Hwang Soo Jin
Singapore
“I remember that soon after the Blue Paper was published, a career woman came to see me at one of my Meet-the-people sessions. Speaking for some friends, she complained to me that after hearing the news concerning the Blue Paper, they could not sleep for several nights as they were apprehensive that they would not be able to maintain their…”
“To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether he will direct the Housing and Development Board to look into the need to construct more public lavatories in that part of Ang Mo Kio New Town which falls within Jalan Kayu Constituency, especially in areas where senior citizens regularly meet: (b) what is the number of complaints o…”
“Sir, permit me to just make a short observation. Listening to hon. Members, it gives me the impression that maybe we should forget the whole MRT study and save all the millions of dollars and instead spend it on carrying out a study on the operational efficiency of SBS, Like the Member for Serangoon Gardens, I thought that the answer give…”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think there is still too much of a delaying tactic here as far as I can see. Probably next year the same words will be said again. I just like to remind the Hon. Minister for the second time that the police post at Ang Mo Kio is the result of the closure of the police post in Yio Chu Kang in my constituency.”
“Sir, a rather more pertinent question to ask is whether the handcuffing procedure should not be looked into or reviewed so as to make sure that it is not applied indiscriminately and causing unnecessary embarrassment. I think this is the point of the Member for Radin Mas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, whether you call it an impasse or foot-dragging or whatever, we have been hearing the same words for more than a year. Last year, the Minister said exactly the same thing. Last year he said that we gladdened his heart, and again this year he says we gladden his heart and we are on his side.”
The complete record
Every one of 521 lines we hold for Hwang Soo Jin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 11.
“Just a point of clarification, Sir,It is not my intention to suggest that we subsidise the farmers. What I have suggested is something quite different.”
“Sir, I would like to give my support to the point made by the Member for Jurong. As far as I know, some of these farms are situated quite far away from the reservoirs. Even then the farmers have been asked to implement certain measures which cost a lot of money, such as building septic tanks. It would cost something like $10,000 to $20,000 to build a septic tank, and I do not think any of these small farmers can really afford it. Perhaps what the Government could do is to consider a comprehensive plan. Look at any one particular area and see whether Government could subsidise to some extent, because after all the Government builds sewerage, drains and all sorts of infrastructure which are not charged directly to the citizens. Therefore, by developing such kind of facilities on a collective basis, the Government can definitely cut down the cost, and even if it asked the farmer to contribute to some extent, I am sure they will be prepared to do so. At the moment, they seemed to be at the mercy of the inspector going around. If he feels like it, he says, "Look here, I want a septic tank built there. If there is no septic tank, your licence is withdrawn." This is not the way. I think there should be a comprehensive plan to develop all these measures.”
“Sir, the point on fire safety at Housing Board flats is still bothering me because there have been a number of fires in flats. I am just wondering whether the Fire Brigade cannot work together with the Housing and Development Board. The staff of the Fire Brigade would have had some experience. They would have investigated and come to certain conclusions, and perhaps it is about time that they made a thorough survey to find out whether or not the existing facilities in all these flats are, in fact, adequate. What I am particularly concerned are those high-rise buildings. I do appreciate that there are no ladders high enough to go up to the 20th storey and, therefore, fighting a fire in high-rise buildings is to fight it from within. But the point is that if within the building there are no adequate facilities, then how are they going to fight the fire? They cannot fight from without and they cannot fight from within. On the question of adequate exits, fire escapes and so on, I think none of the Housing Board flats has got emergency fire exits, extra staircase, and so on.”
“In the case of private buildings the present requirements for fire-escapes and emergency exits are very stringent. However, in the case of the Housing Board flats, we do not see any fire-escapes at all. What will happen if there should be a fire in a high-rise block of flats in one of our housing estates? What will happen then? Another point I would like to bring up is the question of modernisation of our equipment. Under the Development Estimates there are provisions for fire tenders. But how up-to-date are these fire tenders? Moreover, are we sending our fire officers abroad to learn more about the latest techniques of fire-fighting? With the tendency for buildings to go higher and higher, there has been a suggestion to make use of helicopters. Are we looking into this matter? There are a hundred and one suggestions one can think of. As the Member for Anson has pointed out earlier on, the Robinson fire has certainly opened our eyes. I think we will be failing in our duty if we do not look into all these areas fairly promptly. I would certainly urge that every attention be paid to the safety of the Housing Board flats. Although I do not have Housing Board flats in my constituency at the moment, I shall have them very soon as they are under construction. Therefore, I feel that this is a matter which concerns me as well.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, of late we have read in the press quite a lot about the understaffing position in the Fire Brigade, indicating that they are working only with 60 per cent strength. Despite the limitation in manpower, I must say that they have performed their duties very well. I believe the turnover rate of staff in the Fire Brigade is also very great, and the main complaint seems to be that the fireman`s salary scale is very poor. It is time that something was done to look into the question of their remuneration. To my mind, the fireman's job carries as much risk as that of a policeman. In the case of the Police, there was the Lee Soo Ann Commission which had ended increments of salaries and In the case of the Fire Brigade are we not going to do something about it? Are we going to step up the recruitment? Another aspect of the Fire Service is this. I think it was only last week that our attention was drawn to a fairly serious fire in one of the Housing Board flats. I remember watching the incident on television. The building is a fairly low-rise flat, about five storeys high, and the firemen were fighting the fire from a ladder. I wonder what will happen if a fire should occur in a block of flats 20 storeys high. I do not think the ladder is going to reach that height. What about the water pressure? How is it going to reach all the way up to the top? I do not know when was the last time all the Housing Board flats were put under close examination to make sure that the fire-fighting facilities are adequate and that the water pressure is sufficient to go up to the top of the building. I think the highest building in Toa Payoh is more than 20 storeys high. How about the exits?”
