Goh Chok Tong
Singapore
“This is what your father said during the debate on the Nassim Jade episode: "The proudest thing (for your mother) are her three children − upright, well-behaved and honourable... They are brought up straight, they are likely to stay straight. It is like, as I have said, a code of honour. If you break that code, you have brought shame...”
“They are not just the headaches of the Prime Minister and his team. They are not just the headaches of the PAP. They are also the headaches of the Workers' Party and every Singaporean. On their own, the Prime Minister and his team cannot resolve them. They require us, the Members of Parliament, and the people, to work with them.”
“The national financial education programme, MoneySENSE, continues to work with partners such as the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) and the media to educate consumers on the responsible use of credit facilities and the factors consumers should consider before taking on debt. PROPERTY AGENTS' COMMISSION RATES 2.”
“Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for National Development (a) in 2008, what is the takeup rate for the interim rental housing scheme that is provided to those without homes; (b) what are the reasons given for rejections under this scheme; (c) whether the rental rates were affordable; and (d) how many applicants had rejected the rental…”
“MAS is working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to study the issue carefully, and to consider the various proposals that have been raised, including the feasibility of introducing a no-fault regime.”
“Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for National Development (a) if he will provide an update on (i) the use of sustainable alternative materials in the construction industry and (ii) the cost of construction materials in view of increasing inflation rates and rising oil prices; and (b) how will the high material and labour cost impact on…”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, several issues have been raised by Members, some of which are new and some are not so new. As the Member for Anson has been most prolific in his comments, I shall reply to his comments first. He has raised a number of issues. In fact, altogether nine questions were asked by him. I shall answer the questions in the order they were asked. First regarding CPF nominations, the answer is simple. The matter comes under the Ministry of Labour, and I would suggest that he raise the matter under the appropriate head. Regarding the congestion at the POSB counters during lunch time, I would like to thank the Member for his concern. But POSB staff must also have their lunch. If we were to have a full complement during lunch time, there will be a surplus of staff during the off-peak hours. However, I would like to assure the Member for Anson that the POSB is aware of the problem and has, in fact, taken a number of steps to improve the situation. One of the reasons for the congestion is the printing speed of the on-line computer banking terminal. In July last year, the POSB signed an agreement with a computer manufacturer for an initial supply of 98 new generation on-line banking terminals to replace the old banking terminals. The new generation terminals have a higher printing speed and would therefore enable the bank to achieve a faster turn-about at its counters. The first batch of the new generation terminals is scheduled to be installed sometime this year. On the question of introducing a cash card dispenser, I would like to inform Members that the POSB is, in fact, looking into something better than that, i.e. the installation of the more sophisticated On-line Automated Teller Machines, or ATM, at its offices to complement its human tellers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry is not at this stage thinking of such a programme. But perhaps the Member for Whampoa might like to do the programme for his own constituency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we can only look into that, but I cannot at this stage assure the Member that the supply will be forthcoming from Taiwan or other sources. But we in the Ministry will certainly look at other alternative sources of supply, Dr Augustine Tan: Mr Speaker, Sir, at one time there was a campaign to get people to eat more wheat. Is the Ministry thinking of reviving such a campaign?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, that may be so. But again, as I have said earlier on, the Ministry is negotiating with the Thai Government for the supply of glutinous rice to Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, glutinous rice, like the other Thai rice, again depends on supply conditions in Thailand. There is a shortage of glutinous rice in Thailand and the Ministry is doing its utmost to negotiate for the supply into Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the question of alternative sources of supply of rice has been looked into all the time by the Ministry. But there remains a strong preference for Thai rice by Singapore consumers. The education programme was carried out by the Ministry but the fact remains that most Singapore consumers still prefer Thai rice.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since June 1977, the export prices of Thai rice have been rising as a result of strong regional demand from Indonesia and Malaysia, a long and widespread drought which affected the rice harvest of Thailand, and measures taken by the Thai Board of Trade to control exports. As Singapore obtains more than 90% of her rice supplies from Thailand, we are directly affected by these developments. Thai 100% wholegrain (second grade) and Thai 10% broken, both Government Stockpile grades, are the common grades of rice consumed in Singapore. Their prices rose from US$280 FOB and US$238 FOB per metric ton, respectively, in June 1977 to reach US$390 and US$363 FOB per metric ton in February 1978. The sharp increases have forced us to raise the prices of Government Stockpile rice released to importers and cooperatives. For the Thai 100% second grade rice, an increase of $5 brought the price to $50 per picul (or 60.5 kg) in February 1978. For Thai 10% broken, the price was raised by $7 to $45 per picul in February 1978. With a reasonable trade mark-up, the retail price should be close to 56 cents per kati (or 605 grammes) for the Thai 100% second grade, and 51 cents per kati for the Thai 10% broken. Consumers can purchase their rice at these prices at the NTUC Welcome and other cooperative supermarkets, NTUC Welcome Fair Price Shops and consumer clubs. Like other commodities that we import for consumption, we must pay the market price for rice. The presence of a Government Rice Stockpile gives some degree of stability to price of rice in Singapore, but the price of Thai rice depends basically on production and market trends in Thailand. However, prices will be maintained at the present levels as long as possible.”
