Ho Cheng Choon
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the portion of Balestier Road from Serangoon Road junction to Moulmein Road junction is well planted with trees and is quite shady and green. The portion from Moulmein Road junction to Thomson Road junction has no trees because no planting can be done on the road divider which is only about 0.4 metres wide.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as soon as the Ministry of Finance approves the project, work on the Sembawang Park will commence and development is expected to take two years. The Member also asked what kind of facilities will be provided.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Punggol has suggested that the authority concerned should undertake park development and ensure a speedier completion of the projects.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposed site for the Centralised Motor Repair Workshop is at 19.3 km Woodlands Road. Plans and cost estimates for the project have been completed. The Ministry will proceed with the implementation of the project as soon as funds are available.”
“We will give every encouragement and assistance if the private sector is prepared to go into deep-sea fishing. Sir, the Member for Punggol asked whether it is possible to have a joint venture on deep-sea fishing between the ASEAN countries.”
“Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore at Labrador/Tanjong Berlayer containing an area of approximately 11.80 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO.”
The complete record
Every one of 228 lines we hold for Ho Cheng Choon, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 5.
“Sir, the Housing and Development Board has no immediate plans to sell the flats in Temple Estate. But the Board will be willing to sell them if the majority of the tenants desire to buy them. TOA PAYOH ESTATE (Building of more hawkers' centres) 14. Mr Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Housing and Development Board has any plans to build more hawkers' centres in Toa Payoh Estate to accommodate the large number of unauthorised hawkers plying in the Estate.”
“Sir, toilet facilities to cater for passengers using the bus terminus at the Toa Payoh Town centre will be provided in the hawkers' centre adjacent to the bus terminus as well as at the entrance to the bus terminus at Lorong 2, Toa Payoh. Construction of the toilet facilities is in progress and is expected to be completed by February next year. With regard to the bus shelters, quotations are being called for the construction of four large circular-shaped fibreglass shelters at the terminus. These bus shelters are expected to be built by the middle of next year. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Sale of flats in Temple Estate) 13. Mr Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Housing and Development Board plans to sell the flats at Temple Estate, Kim Keat Avenue, to the present tenants.”
“Sir, a programme has been drawn up for the installation of yellow street lighting to replace the old one along arterial roads and highways. As considerable funds are needed, the programme has to be carried out in stages. Some heavy traffic intersections, arterial roads and highways already have yellow street lighting. TOA PAYOH CENTRAL TERMINUS (Provision of toilet facilities and bus shelters) 12. Mr Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development if there are any plans to provide toilet facilities and bus shelters for commuters and bus workers at the Toa Payoh Central terminus.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, tenders have been invited for the installation of traffic control lights at the junction of Jurong Road and Jalan Boon Lay. It is expected that their construction will be completed by the end of this year. REFORMATIVE MEASURES FOR GANJA AND MX PILL USERS 15. Inche Rahmat Bin Kenap Al-Haj asked the Minister for Health what reformative measures are being taken in respect of ganja and MX pill users.”
“We will be calling for tenders very soon for the installation of the traffic lighting system. TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHTS AT JURONG ROAD/JALAN BOON LAY (Installation) 14. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether traffic control lights will be installed at the junction of Jurong Road and Jalan Boon Lay, and, when.”
“Sir, there is a revote of $382,900 as some water supply projects which were approved during the current financial year have not yet been completed, and bills have not yet been presented for payment. It is expected that these bills will be received and paid in the coming financial year. Priority will be given to water supply projects which cost less but benefit more people. Projects which cost $50,000 or $60,000, which means they are big projects, and which will benefit comparatively less people will be given low priority. Mr Speaker, Sir, we have two types of water supply projects. One is to lay water sub-mains in areas now served by public stand-pipes, so that the residents can make individual water connections into their houses and later, when water supply is available in the houses, to remove the public stand-pipes. The other type is to lay water mains in areas not served now with pipe-water. The first type of project is usually given priority over the second type as it is the policy to remove all public standpipes and prevent wastage of water. 6.15 p.m.”
