can come under water. So that is all I can say to the Member. My sympathies, but that is it.”
“Should circumstances show that more cremators are needed, these will be provided.”
“Sir, may I say with respect to the Member for Anson that it would be a retrograde step to go back to the old system. The number of cremations in the Mount Vernon Crematorium has been about 10 per day for the last six months. The seven cremators are able to cope with 15 cremations per day. It is not our policy to go against any custom or rites, whether they be Hindu, Muslim, Christian or others. That certainly is not Government's policy. When we first started this new crematorium the Hindu Advisory Board made certain representations and we listened to them. We had meetings with them, at which the Member was present, and most of their recommendations were accepted. As for the time, previously it was 3.00 p.m. for the last cremation. Now it is being extended to 4.00 p.m. We would like to extend it to 5.00 p.m. and have taken up the question of recruiting more staff with the Ministry of Finance. I hope we succeed. The choice of the time for cremation is left to the family of the deceased but it is not easy to satisfy everybody. If the cremator has been booked for the time chosen, the applicant is offered an alternative time for cremation on the same day. In the first case mentioned by the Member, an alternative time was offered but was not accepted by the relatives. Our records show that bookings on Saturdays for the past two weeks had not been heavy and no relatives who applied for cremation were turned away without being offered an alternative time for cremation on the same day. For the information of the Member, of the seven cremators available, three have been modified to suit Hindu cremation. For an average of 20 Hindu cremations per month, the facilities appear to be more than adequate to meet the needs of the community.”
“The hon. Member has made a difficult request. If there is rubbish, there is smell. On the odour problem from rubbish chutes and bin centres, especially in housing estates, I would like to inform the Member that refuse is removed by the Housing and Development Board every day from the chutes to the bin centres and from the bin centres by the Ministry of the Environment to the disposal ground. The refuse chutes and bin centres are washed daily. What is it that he wants us to spread? Eau de cologne? There must be smell and nuisance if domestic refuse is wet and decomposes rapidly in hot weather. Perhaps householders could help to improve the situation by putting wet and organic refuse in plastic bags before disposing them into the refuse chutes. Another measure being undertaken by the Housing and Development Board is the provision of roofs for bin centres to keep out the rain and the sun. This would help keep the refuse dry and reduce the odour and the temperature down. Without wanting to pull the leg of the Member for Telok Blangah, all I can say is that it is difficult. Rubbish smells and sometimes the smell is terrible. Even when the Ministry of the Environment's lorry passes you, you cannot get away from the smell, especially if the lorry is leaking. But we will certainly look into his request and see what can be done to minimise the odour that comes from these bin centres.”
“Sir, may I say that I was making no references to the hon. Member for Buona Vista going to nightclubs or as a frequenter of nightclubs. I thought he was merely referring to nightclubs. Of course, I realise that there are other places of entertainment where decorative lights are used whether it is the National Theatre or elsewhere. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“But this is just an example to show that we must always be conscious of the fact that food manufacturers can spread disease, and if Members do not want to get typhoid, do not buy ice cream from unauthorised vendors or ice water sellers. That is the major source of typhoid in this country. Most of the time when there is an outbreak of typhoid, it is traced to someone selling either ice water or ice drinks or even in some cases ice cream. But let me not frighten Members further.”
“I am against issuing temporary licences. Once a temporary licence is issued, it has a sense of permanency and when we take it away there is always trouble. It is better to give them time even if they are unauthorised rather than to give some authorisation by way of a piece of paper called a licence. It is better to give a reasonable grace period to the food manufacturer to wind up his business. My short answer to the Member in respect of his request for hawker licences to be issued to such manufacturers and stalls to be provided, is "No". But they have a chance if they qualify on the grounds of hardship. As for hardship. I leave it for a while. Members have plenty of time to argue with my Parliamentary Secretary when he gets on his feet to tell what is the definition of "hardship cases". But perhaps we should find a new category so that we can accommodate people or small food manufacturers of the type the Member for Bukit Panjang has spoken about. But there are always dangers and if I may just cite one case. We had typhoid fever spreading in a certain place. On investigations, we found that all the patients had eaten nasi lemak. I need not translate that for you. It was prepared by just one person. We were fast enough to stop it These are small food manufacturers. They prepared the nasi lemak or whatever it is and they sell. In this particular case, we were very lucky because we got to the source of the infection. Hence we have got to be very careful. I am not suggesting that people should not buy nasi lemak; this case has been cleared up.”