“STATUTES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL "to amend certain Statutes of the Republic of Singapore", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time: to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament; and to be printed. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [27th February, 1978]. "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1978 to 31st March, 1979.". - [Minister for Finance]. Question again proposed. 3.20 p.m.”
“Sir, when the airport is in operation, the shows will then be conducted in the theatre behind the Handicraft Centre. ASEAN DIESEL ENGINE PROJECT 20. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Finance what is the present position of the ASEAN diesel engine project for Singapore. Mr Goh Chok Tong (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, ASEAN Economic Ministers have agreed that Singapore should establish an ASEAN project to produce diesel engines of 200 horse-power and up, for non-automotive applications. Following this agreement, the Economic Development Board (EDB) has approached leading international manufacturers of diesel engines in this range and they will be submitting detailed project studies to the EDB by about the end of March. The EDB will then evaluate these proposals and put up the most suitable project to the ASEAN Committee on Industry, Minerals and Energy for its consideration. BILLS INTRODUCED BUS SERVICES LICENSING AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Bus Services Licensing Authority Act, 1971 (No. 5 of 1971)", presented by the Acting Minister for Culture and Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Estate Duty Act (Chapter 137 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.”
“Sir, the STPB will be requested to look into the possibility of arranging occasional cultural performances in parks in HDB estates, including Changi Village.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) has been working closely with tour operators and travel agents to promote Changi Village as a tourist stopover point. In April 1977, STPB inaugurated a "special interest" Changi and East Coast Tour. As an incentive, all tourists who visit Changi Village in any each coast conducted tour are given a free drink coupon by STPB. Today, eight major travel agents in Singapore conduct regular east coast tours to Changi Village and other places of interest like Selarang Barracks, East Coast Lagoon, Changi Murals and Changi Prison. The number of tours per month to Changi Village has increased from 96 in April 1977 to 104 in February this year. The STPB will continue to work closely with tour operators to increase the number of tourists visiting Changi Village. Besides existing activities, the Board will also be helping to finance part of a project to beautify Changi Village. At present, the most popular cultural performance for tourists is the Instant Asia Cultural Show. The STPB is building a cultural theatre behind Handicraft Centre in the vicinity of Orchard Road to promote more cultural programmes in Singapore. When the building is completed, it is planned to stage the Instant Asia Cultural Show there, as it is the most convenient location for tourists and easily accessible to locals. While most of the future cultural performances promoted by STPB will be centred in the new cultural theatre or in hotels and convention centres for special conventions, the STPB will be requested to look into the possibility of arranging occasional cultural performances in parks near Housing and Development Board estates for tourists and locals as part of its cultural development programme.”