“Yes, we can meet all the outstanding requests.”
“There are about 106 outstanding requests amounting to $1.75 million. So, according to the 1971-72 provision, the urban and rural services come to about $2.7 million. I think that adequately provides for all the projects.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I quite agree that we have to provide more money for the repair of roads or other services in the rural areas. Sir, I have a brief here regarding the outstanding requests submitted through all the constituencies which were deferred from last year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the sum of $450,000 is allocated under this Head for the construction and repair of agricultural and kampong roads. If this sum is found inadequate, more money can be transferred from the other items under the same subhead. There is no need, therefore, to divert funds allocated for the beautifying of Singapore, which is equally important, as our hitherto fruitful efforts to make Singapore a garden city should be sustained and intensified further. Sir, I can assure the House that, despite a certain sum of money set aside to beautify our city, the Government's efforts to help the kampong people will continue.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, plans for the widening of Sembawang Road from Mandai Road junction, 9½ m.s., to Canberra Gate, 13 m.s., are being finalised. Work is expected to commence next year as soon as buildings and structures affected by the road widening can be cleared and resettled. Clearance action is being taken by the Resettlement Department of the Housing and Development Board. The usual resettlement assistance and terms will be offered to affected residents and shopkeepers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since I have very little time in which to reply, I will be brief. There is nothing new in what the Member for Sembawang has said. For instance, we have debated on deep-sea fishing before. However, perhaps he was not here when this question was raised. He has also said that the Primary Production Department is not efficient in its work. I would like him to consider this point. Our farmers are earning an income of $100 million per year. If the department has not been efficient, how is it possible for the farmers to earn so high an income as $100 million per year? I think the Member for Sembawang should know this fact very well. His other question is whether the department can provide the farmers with cheap fertilisers to help them in their horticultural production. The Primary Production Department can recommend certain types of fertilisers to the farmers to use. But it cannot sell such fertilisers to them. It is not a profit-making department. The Member's next question is about certain farmers changing their means of livelihood. As far as I know, there are still many farms in Singapore which need farmers. In fact, there are some large farms which are short of staff. I think that the change of livelihood by some farmers in the rural areas is not a serious question. As regards the allocation of land to farmers, our land area is limited. Normally we allot to the farmers affected half an acre to one acre of land. If the Member for Jurong has any better method to get large areas of land, we can then allot more land to our farmers.”
“Sir, I can give the Member for Jurong that assurance. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr Ho Kah Leong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 73 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 301. In this House a few days ago, we were talking about matters relating to deep-sea fishing. We know that there is a certain dislocation among Government departments. For instance, the Ministry of Finance has divested the deep-sea fishing industry of its pioneer status. Even the Minister for Law and National Development does not know why! If deep-sea fishing does not get the full support of the Government, and if it does not have any major capital investment, for example, fishing boats and other facilities, can the graduates of the Fishing Training Centre have any career outlet'? If they cannot get jobs, I believe no youths will be interested in joining the Fishing Training Centre. I would like to know if the facilities for the Training Centre are wasted. Since the setting up of the Training Centre, how many graduates have been employed? Are the jobs related to the course in which they have been trained?”
“Sir, on the question of the agricultural survey, we will raise the matter again with the Ministry of Finance. If the Member for Jurong will support us, we will be very happy.”