“Sir, the Member for Buona Vista raised two points - one on car parks and the other on ultra-violet lighting in nightclubs. Some of the Members here had better watch it! As for car parks, as a preventive measure, action is now being taken. In fact, it should have been taken long ago at the planning stage by the Building Control Division to incorporate requirements for satisfactory ventilation. But my Ministry has been aware of the poor ventilation of some car parks especially in high-rise buildings. The Anti-Pollution Unit has been conducting surveys on the level of carbon monoxide in a number of car parks. Where the level was high, the owners of the car parks have been notified to improve the ventilation and they have done so. The Unit further carries out surveys at these car parks regularly to see that the level of carbon monoxide does not rise too high. As for nightclubs and ultra-violet lights, the flashing lights are used in nightclubs for decorative purposes and for producing stage effects on entertainers and guests. But the amount of ultra-violet light produced by these lights is very small. We can take comfort that its effective range is less than two feet. Apart from the effects of these flashing lights on the eyes, it has no real harmful health effects, especially when one is exposed to these lights for a very short duration. As for the Member for Bukit Panjang, in order to ensure that the food intended for sale is fit for human consumption and is hygienically prepared, basic and essential health requirements have to be observed. Hence these notices on the food manufacturers in Bukit Panjang who have been unable to meet with these requirements. It is not in the interest of the public and, in fact, against our health laws to issue such operators with a licence.”
“That is what somebody else has said. But our kampongs are relatively clean. It really depends on the people living in the kampongs. You can sweep your rubbish and burn it if you like, if our lorries do not come. But the fact is that our refuse collection vehicles collect rubbish every day, including Sundays. Without a daily refuse collection service, I think our roads would be dirtier. I am afraid we cannot deploy more workmen to remove refuse in kampongs. But every effort is being made with approaches to the Ministry of Finance to employ more labour. But should there be heaps of rubbish in any of the constituencies, all they have to do is to telephone the Ministry of the Environment and we will send one lorry, and if that is not enough, we will send more. That is an assurance I give the Member. If he cannot get me, get my Parliamentary Secretary or my Permanent Secretary. As for campaigns, I think too many Campaigns sometimes lose their own force. We have had so many campaigns that I think, sometimes the public is a little tired of campaigns. I have had a few myself. for instance. "Keep the city green". We had a campaign to clean up the schools in which I, as the Member for Tanglin, visited many schools and all the children were working there. But what happened. At the end of the day it was the Ministry of the Environment that had to spend the next week collecting the rubbish from all the schools. So if he has got rubbish in his kampongs or his constituency all he has to do is to give us a ring.”