“Even in the two statutory boards which have retained their own superannuation schemes, the employer's contribution to the superannuation fund is now not less than under the CPF scheme. Finally, the continued payment of the Allowance will place these statutory board employees in a privileged position in that they will be compensated for a rate of CPF contributions which now applies to all Government and statutory board employees on CPF. The cessation of the Allowance is really a separate matter from the salary consolidation. The timing of the cessation of the Allowance has, unfortunately, given rise to the erroneous impression that it is as a result of the salary consolidation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to assure the hon. Member for Paya Lebar that no officer in the Civil Service or the statutory boards loses out in terms of gross salary as a result of the consolidation of the 1973-77 National Wages Council allowances into salary scales. The new consolidated scales and conversion tables were so formulated that, generally, an officer would not convert to a consolidated salary point which is less than the sum of his basic salary and 1973-77 NWC allowances. In the few exceptional cases where the consolidated salary is lower than the sum of the basic salary and allowances of the officer concerned, he is allowed to retain the difference as an allowance personal to himself. I believe that, in referring to the statutory board employees, the hon. Member has in mind the cessation of the Temporary Adjustment Allowance. This Allowance was introduced in April 1972 for employees of certain statutory boards when Government decided to increase the CPF superannuation benefits of pensionable civil servants by a 2% contribution to the CPF. Non-pensionable civil servants had their rate of contribution increased from 10% to 12%. The Allowance of 2% was given to employees of these statutory boards because the rate of superannuation contributions of these employees was already 15% of their basic salaries. Under the CPF Scheme, the superannuation contributions are computed on gross salaries. Because the statutory boards concerned have now switched over to CPF and the superannuation benefits of their employees are at 15 1/2% of gross salaries, as is the case for other Government and statutory board employees on CPF, the justification for paying the Allowance no longer exists.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of taxpayers who enjoyed the maximum relief of $4,000 a year in respect of CPF contributions and life assurance premiums were 5,700 for 1975, 9,689 for 1976 and 12,665 for 1 977. They represent 2.6%, 4.0% and 4.5% of the total number of taxpayers for the three years respectively. The ceiling of $4,000, as I have indicated in my earlier reply, is already generous. Moreover, the CPF member does not suffer income tax on his employer's contributions to CPF on his behalf whatever the amount. I would also draw attention to the income tax reductions in this year's Budget Statement which, in absolute terms, benefit most those taxpayers paying more than $4,000 into the CPF. In view of this, we do not intend to grant further relief to these taxpayers as suggested by the Member for Punggol. CONSOLIDATION OF NWC ALLOWANCES INTO SALARY SCALES (Effects of) 18. Mr Tan Cheng San asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the monthly take-home pay of some employees of statutory boards has been affected as a result of the consolidation of the 1973-77 National Wages Council allowances into salary scales and if he will consider taking steps to ensure that the take-home pay of those employees is not so affected.”
“Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Finance (a) how many taxpayers in the years 1975 to 1977 did not receive reliefs from income tax for sums in excess of $4,000 paid by them in respect of Central Provident Fund contributions and life assurance premiums; and (b) if the CPF contributions of a taxpayer exceed $4,000, will the Minister consider allowing income tax relief for the full amount contributed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, contributions to the Central Provident Fund of a deceased person are liable to duty under the Estate Duty Act. For purposes of calculating the duty payable, the contributions are aggregated with the deceased's estate. Estate duty is payable on the value of the estate in excess of $100,000 whether or not the estate comprises wholly of CPF contributions. There is no compelling reason to accord special treatment to CPF contributions from the other assets of a person who dies before the age of 55. Moreover, the provisions of the Estate Duty Act do not discriminate on grounds of age of a deceased person. Besides, other forms of provisions for old age and dependants, such as insurance policies, family homes and superannuation or retirement benefits also do not enjoy special consideration for estate duty purposes. Contributions to the Central Provident Fund are exempt from income tax up to a limit of $4,000 a year, which is generous enough. Contributions by employers are tax deductible, and at the same time do not incur income tax for the beneficiaries. It is difficult therefore to justify additional tax concessions for CPF contributions under the Estate Duty Act. That Act does not provide either for special concessions for those who die before their 55th year, and I see no reason to make an exception for CPF contributions. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND CONTRIBUTIONS (Income tax relief) 17.”