“Sir, on the question of the agricultural survey, in our estimates for 1970-71 we certainly had a vote on this item. I do not know why the Ministry of Finance has not allotted another sum for the coming financial year. Therefore, the Member should ask the Minister for Finance about this. The agricultural survey was conducted for the purpose of providing us with more data to enable us to render better services and facilities for our farmers. If the Member for Jurong wants more details and the exact number of farms registered, etc., I can ask the Primary Production Department to send him a report. I can also let the other Members from the rural areas have a similar report. 4.15 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, farm licensing is at present conducted by the Agricultural Statistics Unit and that is the reason why there is no vote for farm licensing in 1971-72. Up to date, the number of farmers licensed is about 26,000. The Member for Jurong also wants to know whether licensed farmers will be allotted land if they are evicted from their farms. This will depend on whether the farmer concerned is a full-time or a part-time farmer. In other words, it depends on whether all the members of the household depend on farming for their livelihood. If some of the members of the household work as taxi drivers or in the factories. I believe the Government will not allot land to them. On the Members' third question whether Government has any plans for agricultural development, I can tell the House that at the moment the planning section of the Ministry of National Development is studying this question and is trying to delineate certain areas for agricultural development. So the whole scheme is now under consideration. The Member also wants to know whether the Primary Production Department has any plans to provide farmers with market research services. We have already carried out farm registration work and we have sufficient data to know the quantity of our agricultural produce and their varieties. On the question of marketing this agricultural produce, we maintain close liaison with the Ministry of Finance in order to ensure that this agricultural produce can be exported abroad.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in regard to the Central Abattoir, I have mentioned that it is under the control of a private company. Needless to say, the Central Abattoir is a private limited company. But in respect of quality control, that function still rests with the Primary Production Department. As regards the slaughtering of pigs in the day-time, the main reason for this is to reduce the expenditure of the Central Abattoir and to economise.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Jurong Abattoir Co. (Private) Ltd, was officially incorporated on 11th January, 1971, with an authorised capital of $5 million. A manager was appointed to take over control of the Jurong Abattoir from 8th February this year. The existing staff have either been offered company terms or secondment terms. The staff dealing with quality control have, however, been retained in the Primary Production Department, as quality control functions are best retained by Government. As regards the establishment of rural abattoirs, their economic and other aspects, including suitable alternative schemes, are presently under active consideration by the management of the company. A decision on this matter will be taken after the feasibility study is completed. Sir, to ensure that quality and hygiene are maintained at internationally accepted standards, inspection of the animals slaughtered continues to be carried out by qualified veterinarians and specially trained animal health inspectors of the Primary Production Department. That is why the vote under this subhead is still retained.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we do not restrict the amount of capital. We will help them according to their capability.”
“Sir, if the Member for Thomson has already submitted his proposals to the U.R.S.C., we will bring them up for discussion at the next meeting. ST. MICHAEL'S MARKET (Accommodation for unlicensed hawkers and staircase to upper storey) 7. Dr Augustine H. H. Tan asked the Minister for Health (a) if he has plans to enlarge St. Michael's Market to accommodate the unlicensed hawkers who are presently hawking in the concourse outside the Market; and (b) if it is proposed to provide a staircase leading directly from the concourse to the upper storey of that Market, so as to bring better business to the stall-holders upstairs.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposal for metalling of Lorong Zaitun is with the Urban and Rural Services Committee for consideration. It is suggested that the other two proposals be likewise referred to the U.R.S.C. which will no doubt give them due consideration.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when the estate is redeveloped, I think the problem of cutting down those trees will then be solved. VAUGHAN ROAD, LORONG PATONG AND LORONG ZAITUN (Metalling) 6. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider metalling the inner portion of Vaughan Road, Lorong Patong and Lorong Zaitun and, if so, when the work will commence.”
“Sir, there are 99 such trees and only 12 are infested with caterpillars.”
“Sir, action has already been initiated by the Public Works Department to repair the badly damaged pedestrian pavement in the Old Kallang Airport Estate, and work is in progress. The Public Works Department also has plans this year to reconstruct the footpaths along the whole stretch of Dakota Crescent. Similar work for the remaining roads in this estate will be carried out in stages, depending on the availability of funds. UPPER SERANGOON ROAD (Widening) 4. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and National Development why that portion of Upper Serangoon Road in front of the petrol kiosk, opposite Flower Road, has not yet been widened; and if he will take steps for the widening of that portion of the Road to allow the smooth flow of vehicular traffic. Mr Ho Cheng Choon (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the widening of that portion of Upper Serangoon Road in front of the petrol kiosk opposite Flower Road was delayed because of difficulties encountered in acquiring the land in question. However, negotiations for the acquisition of the land were recently concluded, and work on the widening will commence in about a month's time. PUNGGOL ROAD (Widening and surfacing) 5. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and National Development, in view of the increase in vehicular traffic and accidents along Punggol Road up to Punggol Point, if he will consider the widening and resurfacing of the Road.”