“But if the Member is complaining about delays outside the hospital, I will certainly look into his request if he gives me more information. If I may deal with the Member for Potong Pasir. The way he opened up, I thought the whole of Singapore is dirty. But at least the Member admitted that though nothing much has been done, our main streets and side-streets are still clean. It is not only for tourists. It is for us. We have mechanical sweepers. We imported them at considerable costs. It makes sweeping of roads, which are tarmac or concrete, easy. It saves labour. But unfortunately these mechanical sweepers cannot go into all kampongs, nor will they do any good if they sweep sandy roads. Unfortunately, even some of our lorries which carry rubbish cannot go into every kampong, and it is for that reason that perhaps the kampongs are dirtier than the main streets. But perhaps the Member for Potong Pasir is only talking about Potong Pasir kampong. Come to Tanglin. We have kampongs from the Botanic Gardens right down to Race Course Road.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, without wanting to knock heads together, as one MP saying that the Ministry of the Environment has gone to sleep ever since it was first started under my predecessor, Mr Lim Kim San, and the Member for Jurong grumbling about the measures we take to install modern sanitation or when we give jabs to hawkers, perhaps they should change constituencies. But since the Member for Jurong spoke in a more modest pleading tone, I think I should deal with him first. The Member is well aware that the development of the PUB western catchment reservoir scheme has made it necessary for farmers to install a simple sanitary system. But I agree with the Member that two months' notice is too short and the Sewerage Department will extend this period to six months or even more if the Member pleads again. Whilst the Ministry is prepared to offer advice to the farmers on the construction of the sanitary system, it is regretted that we are unable to give any subsidy. We have made inquiries from the Development Bank of Singapore, but I am afraid that they are governed by their lending terms. They are governed by normal banking practice and principles and they will not be able to give subsidised loans. As for mass inoculation, there was an exercise for hawkers as a prevention against typhoid fever from 1st September. 1975 to 27th April, 1 976 at various markets and food centres. This was done promptly and the hawkers were not required to wait for long periods. But I think the hon. Member is referring to the screening of hawkers at the Middleton Hospital for typhoid and other gastrointestinal diseases. For such cases more time is required for the necessary medical examinations which include the taking of stools and blood samples.”
“Yes, Sir. The Training Section of the Bases Economic Conversion Department was responsible for organising the training courses for Base workers affected by the withdrawal and it carried out this function with the assistance of a working committee consisting of the Department's Director of Training and representatives from the Ministries of Education and Labour, the NTUC and the Economic Development Board. A crash training programme consisting of courses of three months duration each at the Singapore Vocational Institute and the Economic Development Board's workshop at River Valley Road and five other technical schools was started in April 1968. A total of about 1,700 Base workers underwent the training courses in turning and fitting, in electrical fitting and installation, motor vehicle mechanics, sheet metal works, welding, plumbing, refrigeration and air-conditioning, woodworking machine operations, woodwork furniture production, engineering drawing, electroplating and basic plastic technology. I hope that satisfies the Member for Punggol.”
“If the Member is interested further, out of the original staff of 56 there only remains a nucleus of 19 officers working under the direction of senior staff of the Land Office. The Division is also still concerned with Defence properties which have been made available to the New Zealand forces under the five-power defence agreement and is, in fact, the channel of communication between the ANZAC Forces and the Singapore Government in respect of such properties. I might mention that as soon as the property came to us there was a big scramble among the various departments. The Ministry of Defence, of course, got most of the land. The University of Singapore now is in Kent Ridge which formerly was a site for residential quarters of army officers, and the NTUC got the Changi Beach Hotel which apparently was used as a holiday resort and which they have moved out now. To mention one fact, the Naval Dockyard at Sembawang had to be converted into a civilian dockyard. Instead of attending to battleships and cruisers, it has to serve merchant ships. It is not easy to convert a naval dockyard into a civilian one, and for that reason we had to employ the firm of Swan & Hunter who did the same job in Malta, and they did a good job here. Apparently, workers in naval ships do not do exactly the same job as on merchant ships. I need not go into further details.”