“Tests of this sound level confirmed that the Azan can be heard clearly from a distance of 100 metres (or approximately 110 yards) from the mosque. MUIS officials are visiting mosques to explain to Mosque Management Committees the reasons for fixing sound attenuators to control the decibel levels of external loudspeakers of mosques. Almost all mosques have accepted the reasons and have been cooperative. To-date, 61 sound attenuators have been fixed. Sound attenuators are not required for 21 mosques which do not have loudspeakers mounted externally. The exercise has been completed. I wish to reiterate that the fixing of sound attenuators is merely to fix the volume of sound amplification of external loudspeakers of mosques to 60 dB measured from a distance of 10 metres. Since 15th August 1977, my Ministry has arranged for the Azan to be broadcast by Radio Singapore five times a day. This has meant re-starting up the station about an hour earlier than its normal broadcasting time in order, to be on the air before the first Azan. COMPLAINTS AGAINST CIVIL SERVANTS (Particulars) 16. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) how many written complaints of discourtesy and unhelpfulness against civil servants were received by the Central Complaints Bureau from the general public in 1975, 1976 and 1977; (b) whether the complaints have been thoroughly investigated and what disciplinary action has been taken against the guilty ones; (c) what measures have been taken to improve the situation; and (d) how many letters complimenting civil servants were received from the public in those three years.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is in fact about time and we are looking into the matter. MOSQUES (Fixing of sound attenuators to amplifiers) 15. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for Social Affairs to explain the recent action taken by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura in fixing sound attenuators to amplifiers used in mosques. The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, the fixing of sound attenuators to reduce the loudness of amplification of the call to prayers or Azan from mosques is part of Government's Community Noise Abatement programme aimed at controlling community noise. Sound levels in modern living - from a large variety of sources - are increasing. In combination or individually loud sounds are disturbing and even harmful. Researches have shown that there is a direct relationship between growing tension and noise levels of urban living. It is, therefore, necessary for the Government to control the volume of sound amplification systems in public places. Government's policy on sound amplification affects not only mosques, but also Chinese wayangs, Chinese temples, Hindu temples, churches and all public gatherings where sound amplification systems are used. Amplifiers used at such places or on such occasions are to be fitted with sound attenuators by SISIR. Officials from the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) and my Ministry have been testing different levels of sound amplification for the Azan and decided that an acceptable sound level for the broadcasting of the Azan from mosque external loudspeakers is 60 dB measured from a distance of 10 metres from the sound sources. This sound level is neither too soft nor too loud.”
“In the final analysis, it is the tenacious manufacturer, with competitively priced high quality products, who will penetrate and hold new markets.”
“In answer to part (b), this year, more trade missions will be sent to the major existing markets in the USA, the European Economic Community (EEC), Japan and West Asia, where demand exists for high quality products. Teams will also be sent to investigate market potential in Africa, the Pacific Islands and Latin America. The establishment of overseas trade offices is only one of several instruments used in promoting our exports in existing and new markets. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) offers export financing at attractive rates under the MAS Export Re-discounting Scheme, while the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of Singapore provides insurance against political and commercial risks. As indicated in my reply earlier to a Question from the Member for Jalan Kayu, discussions are now currently taking place between the Government and the Joint Standing Committee of the Chambers of Commerce and the Singapore Manufacturers' Association on the establishment of a Trade Development Council. A properly organised and operated Trade Development Council, with close involvement by the private sector, will greatly help in promoting exports. While the Government will continue to do its best to encourage trade expansion through exports, our efforts must be matched by the active participation of manufacturers and exporters. If the direct marketing effort is lacking, no amount of Government support can make up for it. Some of ,our local manufacturing companies, admittedly too few, have been able to increase their exports to West Asia many fold through selling missions and sheer perseverance. Successful marketing requires an intimate knowledge of the market, which can only be acquired through direct selling by the manufacturer or exporter himself.”
“Sir, the Department of Trade has so far established only three overseas trade offices. These are in New York, Bonn and Tokyo, to help Singapore manufacturers gain larger shares of the American, German and Japanese markets. As they have been set up only since 1975. it is too early to assess their precise cost-effectiveness. However, since 1976, our Commercial Secretaries at home and abroad have helped our manufacturers participate in 14 international trade fairs and 11 trade missions abroad. Initial orders received through contacts made at these fairs and during the trade missions amounted to $116 million. Encouraged by these initial successes, more and more of our manufacturers and exporters are making use of the services of our Commercial Secretaries, which can be regarded as an indication of their growing effectiveness. Singapore is becoming increasingly known as an additional and, in some cases, an alternative source of supply in the Far East for manufactured products. The main limiting factor in increasing or upgrading overseas trade offices is the shortage of well qualified and experienced staff. Newly recruited Commercial Secretaries have to undergo a two-year intensive on-the-job training in the Department of Trade to enable them to understand and appreciate the strength, as well as the weakness, of the products of Singapore industries. Only such knowledge would enable them to effectively serve our manufacturers in finding new markets when they are posted overseas. The Department of Trade will, however, continue to send small recce missions abroad to investigate the potential of new markets, and only when such potential has been clearly identified, will more new trade offices be established overseas. Such trade offices cost about $150,000 each a year to run.”