“Sir, it is not proposed to build more bus shelters along Old Airport Road as the present five bus shelters are considered more than adequate along this road. PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENT IN OLD KALLANG AIRPORT ESTATE (Repairs to damage) 3. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he has any plans to repair the damaged roadside pedestrian pavement in the Old Kallang Airport Estate and, if so, when.”
“(a) Sir, it is the practice of the Housing and Development Board to give special consideration to applicants, suffering from ailments such as paralysis an4 cardiac diseases in respect of the allotment of ground and first floor flats. (b) The Board does give priority to applicants who are staying in dilapidated accommodation, provided a demolition notice has been served by the Chief Building Surveyor. As regards people staying in flood-prone areas, special consideration is given if these areas are being redeveloped, and the land subject to acquisition by the Government. No priority, however, is given to applicants evicted by private developers as, in many cases, such evicted tenants obtain hand-some compensation payments from the developers. (c) In Toa Payoh, six blocks of flats already have the ground floors used as children's play areas. Also, 13 more blocks now under construction will have the ground floors reserved to be used as children's play areas. Further, there are other playgrounds provided in the Toa Payoh Estate for the use of children.”
“Regarding the laying of water mains in Sembawang Constituency, as mentioned by the Member just now, the matter may still be in the hands of the Public Utilities Board. I have not received the application yet.”
“Sir, on this basis of allocation, only 10 per cent is for 32 constituencies. It is true that quite a large sum of money was not spent during past years. However, beginning from this financial year, we are trying to divert this money into beautifying the urban areas and also the rural areas if applications are submitted for this purpose.”
“If the Member concerned says that it is not enough, the right thing to do is to complain to the Ministry of Finance. Mr Sim Boon Woo: Come on, do not pass the buck!”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Sembawang has said that the provision allocated to the rural constituencies has been reduced. In the past, before the number of constituencies was increased, there were only the following constituencies: Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Changi, Choa Chu Kang, Jalan Kayu, Jurong, Nee Soon, Punggol, Sembawang and Tampines. But after changes in the constituencies were made, Kampong Chai Chee also joined their ranks. The allocation for the constituencies is made on this basis: 10 per cent for 32 urban constituencies, 35 per cent for 15 suburban constituencies and 55 per cent for 11 rural constituencies.”
“To give an example, Sir, I have a list of requests for the laying of water mains in the rural and urban, or suburban areas which have not been approved by the Urban and Rural Services Committee. For instance, there was a stand-pipe at Jalan Darat Nanas in Changi. After its removal, we have to lay a water main there at a cost of $12,000. This is a bigger main than the one available to supply water to the individual households in that area. The water main for ordinary stand-pipes is only two inches in diameter. We have to change it to four or six inches in diameter water mains in order to supply more water to the individual households.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in reply to the Member for Changi, I wish to say that it is true that two requests for the laying of water mains have been made and that the matter has been deferred for quite some time. However, I can assure him that we have been provided with more money for the supply of water mains this year. His request will therefore be given due consideration. Sir, I explained yesterday the procedure regarding the removal of stand-pipes. Perhaps I can explain further how the position stands at the moment. On 31st December, 1966, there were 2,471 stand-pipes. By 31st December, 1969, there were only 1,088 stand-pipes left. Therefore, within a period of three years we have removed 1,383 stand-pipes. From this figure, Sir, it can clearly be seen that we have spent quite a lot of money on the laying of water mains in order that the rural people can connect water mains to individual households. Since we have been provided with more money for the supply of water mains in this year's estimates, more and more of them will be laid, especially in the rural areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Jurong has been a member of the Urban and Rural Services Committee for some time. Therefore, he must have known very well the way the U.R.S.C. goes about these matters. With regard to the question of repairs to roads, this will depend on certain factors. The Member for Jurong also knows very well the factors which we must take into consideration. The Urban and Rural Services Committee gives equal consideration to every request from the various constituencies. Jurong Constituency is undergoing rapid development. Therefore, the U.R.S.C. will always consider carefully the various requests for projects in this constituency. Many places, especially the Jurong area, will be developed in the future. In the circumstances, any request for a project to be undertaken in that constituency is handed over to certain departments, for instance, the Jurong Town Corporation, the Land Office and the Chief Building Surveyor's Department. This is to ensure that the project in question is related to certain sites which are about to be developed. Therefore, there may be some delay in approving the projects. With regard to the requests to repair roads, the U.R.S.C. is always giving them favourable consideration. Every constituency is allotted a certain fixed provision for construction work and development. Therefore, the U.R.S.C. cannot approve the provision of hundreds of thousands of dollars for the repair of certain roads without giving it due consideration.