“In view of the very satisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao -- (5) That the sum to be allocated for Head KB be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AK 1111.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for head KB he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AG 1201. Sir, this is an item in respect of the Counselling and Advice Section. From my own experience I have found that this particular section is providing valuable service. I had occasion to refer a large number of cases involving my constituents, to this particular section. The officers have always been able to give useful advice, guidance and assistance. This i5 one area of Government service which, in my opinion, should he further extended by establishing branches in selected localities. Sir, on going through the Estimates, one gets the impression that for those departments which are not revenue-producing there appears to be a reluctance on the part of Government to expand or to improve upon existing services, even though there may he a need for improvement.”
“Sir, I did not say that there is an increase in the number of complaints to the Bureau. I said that there is an increasing number of complaints to the press, the reason being that one gets a much quicker answer by complaining to the press than to the Bureau. 4.45 p.m.”
“Looking at the work of the Bureau and also at the general nature of the enquiries and complaints dealt with by the Bureau, there is no need at present to strengthen the establishment of the Central Complaints Bureau. As regards the salary of the Director, which the Member said is static, he has reached his maximum. It is not because he is not doing his work properly.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head KA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BA 1111. Sir, this is an item in respect of the Central Complaints Bureau. Judging by the increasing number of complaints against various aspects of Government service appearing daily in the readers' column of the various local press, and indeed the continuing large number of complaints handled by the Bureau as contained in the Minister's written answer to me recently, it is clear that our citizens are becoming conscious of their entitlement to courteous and efficient service from our civil servants. Sir, the Bureau is performing a very important function. It is therefore rather disappointing for me to note that from year to year no attempt seems to have been made to increase the number of staff in this Department, to the extent that some people have come to me and said that they would rather write to the press than to approach the Bureau, because by writing to the press they could get their problems solved very quickly. It appears rather strange to me that the remuneration of the officer in charge of that Department should remain the same at $19,800. Is it because `he has not done his job well? As I have pointed out earlier, in view of the important functions of the Department, perhaps a more senior person should be put in charge there, perhaps a person with a status equivalent to that of a Permanent Secretary. Encik Othman Bin Wok: Sir, in my written answer to the question of the Member, the actual fact is that the number of complaints has decreased from 120 in 1972 to 93 in 1973. There is no increase.”
“Sir, I find the first part of the Minister's answer acceptable. But the second part is totally unacceptable. We do not want colour TV just so as to see ourselves as Members of Parliament in colour on TV. TV is to serve the people and not the Members in this Chamber. Some hon. Members: Hear, hear! 3.30 p.m.”
“Sir, I wish to raise one small point of clarification. When the Parliamentary Secretary gave his explanation to the points raised, he gave me the impression that one of the main reasons that influenced us to go into colour TV is to keep up with the Joneses. I certainly hope that in our consideration of Government service, this is not the attitude and we do not go in just because we want to be one up on the others. If we go in to extend our service, it should be on the basis of: is there a need? Is there a need for colour `I'V for our people? It is not a question of just because Philippines and Thailand have got colour TV, then we must have it. I certainly hope that this is not the main reason. The Parliamentary Secretary gave me the impression that that is the main reason why we are going into colour TV. An hon. Member: Hear, hear!”
“Sir, I think I ought to clarify myself. When I spoke against colour television, I am not against having colour television as such, but it is a question of timing. Take our financial policy, for instance. Last year we encouraged people to spend because times were good. But now because of inflation and other factors, as part and parcel of our anti-inflation measures, the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Finance have introduced a whole series of credit squeeze measures. As we all know, the credit squeeze is on. I am not saying that we must not have colour TV. The fact that there was a demand last year and now we are suggesting that there should be a changed attitude is totally immaterial to the point I am trying to make, i.e, the consistency of Government policy. The policy and the implementation thereof should be consistent. That is the main point I am trying to emphasise.”