“Sir, according to the Jurong Town Corporation, resettlement of Tuas Village began in 1973 and to-date 314 families living on 40 acres of state land have been resettled. Fifty-three cases have been classified as bona fide farmers and of these 42 have opted for free JTC flats. The remaining cases opted for land, and 8.279 acres of land in Lim Chu Kang have been allocated to them. TRADE/COMMERCIAL OFFICES OVERSEAS (Effectiveness of) 14. Mr Lim Chee Onn asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether his Ministry has examined the cost-effectiveness of increasing the number of trade or commercial offices located overseas and/or upgrading those already in existence, in order to promote our exports; and (b) what other plans his Ministry has to assist our manufacturers in further diversifying their exports to new markets and in responding quickly to overseas demand for new products.”
“Sir, the supply of industrial water for toilet flushing began as a pilot scheme in 1971 for six blocks of flats at Yuan Ching Road. The supply has been regular and the water is disinfected by chlorination. With the success of the initial scheme, the system was then extended to eight blocks in Teban Garden. It is true that there were some isolated interruptions to the supply during the initial teething period of commissioning of the pumping equipment at the flats, but the Jurong Town Corporation has since rectified the problem. There is no major odour problem in the use of industrial water produced by the Ministry of the Environment. The JTC flushes and washes the effluent water tanks regularly. However, it is important that residents should also ensure that the water is not left stagnant in their toilets over prolonged periods as it could develop some odour. TUAS VILLAGE (Resettlement) 13. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Corporation, in the past five years, (a) how many families in Tuas Village were resettled and how many acres of land were acquired from them; (b) how many of them were classified as bona fide farmers and how many of those farmers opted for bee JTC flats; and (c) how many acres of land in Lim Chu Kang were allocated to those affected farming families.”
“Sir, the Jurong Town Corporation has informed me that when the discolouration of water was first detected, extensive tests and investigations were conducted immediately to ascertain the causes of the discolouration. It was found that discolouration was due to the high saline content of water from the Kranji-Pandan reservoirs which causes rapid erosion and deterioration of the cast-iron pipes and the water tanks. It was decided to replace the cast-iron pipes with cement-lined pipes for about 118 apartment blocks affected by the discolouration. At the same time, it was decided to repaint about 330 water tanks with anti-corrosive paint. Replacement and repainting work began in October 1977 and will be completed by September 1978. It will cost altogether $1.4 million. The replacement of cast-iron pipes has already been completed in 47 apartment blocks with replacement works in another 16 blocks nearing completion. The remaining apartment blocks will be completed by June 1978. When these remedial measures are completed, discolouration of potable water supplied to Jurong residents should be eliminated. EFFLUENT WATER SUPPLY IN JURONG (Smell nuisance) 12. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Jurong Town Corporation to ensure that the supply of effluent water to Jurong residents for flushing purposes is regular and free from stink.”
“Sir, that was never implied. What I have said was that commercial information is a matter of confidentiality for commercial companies and that I hope the Member for Alexandra would appreciate the need for such confidentiality of companies' financial data, even if they are Government-owned. POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IN JURONG (Discolouration) 11. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Town Corporation what measures are being taken to minimise the discolouration of potable water supplied to Jurong residents and when those measures will be effected.”
“Sir, the answer has been very explicit. That Concorde overflight is a matter for the British and Malaysian authorities.”
“Sir, the question was whether SIA suffered any embarrassment. I have given my reply that SIA does not believe that it has suffered any embarrassment or loss of prestige. I think that should be good enough.”
“Sir, it is premature to refer to SIA's Concorde service as "short-lived" or "cancelled". The issue of traffic rights falls outside the province of my Ministry. Concorde overflight is a matter for the British and Malaysian authorities. Singapore Airlines does not believe it has suffered any "embarrassment" or "loss of prestige" from the suspension of Concorde services. It is a victim of circumstances. It will continue to improve air services into and out of Singapore for Singaporeans and other residents of the Asia-Pacific region. I am not prepared to answer the question on the amount of money spent by SIA on publicising its Concorde service. I hope that the hon. Member for Alexandra will understand the need for and respect the confidentiality of sensitive commercial and financial information of companies in Singapore, even if they are Government-owned. Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra): Sir, to announce with triumph, grandeur and lots of fanfare, the arrival of the supersonic service that would, in the Senior Minister of State's own words (Hansard, 9.11.97, col. 154), "position SIA firmly in the forefront of the airlines of the world", only to find out a short while later that all is not what was made out to be - if this has not been embarrassing enough to SIA, is it not a case of pulling wool over one's own eyes?”