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Water Department of the Public Utilities Board has been requested to ascertain the number of households. OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR POULTRY PRODUCTS 3. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development what efforts have been made by the Primary Production Department in the promotion of overseas markets for poultry products.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, most of the farms in Singapore are small in size, owing to limited land available. Small farm machinery such as small power tillers, pumps and irrigation equipment and spraying equipment for insecticides can be used by the farmers. The Primary Production Department is actively encouraging the use of such small equipment through demonstrations to the farming community. In addition, the Department is also providing net-set sprayers on loan to farmers. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Purchase by civil servants approaching retirement) 19. Inche Rahmat Bin Kenap asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will request the Housing and Development Board to consider allowing the down payment for the purchase of a flat by a civil servant who is approaching retirement, to be deferred and be deducted from the gratuity payable to him on retirement.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a detailed survey of the islands of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong has been completed. From information gathered, the two islands appear to be suitable for agricultural purposes. However, because of the need to provide infrastructure, such as roads, electricity and water, which requires considerable expenditure of public funds, it is necessary to give more careful consideration to the proposal to develop these two islands for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, large parts of these two islands are in private ownership. These aspects are being carefully studied before a decision can be made on whether or not the two islands should be developed extensively for agricultural purposes. FARMERS (Use of small machinery to increase productivity) 18. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Government will take positive steps to encourage farmers to use small machinery in order to increase their productivity.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, only those farmers who are engaged full-time on the farm will be eligible for land allocation when they are affected by clearance PULAU UBIN AND PULAU TEKONG (Development into agricultural areas) 17. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development what steps have been or are being taken to develop Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong into agricultural areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my answer is: (a) A total of 12 applications have been received; (b) (i) Four applications were permitted separate entrances; (ii) of the other eight applications which requested four joint entrances, permission was refused because the entrances were either in the way of new bus bays or sited immediately next to existing bus bays. In all cases, the applicants have been provided with alternative access through the nearby car parks which were specially constructed by the Public Works Department for their use so as to prevent unauthorised parking of vehicles on the pedestrian paths and cycle tracks. Parking of motor vehicles along Airport Road is now prohibited; (c) Hong San School has already a vehicular access via an unmetalled road off Airport Road next to Lorong Tai Seng. The Airport Road has to be kept as free as possible for the smooth flow of traffic and it is considered undesirable to allow direct vehicular access from the school to Airport Road. MODERN SANITATION THROUGHOUT SINGAPORE 10. Mr P. Selvadurai asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider extending the benefits of modern sanitation throughout the Republic.”
“The Land Office will consider whether to accept it or not. GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND OUTPATIENT CLINICS (Charges) 14. Mr N. Govindasamy asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the rate of charges payable by a person who makes use of the services and facilities provided by Government hospitals and outpatient clinics; and (b) whether he will consider waiving the charges payable by a person on the second or subsequent visit to a hospital or outpatient clinic for the change or removal of dressing which does not entail any consultation with the doctor.”
“Yes, we can consider the report submitted by a licensed valuer.”
“When Government acquires a piece of land, only the landowner is compensated. But when the Government evicts the tenants on a piece of land, we have a compensation scheme to deal with the tenants and sub-tenants.”