“Sir, the short answer to the Member for Punggol is that the British left so much land behind that the Bases Economic Conversion Division is still operating. The British ruled us for over 150 years. They occupied the best parts of Singapore. I remember, as a little boy living in Yio Chu Kang Road, that there was no Serangoon Gardens and no Member of Parliament for Serangoon Gardens. I used to walk to Seletar in the 1920s to watch the flying boats land. That was when they built Seletar Air Base. Just before the war, they built Tengah Air Base. During the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese built Changi Air Base. Anyone present here who lived during the Occupation would know that there were so many British regiments here. We had the Manchester Regiment, the Argyles and the Southern Gordon Highlanders. They were all here, including the Indian Regiments such as the Hyderabad Regiment, the Punjab Regiment and the well-known Gurkhas. They were all here living in barracks. So in 1968 when the British announced their intention to pull out, we had to form the Bases Economic Conversion Department, with two main functions: to take over reverted properties and to retrain the workers. Quite a few of our people were employed either by the Royal Air Force, the British Navy, or the British Army, and their services became redundant when the British pulled out. It meant retraining. Hence the Bases Economic Conversion Department. In spite of the completion of its major functions there are still residual functions. In 1973 the Department was absorbed as a Division in the Land Office. The Division is now primarily concerned with administration of reverted properties, including Asian quarters.”
“Then I had better refer to my file. The project itself is currently designed for the construction of a hotel, convention, shopping, recreational, and office complex, with a built-up area of about 360,000 square metres. The designs have been substantially completed. In fact, they were completed in the middle of last year and plans have been officially submitted to the competent authority for approval. Currently, the project consultant is completing the detailed drawings, as well as the necessary documents for the invitation of tenders for construction works. These are scheduled to be completed in April 1977. So the Member would not have to wait very long. Concurrent with the submission of plans, a submission was made to the Ministry of Finance by the DBS with a request for Government equity participation and credit facilities for the development, which is estimated to cost about $540 million. The Government. whilst in favour of encouraging the construction of a hotel and convention centre, has grave doubts on the building of more office and shopping complexes, especially on a scale as big as the project. We feel that consideration should be given to increasing private sector participation in this long delayed project.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name, as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion reads as follows 'That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, an additional sitting day. namely, Monday. the 14th March, 1977, be allotted for the debate on the motion for approval of the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1977/78 moved by the Minister for Finance on 28th February, 1977.' Apparently so many of the Members here desire to speak that the one day that is usually set aside for the debate will not be sufficient. Hence the motion. Question put, and agreed to Resolved, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, an additional sitting day, namely. Monday, the 14th March. 1977. be allotted for the debate on the motion for approval of the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1977/78 moved by the Minister for Finance on 28th February. 1977. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [28th February, 1977]. "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1977 to 31st March, 1978" - [Minister for Finance]. Question again proposed. 3.31 p.m.”
“There are four Collectors of Land Revenue in the Land Office handling these acquisitions. APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP BY PERMANENT RESIDENTS (Request for special consideration) 12. Haji Rahmat Bin Kenap asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether his Ministry can assist those unfortunate permanent residents, who were born in Singapore but have lost their birth certificates or have forgotten their dates of birth, in getting approval for their applications for citizenship which have been under consideration for a long time because, as holders of blue identity cards, they cannot get employment, hawkers' licences or flats, even under resettlement priority, and are not allowed to stay in another country.”
“Sir, that question should be directed at the assessors. The Member did make representations in three of 26 cases where owners, who originally claimed vacant possession compensation, subsequently requested for the purchase of HDB flats. Consequent on these representations, acquisition awards were adjusted in three cases. In one case, the original vacant possession award was $26,000, the adjusted increase went up to about $29,000; and $10,000 was subtracted for the purchase of two Housing and Development Board flats. In another case, the award was $56,500, that went up to about $60,000 and $5,000 for the purchase of one flat left behind a balance of $54,850. In the last case, the original vacant possession award was $85,000. This was subsequently adjusted to $99,000. $12,000 had to be put aside for the purchase of two HDB fIats and the rent of two HDB flats, leaving a balance of $87,000. Offers on the above basis have been made to the respective owners who have, however, yet to indicate acceptance. As to why it should be 5% and not 2% or 1%, I do not know. Surely that question should be directed at the assessors in the Land Office. But the Member may be interested to know that of the 144 owners affected by these acquisitions. 19 lodged appeals with the Appeals Board. 15 of these appeals have been withdrawn, consequent on adjustments in the awards. Since acquisition proceedings involve legal rights with appeals to the Appeals Board, it is best that representations on these matters be made either by the owners' solicitors or by the owners in person, or through their Member of Parliament, to the particular Collector of Land Revenue responsible for assessing and making awards under these acquisition proceedings.”