“Sir, I was merely replying to a question of the EAC's activity. Dr Augustine Tan: Sir, does the Senior Minister of State think that by that he has absolved himself from responsibility?”
“Furthermore, foreigners of economic benefit to Singapore are being liberally permitted to buy houses occupying up to 15,000 square feet of land for their own occupation in Singapore. To intensify Singapore's export promotion efforts, the EAC encouraged the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to open a special rediscount window for export bills. This came into operation on 1st May 1975 to provide cheaper financing for manufacturers and traders. $200 million was provided by the MAS to be rolled over every three months (or $800 million a year) at a preferential rate fixed at 7% in May 1975 and subsequently reduced in line with the falling interest rates to the present level of 3 1/2% The monthly average transactions for the last six months of 1977 was $108 million as compared to a total of $50 million in the first six months of the scheme. A further stimulus to export promotion was given with the incorporation of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation which commenced operation in August 1976 to protect Singapore exporters against a range of commercial and political risks. By December 1977, 127 policies with a total face value of $375 million had been issued. All in all, the EAC has been active.”
“Sir, the Economic Activation Committee (EAC) was formed in November 1974. In the industrial sector, the EAC improved inter-Ministry coordination in matters such as planning approval, compliance with fire safety, environmental, anti-pollution and other requirements to facilitate speedy implementation of industrial investment projects in the Economic Development Board (EDB) pipeline. The EAC has also assisted industries by obtaining temporary exemption from the 10% tax on Public Utilities Board (PUB) bills for firms consuming between 100,000 to 400,000 megawatts of electricity monthly. This concession which is normally available to industries consuming more than 400,000 megawatts per month has been in effect since 1st April 1975. As at September 1977, 72 companies were enjoying this concession. In addition, more than 20 export oriented companies were granted waiver of the declared demand charge by the PUB between March 1975 to December 1976. The PUB has also adopted a scheme to spread out the payments for the maximum demand charge incurred during the first six months of operation of certain specialised energy-intensive industries such as foundries, electroplating and heat treatment plants. To stimulate the construction sector, the EAC has drawn up priority lists of public sector projects for resettlement action in order that these projects could be speedily carried out. This has helped to maintain the momentum of public sector construction activity. To assist the private residential property sector, the Committee was instrumental in obtaining exemption from the Residential Property Act for foreigners purchasing apartments in blocks of flats of at least six storeys. This concession has also been extended to units in approved condominium developments.”
“Sir, for resident pensioners, some measure of relief is already provided since half of the pension is tax exempt. However, a non-working retired person may also derive substantial investment income in the form of dividends, interest, rents and so on. If such a person were exempted from paying income tax, he would be better off than another person who has to continue working after reaching normal retirement age because of financial needs. To encourage pensioners to continue working, our tax laws provide enhanced relief for them. Thus an individual who is above 55 but below 60 years of age is entitled to an earned income relief of $2,000, while an individual who has attained the age of 60 will get a relief of $3,000 instead of the usual relief of $1,000. This has the effect of encouraging persons who attain normal retirement age to continue to be gainfully employed. The exemption of non-working retired persons would be contrary to the rationale behind the granting of enhanced earned income relief. ECONOMIC ACTIVATION COMMITTEE (Contribution towards economy) 9. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Finance what the Economic Activation Committee has contributed towards the economy of the Republic since the formation of the Committee and to what extent it has assisted industries.”
“Sir, as I said, I am not aware that there is an anomaly. But nevertheless to satisfy the Member for Anson, I will look into the matter and see whether there is such an anomaly. TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (Formation) 7. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Finance whether a decision has now been taken on the formation of the proposed Trade Development Council and, if not, why not. Mr Goh Chok Tong (for the Minister for Finance): Sir, the Government is currently holding discussions with representatives of the various Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Singapore Manufacturers' Association on the setting up of the Trade Development Council. These discussions will include the form that the Trade Development Council should take and the financial and operational aspects of the Council. These have to be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that the Council, when formed, will begin on a proper and effective footing. A properly organised and operated Trade Development Council should be of great help in promoting exports from Singapore. In this connection, the Government believes that to ensure the success of the Council, the private sector must be closely involved both in funding as well as in the running of the Council. Indeed, one of the main reasons for setting up the Trade Development Council must be that it will receive the benefit of private enterprise and initiative. NON-WORKING RETIRED PERSONS (Exemption from income tax) 8. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing amending legislation to exempt non-working retired persons from income tax as this will enable the Government indirectly to look after their welfare during retirement.”