“Sir, compensation for acquisition is paid only to owners of lands and houses. Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, will the Ministry look into the possibility of extending compensation to tenants and sub-tenants as well, because they suffer just as much as, if not more than, the owners of the houses? Mr Ng Yeow Chong rose -”
“Sir, in my answer to the Member for Ulu Pandan, I mentioned that payment of compensation is based on section 33 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1966. If the Member has read section 33 (a), he will see that it is clearly stated that in acquisition, the market value is one of the factors to be taken into consideration in determining compensation. So how can he say that the Government disregards the market price?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the construction of rural abattoirs was proposed to assist those in the rural areas who find it uneconomical to send their animals to Jurong for slaughter because of the distance and of the small number of animals slaughtered. The organisation and operation of rural abattoirs should not be difficult and will only involve a skeleton staff. However, the proposal to construct rural abattoirs has been shelved for the time being until the pig section of the Jurong Abattoir has been put into full operation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Jurong complained that there are insufficient public amenities in the resettlement areas. This is true, but we have not neglected the requirements of these areas. In the past few years, the Government has been taking steps to improve the environment in the resettlement areas and to provide public and social amenities to enable the people to enjoy the same facilities as those provided in the urban areas. I would like to assure the Member for Jurong that, in future, all newly developed resettlement areas will be given priority for the provision of social ameni ties, especially the supply of water and electricity. At present, my Ministry is taking steps to co-ordinate the work of the Housing and Development Board and the Public Utilities Board in order to solve the problem of providing water and electricity to the resettlement areas before the people are resettled there.”
“Sir, under the urban redevelopment scheme, the Government will carry out the redevelopment with public participation. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong--- (6) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (002) of subhead 401. (7) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (003) of subhead 401. (8) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (001) of subhead 402. (9) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (002) of subhead 402. (10) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (003) of subhead 402. The Chairman: Amendments (6) to (10) are not being moved. Amendment (11) , Mr Ho Kah Leong.”
“Yes, Sir. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary has said that multi-storey buildings, shopping centres, a car park and so on will be built in the areas he has mentioned, which also include business centres. Are these to be developed solely by the Government or by private enterprise?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the people who are affected by the urban redevelopment scheme will be resettled and they have been informed where they will be resettled. We know that most of these people prefer to be housed in Housing Board flats and we try our best to allocate them flats in the neighbourhood. Under the urban redevelopment scheme, we propose to build skyscrapers and shopping centres in North Precinct, which includes Jalan Sultan, Crawford, Victoria Street and Beach Road. In South Precinct, which includes Outram Road, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road, we propose to build multistorey flats, shopping centres and a multi-storey car park.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the reasons for the delay in the completion of the Erskine Hill Office Building are as follows. Originally, the building was intended to house only the offices and departments under the Ministry of National Development. But subsequently, it was decided to include the departments under the Ministry of Law as the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of National Development are under the same Minister. As a result of this change, we have to make alterations to the original plans to include the new requirements. At the present moment, construction work is being vigorously carried out to try to complete this office building by August 1969. The building will then be able to house several Government offices such as the administrative headquarters of the Housing and Development Board, the Public Works Department, the Primary Production Department, the Chief Building Surveyor's Office, the Planning Department, the Land Office, the Survey Department and the Registry of Land Titles and Deeds. As regards the future use of the building at Upper Pickering Street and the administrative headquarters of the Housing Board at Alexandra Road, the matter is still under consideration. Madam Chan Choy Siong: I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (001) of subhead 301. Sir, this item concerns reclamation and I seek your leave to range over amendments* (3) and (4). * The amendments read as follows: (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (002) of subhead 301. (4) That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (003) of subhead 301.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Member for Paya Lebar will spend some time studying the existing regulations governing the repairs of houses, such as the Integration of the Local Government Ordinance and other related laws, I think he will appreciate that there must be certain prerequisites before repairs can be carried out. According to the law, the Chief Building Surveyor can give special permission without adhering strictly to the normal procedure for repairs to be carried out if a structure is in a state of disrepair and a hazard to human life. But an application has to be made, and we will give sympathetic consideration to it.”