“Sir, acquisition of land for the Pan Island Expressway Stage I (from Jalan Eunos to Lorong Chin Chin) affects 272 families in Kampong Kembangan. The extension of Sims Avenue (from Jalan Eunos to Changi Road 6 milestone) affects 235 families. Compensation is paid only to owners but not tenants or statutory tenants. Under the resettlement policy those who are citizens, and qualify, can obtain housing. "Vacant possession" compensation had been awarded to 55 owners.”
“Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Law and the Environment the total number of families in the Kampong Kembangan Constituency whose premises have been acquired by Government to make way for the Paya Lebar Pan Island Expressway and the extension of Sims Avenue and how many of those families have been awarded "Vacant Possession'' compensation.”
“Sir, 82 units of Office Buildings; 204 units of Stores; 44 units of Workshops; 947 units of Married Quarters; 43 blocks of Barrack Buildings; and 55 units of other buildings (churches, schools, etc), of British Services properties at Changi were taken over by the Singapore Government in two phases, one in 1970/71 and the other in 1975/76. Of the 1,375 units, 1,285 units are fully utilised; 35 units are undergoing renovations/alterations for alternative use/affected by development; and 55 units are vacant. The "loss in revenue" or rather the additional income that would accrue to Government if the vacant 55 residential units were all let out, is estimated at around $11,000 per month. Some cases of vandalism have occurred, especially during the transitional period of the handover of the properties, but the damage on this account was minimal. The 55 vacant units are housing units made available to members of the public for rental. Sale of the units, which would put undesirable constraints on the future development of this area, has been ruled out. The Member for Changi must be aware that, with the development of the Changi Airport and the earthworks in the area, housing units including the 55 vacant ones in the area bounded by Tanah Merah Besar and Upper Changi Road adjoining the runway have become unattractive as living accommodation. The distance from the City and the size of the houses and compounds are added factors dampening demands from members of the public for rental. Rentals have been reduced, in fact, from the original range of $350-$500 per month to $200-$350 per month in an endeavour to get all of them occupied. This has met with partial success. KAMPONG KEMBANGAN (Vacant possession compensation) 11.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at present the number of seats in this Chamber is more than sufficient for our 69 Members. There are ii empty seats in the front row opposite and three more behind it. That makes 14 seats, so there is no need for any plans to increase the seating capacity of the House or to remove Parliament to some other building. That would be a pity. BRITISH SERVICES PROPERTIES IN CHANGI (Utilisation of) 10. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Law and the Environment (a) how many units of buildings used as offices, stores, workshops and living accommodation have been taken over from the British Services in Changi since their withdrawal from Singapore; (b) how many of the units have been fully utilised and how many are vacant at present; (c) if units are unused and left vacant, how much has been lost by way of revenue from rent and damage caused to those properties by vandals; and (d) how many of the unused buildings are housing units and have they been offered for rent or sale.”
“But Members will have their chance, In the debate on my colleague's budget, they will have more opportunity to speak in the Committee of Supply. Let us see what that debate will bring forth. 4.34 p.m.”