“Sir, I am not aware that newly recruited clerks are given $30 leave allowance while old ones are given $20 leave allowance. I thought that the quantum of compensation was fixed in 1973 and new recruits are given the option to either opt for the old scheme including the leave eligibility applicable under the old scheme or the new scheme with the leave allowances fixed in 1973.”
“Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Labour (a) the number of registered factories, by industry, for every month in 1977 and January 1978: (b) the number of accidents, permanent disabilities and fatalities reported under the Factories Act every month in 1977 and January 1978; (c) the separate monthly breakdown figures in 1977 and January 1978 of accidents, permanent disabilities and fatalities in the shipbuilding and repairing, and construction industries; (d) the number of inspections made on factories monthly in 1977 and in January 1978; (e) the number of contraventions, monthly in 1977 and in January 1978, of the Factories Act and related regulations discovered in the course of inspections on factories; and (f) the separate monthly breakdown figures in 1977 and January 1978 of inspections and contraventions in the shipbuilding and repairing, and construction industries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, some directors may not necessarily be in Singapore at the relevant time. One of the provisions in the Act stipulates that there must be a meeting every month. That is a statutory requirement. To ensure that that particular provision is followed, it is necessary to reduce the quorum for a meeting of the Corporation from five to four. This is to ensure that meetings can be held monthly. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Goh Chok Tong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT Resolved; "That Parliament do now adjourn to Monday, 27th February, 1978." - [Mr E.W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Eighteen minutes past Four o'clock p.m. to Monday, 27th February, 1978. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FACTORIES AND SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING, AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES (Registrations, accidents, inspections and contraventions, 1977 and January 1978) 1.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not necessarily so.”
“Sir, again this is a question of opinion. There could be a danger in over-centralising too many rules in one particular body. The purpose of this Bill is to make sure that there is consistency in administration between JTC and HDB. But if time proves that the suggestion of the Member for Jalan Kayu is correct, that could be the time for us to review the situation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the first point regarding consistency with the Port of Singapore Authority, my understanding is that the amendments in the Bill are consistent with the relevant PSA legislation. On the second point, I think it is a question of opinion. The land in Jurong Town belongs to JTC and the purpose of the Bill is to ensure that there is consistency in administration even though there are two administrative units.”
“The Corporation's liability for goods which have been duly acknowledged to be in its custody will be limited to $2,000 per package unless prior declaration is made as to its nature and value. No liability will attach in the case of goods not acknowledged by the Corporation to be in its custody. The Corporation will also be exempted from liability for loss of or damage to goods arising from force majeure, wars, riots and acts of God. The other miscellaneous amendments to the Act are for the following purposes:- (a) to remove the existing restriction on the Corporation to delegate to its employees the power to grant loans; such an amendment is necessary in view of the growing number of loans given by the Corporation to members of the public for the purchase of flats under the Home Ownership Scheme and to employees for the purchase of houses and vehicles; (b) to empower the Minister to appoint any person, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, as the Chairman of the Corporation and to enable any member of the Corporation to be appointed as acting Chairman in the absence of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman; and (c) to reduce the quorum for meetings of the Corporation from five to four. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to amend the Jurong Town Corporation Act for the following purposes:- 1. To change the Corporation's financial year to bring it in line with the Government's financial year. 2. To introduce new restrictions on the purchase of JTC flats similar to those which were imposed in 1975 by the Housing and Development (Amendment) Act, 1975, on the purchase of HDB flats. 3. To exempt the Corporation from any liability for loss of, and to limit the Corporation's liability for damage to, cargo handled at the Corporation's wharves and godowns at Jurong Port. 4. To make other miscellaneous amendments to the Act. Amendments were made to the Housing and Development Act in 1975 to impose further restrictions on the purchase of HDB flats and to confer upon the Housing and Development Board the power to compulsorily acquire flats from purchasers who have contravened the conditions of sale. The Bill seeks to confer similar powers upon the Jurong Town Corporation and to apply similar restrictions in respect of the flats sold under the Corporation's public housing scheme. The volume of cargo handled at Jurong Port is expected to increase following the recent addition of 865 metres of deep water berths. Though the Jurong Port is managed by the Port of Singapore Authority, the port is owned by the Corporation and there is a possibility that claims may be made against the Corporation for loss of or damage to cargo handled at Jurong Port. Therefore, the Bill seeks to amend the Act to exempt the Corporation from any liability for loss of, and to limit its liability for damage to, cargo handled at the Corporation's wharves and godowns at Jurong Port.