“Of course, when such a situation arises the opportunity is taken by the draftsman to make any desirable drafting changes which might make the language, more explicit or remove doubts which might have arisen in the meantime consequent on prosecution, litigation or judicial review. In regard to the point made by the Member for Nee Soon about the difficulty in understanding legislation, this is understandable as even those trained in the law sometimes have difficulty in interpreting provisions, couched as they are, in legal terminology. It is for this reason that all bills have attached to them explanatory statements which try and set out in lay language the main provisions of the bill. However, the general point, made by Members of Parliament touching on this subject that legislation, hastily conceived or pressed for by administrators, enforcement agencies, revenue and tax collectors and those primarily interested in getting results rather than the means or mode of getting such results, is a valid one. This is particularly so where objectives can be achieved by better administration or education or a combination of both. This debate has underlined the need to constantly stress to all concerned that in the realm of legislation it is wise to make haste slowly. Sir, before this debate began I invited Members to speak freely and openly. They have done so. I congratulate them. But in this debate, Members and Parliamentary Secretaries spoke first. Ministers had' the advantage of replying. And I have the advantage of speaking last. I am not against the cut and thrust of debate. This is the essence of any Parliament. But may I say, without any disrespect, that some of our big guns. when replying, went further than was really necessary. Some hon. Members: Hear, hear!”
“All Ministries are fully aware of the need to let bills go through their normal process, thus ensuring the full benefit of Parliamentary scrutiny before the final form emerges. In fact, in recent years, very few bills have been taken through on a Certificate of Urgency. In the last six years from 1971 to 1976, Parliament dealt with 219 bills. Of these, only seven were taken through urgently. In the last three years. 1974 to 1976, out of 107 Acts of Parliament, only three (one in each year) were dealt with as urgent bills. They were: the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, 1974. This was taken through to extend the life of the Act which was due to expire. In 1975, the Companies (Amendment) Bill. This was an amendment to enable an inspector appointed under the Companies Act to inform the Minister of any matters coming to his knowledge as a result of the investigation tending to show that an offence has been committed. This piece of urgent legislation arose Out of the investigations into the Haw Par affair. Last year the Financial Procedure (Amendment) Bill was taken through urgently in view of the impending prorogation of Parliament after the sitting on 24th November last year prior to the elections. There have been, as far as I am aware, no. bills which have been amended purely because of drafting errors. Bills are amended primarily because in the light of working experience inadequacies are revealed. Administrators and enforcement officers may come up against situations not envisaged when the bill was first drafted or the test of actual enforcement may reveal loopholes which necessitate plugging.”
“Sir, there are advantages of being the last speaker on the Government side but there are also its disadvantages, especially after yesterday's marathon performance. Most of the points, in fact, have been covered by others and by the Prime Minister himself. I would like briefly to deal with one or two points. It has been suggested by one Member that the Hawkers Department does not work very hard against hawkers in constituencies where Ministers have been elected but they work especially hard where Members are. After the Prime Minister's speech yesterday, I think the Member will be well aware that if I did that I would not only be out of the Ministry of the Environment but also out of the House. But let us assume that that is true, so if he wants a hawker's licence he comes to Tanglin. Let us take it one step further. If he wants a Housing Board flat, he tries Cairnhill. If he wants a ticket to the football stadium, he goes to River Valley. If he wants to smoke ganja, try MacPherson. If he does not want to pay income tax or wants a postponement, go to Havelock, If he wants his son to be exempted from national service, try Kreta Ayer. Gentlemen, if he wants all these things rolled into one, he knows where to go - Tanjong Pagar. Just one more point on the Ministry of Law. It is about the procedure in respect of urgent bills, which was touched upon by one Member and defended by the Prime Minister yesterday. The Prime Minister cited some figures. I can give much more. It is under Standing Order 82 that a Certificate of Urgency is required to be signed by the President before a Bill can be taken through all stages in this House at one go.”