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at present, some statistics are already compiled on a constituency basis, such as the annual statistics on births and deaths and the Census of Population which provides information on age, sex structure and socio-economic characteristics of the population. Apart from crime statistics compiled by the Police Department, there may be few other departmental statistics which, if compiled according to constituency boundaries, would reflect the problems prevailing in each constituency. It would not be feasible to compile all statistics according to constituency boundaries either for statistical reasons or for the benefits that may be derived because they may not be commensurate with the additional costs involved. However, I shall ask the National Statistical Commission to look into the feasibility of compiling selected useful statistics on a constituency basis. MARRIAGES OF MUSLIMS AT REGISTRY OF MARRIAGES 24. Haji Rahmat bin Kenap asked the Minister for Social Affairs how many Muslims have contracted marriage at the Registry of Marriages instead of the Shariah Court; and if his Ministry will request the Registrar of Marriages to check that Muslims first declare themselves 'Non-Muslim', to bring such cases to the attention of the Shariah Court and not to solemnize the marriage of such persons until the Shariah Court is satisfied that they are really not 'Muslim' anymore.”
“Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider requesting Government departments and agencies to look into the feasibility of compiling departmental statistics on the basis of constituency boundaries so that such statistics could reflect the problems prevailing in each constituency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand that the reasons for Singapore Airlines signing an agreement with British Airways to operate the Concorde between Singapore and London are financial, commercial and technical. While SIA does not expect the service to be a great money-spinner in its own right, it is satisfied that the Concorde will at least break even. Commercially, the service will position SIA firmly in the forefront of the airlines of the world. The agreement with British Airways underscores the esteem of travellers for SIA from 13th place in 1970 to first place in triennial surveys in 1973 and 1976. SIA's partnership in a supersonic service will increase its aviation competence and business potential. SIA will have the opportunity to acquire experience, over a period of time, of a now and advanced technology. The entry of the Concorde into Singapore will consolidate Singapore's position as the communications crossroads of the Asia/Pacific region. If by "controversies" the Member is referring to the long and eventually unsuccessful struggle by the Port of New York Authority to keep the Concorde out of Kennedy International Airport, the answer is, yes. Singapore has to examine the impact of Concorde on the environment in the light of its own circumstances. The Department of Civil Aviation is satisfied that a thrice-weekly service by the Concorde will not damage the environment, certainly no more than it does in London or Paris, Washington or New York. DEPARTMENTAL STATISTICS BASED ON CONSTITUENCIES (Compilation) 23.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if the problem is finding jobs for graduates with higher qualifications, then obviously we have to look for jobs that would be suitable for people with the right level of education. It may not be necessary for us to raise qualifications in order to solve the problem. CONCORDE SERVICE BETWEEN LONDON AND SINGAPORE (Advantages) 22. Dr Ong Leong Boon asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from Singapore Airlines (a) the rationale of Singapore Airlines entering into agreement with British Airways to operate the Concorde service between London and Singapore; (b) how this agreement will benefit Singapore Airlines; (c) if it will enhance the prestige, competitiveness and profitability of Singapore Airlines in international civil aviation; and (d) whether Singapore Airlines have fully studied and realised the controversies concerning the Concorde supersonic aircraft.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, that is one of the problems to be faced by our economy. We would have to identify industries with higher technological content. We would have to promote such industries to come into Singapore.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head O be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 4002.* (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao.) Sir, at this late hour I shall ask only one simple question. What is the National Economic Service Training Scheme about, for which a sum of $300,000 has been provided?”
“Sir, I am satisfied with the reply of the Minister and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, the shipping company which I work for has built ships locally. We have also borrowed money from the DBS, and I am happy to confirm that I have not been asked any impertinent questions. Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”