“That depends on the other school sites. Sir. Without proper investigation, I am afraid I would not be able to give a concrete answer to the Member for Telok Blangah. In this particular case, however, there had been negotiations between the Ministry of Education and other offices to decide whether or not to proceed with the construction of schools. Meanwhile, as the hon. Member for Marine Parade has suggested, it is a good idea to turn the site into a playground. On the facts of this case, we can assist. But whether or not we can assist in other cases depends on the circumstances. However we try to be of assistance, wherever possible. APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP (Particulars) 6. Mr Goh Chok Tong asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education how many applications for Singapore citizenship were under consideration as at 1st February, 1977, outstanding for more than three years, and whether steps are being taken to expedite the processing of those applications.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the planned construction of schools on this reclaimed site is not expected to commence within a year. Action is in hand to convert the site into a temporary playground for children in the neighbourhood. Earthworks and tree planting are expected to commence in about three months' time as soon as tenders are called for and funds are available. This will ensure that the site does not become waste land. Meanwhile, the Parks and Recreation Department will ensure that the vegetation is under control and the Ministry of the Environment will continue to occasionally spray oil on the site to prevent mosquito breeding.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, an additional sitting day, namely, Wednesday, the 23rd February, 1977, be allotted for the Debate on the Motion for an Address of Thanks to the President moved by the Member for Ulu Pandan on the 14th February. 1977." Sir, Standing Order 14 (3) provides that five days be allotted for the debate on the Presidential Address. This is the fifth day of the present debate. Backbenchers and even Parliamentary Secretaries have responded with gusto to my request that they should speak freely in this House. Sir, in order to give Ministers more time than the 90 minutes provided in Standing Order 14 (4) to reply to the suggestion and criticisms made during the last four days. I so move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, an additional sitting day, namely, Wednesday, the 23rd February, 1977, be allotted for the Debate on the Motion for an Address of Thanks to the President moved by the Member for Ulu Pandan on the 14th February, 1977. PRESIDENT'S SPEECH Debate on the Address (Fifth Day) Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [14th February. 1977]. `That the following address in reply to the Speech of the President be agreed to:- "We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session of this Parliament".'. - [Dr Chiang Hai Ding]. Question again proposed. 2.41 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I seek your consent and the general assent of hon. Members to move a motion for an additional day, namely, tomorrow the 23rd February, 1977, to be allotted for the Debate on the Motion presently before the House?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the outlet drain at Aroozoo Lane is an earth drain subject to erosion and silt. This area is heavily squattered and rubbish is thrown indiscriminately into the drain by the residents. The permanent solution to the problem is the redevelopment of the area and the construction of a concrete drain in conjunction with the Housing and Development Board industrial estate development downstream. The Drainage Department has plans to build this drain from Aroozoo Lane to Sungei Serangoon and, if the proposal is approved, work should commence in about two years' time. In the meantime, the Ministry will continue to desilt and clear the drain of rubbish whenever necessary. DEBATE ON PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS (Business Motion)”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the sewerage system completed recently in the Upper Serangoon Constituency serves the area bounded by Hillside Drive, Highland Road, Sirat Road, Yio Chu Kang Road and Upper Serangoon Road. However, due to the topography of the area, the gravity sewer could not be extended to Lange Road or Kovan Road. A separate sewer reticulation system is required for this low-lying area. The Sewerage Department is planning to provide such a system to the area. If the project is approved and funds are available -- I need not add, from the Ministry of Finance -- public sewers should be available in about two to three years' time. OUTLET DRAIN AT AROOZOO LANE (Heavy silting and erosion) 3. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether he is aware that the big outlet drain at Aroozoo Lane leading to Tampines Road is in a terrible state, cluttered up with rubbish, heavily silted and badly eroded, and what remedial measures his Ministry proposes to take.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I propose that Mr Tang See Chim, Member for Chua Chu Kang, be elected Deputy Speaker of this House.”
“I am sorry to interrupt, Sir, but the Member for Whompoa can carry on his speech next Monday at 2.30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn." - [Mr Barker] Adjourned accordingly at Six o'clock p.m. to Monday, 21st February, 1977”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That this Parliament, in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order 95, appoints the following as members of the Committee of Selection:- Ivan Baptist E. W. Barker Chua Sian Chin Lee Khoon Choy Ahmad Mattar Phua Bah Lee Sia Kah Hui. Sir, I think we should appoint this Committee early so that members of the Selection Committee can appoint members of the other Committees of this House. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order 95, appoints the following as members of the Committee of Selection:- Ivan Baptist E. W. Barker Chua Sian Chin Lee Khoon Choy Ahmad Mattar Phua Bali Lee Sia Kah Hui PRESIDENT'S SPEECH Debate on the Address (Second Day) Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question 114th February, 1977. `That the following Address in reply to the Speech of the President be agreed to:- "We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session of this Parliament"', - [Dr Chiang Hai Ding]. Question again proposed. 2.39 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to, Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed off the Town of Singapore containing the respective areas of about 234 hectares and 126 hectares as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. COMMITTEE OF SELECTION (Appointment of Members) 2.37 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (chapter 270). approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed off the Town of Singapore containing the respective areas of about 234 hectares and 126 hectares as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO 1/77" which is deposited in the Land Office. Singapore. Sir, my colleague, the Minister for National Development when announcing Government's decision to proceed with reclamation under Phase VI and VII of the East Coast Reclamation, outlined the development potential which the addition of 360 hectares to our land area will present. The proposals are a seaward extension of existing reclamation works off Tanjong Rhu and Collyer Quay and the additional area to be reclaimed is shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/77", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House. Sir, this reclamation together with the adjoining 218 hectares reclaimed under the earlier Phases will give a total area of 578 hectares or 1441 acres of unencumbered land - large enough to enable the development of a new city for the future. Careful planning and extensive studies will be made to ensure maximum utilization of what can be a valuable piece of real estate. Mr Speaker, Sir, the motion before this House seeks approval under section 4 of the Foreshores Act to carry out this reclamation work. The reclamation will be undertaken by the Housing and Development Board as agent of the Government and the fill for the reclamation will be taken from the Tampines worksite of the Housing Board.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the death of Mr N. Govindasamy is a sad start to our proceedings in this Session. The late Mr Govindasamy had not been well for more than a year and Members are aware of that fact. He could have retired last December but he chose to continue to serve his constituents, the Party and the trade unions. He was re-elected with a thumping majority last December. He was sworn in only last Monday and looked forward so much to taking part in our forthcoming debate. What a pity it is that he died this morning in the prime of his life. Mr Govindasamy was for long a staunch supporter of the workers and he was their fiery champion in this House. They will miss him and so will we. But knowing Mr Govindasamy. I think he would not want us to adjourn for his sake. The funeral will be held later this afternoon, and those Members who are not due to speak today can attend the funeral. May I place on record, Sir, the deep sympathy of Members of this House for his loss. We send our condolences to his bereaved widow and four children. 2.33 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the President will be present in this Chamber at 8.30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, 8th February, 1977, to deliver his Speech on the Opening of Parliament. May I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move a motion for the sitting tomorrow to be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1 and to commence at 8.30 p.m.?”
“It is significant that the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act. provides. inter alia, that - `There shall be freedom of speech and debate and proceedings in Parliament. and such freedom of speech and debate and proceedings shall not be liable to be impeached or questioned in any court, commission of inquiry. tribunal or any other place whatsoever out of Parliament'. No Member is liable to any civil or criminal proceedings. arrest. imprisonment or damages for what he says in this House or in Committee. This privilege is absolute, but Members should not take advantage of it by making defamatory statements about persons outside this House under the cloak of Parliamentary immunity. To say the least that would not be playing "cricket". Our Judges also should not be criticised, because the independence of the Judiciary is inviolate and has been enshrined in our Constitution. Parliament is supreme. And because all our Members come from one Party, it will be our responsibility and our duty to scrutinize, criticise, where appropriate, and debate all major pieces of legislation. Ministers would welcome questions not only during Question Time but after making statements on Government policies. All controversial Bills will, as in the past, be referred to a Select Committee where the representations of members of the public can be received and will be given due consideration. That having been said, Sir, it is my pleasure on behalf of the old Members, to extend a warm welcome to the new Members of this House. We look forward to their maiden speeches and to their continuous contributions thereafter.”