“This is at a time when the nation is faced with an extra oil deal of some $200 million, as pointed out by the Minister for Finance. Every effort should be made to conserve our hard-earned foreign exchange, rather than to squander it away on non-essentials which would only affect our balance of payments position.”
“Sir, I share the sentiments expressed by the Member for Kampung Kembangan. However, I am most concerned as to whether it is most appropriate to introduce colour television at the present time. I believe there are approximately 250,000 black and white TV sets in use at the moment. With the introduction of colour TV, it is expected that a large number of people, as has been pointed out earlier on, would want to switch from black and white to colour TV I have made a very quick calculation. Assuming that only 25 per cent of the people want colour television, it would mean a total expenditure of approximately $62 million, based on $1,000 per set which is the figure given to me by the Minister for Culture. If everybody wants to change over to colour, the total expenditure would come to $250 million. As most television sets are imported, or even if they are assembled here, most of the parts would still have to come from abroad, and the total spending of the public would be a drain on our hard-earned foreign exchange. Sir, as pointed out earlier on, while we are urging people on the one hand to tighten their belts and to cut down on personal spending and save, on the other hand, it would appear that we are acting against our own policy. This is a glaring example of the occasional lack of consistency in the implementation of Government policies, suggesting that the left hand often does not know what the right hand is doing. Government departments are not the only guilty parties in this respect. State-owned enterprises are much worse. I am sure Members' attention has been drawn in recent weeks to huge advertising spaces taken up by the Singapore Airlines enticing people to take their holidays abroad.”
“I am still a little puzzled because the point has just been touched on by the Member for Tiong Bahru, So if he can touch on this point, I do not understand why I cannot touch on it.”
“Sir, the question is if the Minister would like to oppose, he should have raised his objection earlier because other Members have touched on it.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to support what the Member for Tiong Bahru has just said, because even recently the Monetary Authority of Singapore has also given orders to the various banks -”
“Sir, I rise to support the Member for Aljunied, particularly on the point he has made concerning the delay on the part of the ROV in checking smoky exhausts. This applies not only to taxis, but lorries as well. In the case of lorries there is also the problem of checking on overloading. Once a lorry is suspected of overloading, it is ordered to go straight in for checking. In a particular case, I was told that this poor person pleaded with the staff of the ROV to speed up the checking so that he could go and deliver the goods to the port, for loading on a ship which was due to sail that very night. But this request was even not granted. Sir, I think this is an area where it would seem to me that there is a complete lack of sympathy and sensitivity for people involved. The lorry was detained. That was fair enough. They even went to the extent of withholding the driver's licence. I cannot see what it has got to do with lorry drivers, because the lorry owner is a different person altogether. The driver is paid on a daily-rated basis. Once you detain his licence, he cannot work. 3.45 p.m.”
“I think what we should do now is this. Now that the Minister has given us his assurance, we should all sit back and watch carefully. But if in another year's time it has still not improved, then that is the time when we will make noise again. That is all I want to say. 6.30 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my speech is a sort of border-line case, as it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between policy and departmental administrative matter. So I promise to be short. Some two years ago when the bus services were first reorganised, the Citizens' Consultative Committee of Jalan Kayu at my request set up a study group to look into the needs of commuters in Jalan Kayu. A memorandum was subsequently submitted to the Minister and he was kind enough to agree and to direct a new route, 73/73A, which provided a direct link between Jalan Kayu and the City area. Unfortunately, at the recent reorganisation of bus routes, Service 73/73A was unilaterally withdrawn from us without any prior notice. I would like to take the opportunity of enquiring from the Minister whether he would consider directing SBS to reinstate the service to us. If the route was considered necessary two years' ago, I fail to see why it is no longer necessary because in the meantime the population in my area has expanded quite considerably. I would also like to take the opportunity of enquiring from the Minister what factors are taken into consideration in deciding upon whether a route should be extended, maintained, or withdrawn. Is the decision based just on the profitability of that particular route, and whether or not prior approval has been obtained from the Government? 6.10 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair]”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before withdrawing the amendment, I would just like to say this. The Minister has suggested that blue identity card holders should try to upgrade their skills if they want to qualify for citizenship. I think it is easier said than done because a lot of them are quite old. They are married and have children. How can the Minister expect them to upgrade their skills? Nevertheless, in view of the not unsatisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I note that it is proposed to increase the total strength of staff in the Work Permits Office from 23 to 37. This increase of 14 is quite large. Does this imply that there will be a change in policy regarding the issue of work permits, and that more permits will be issued? Sir, while on the subject of work permits, I would also like to take up a point previously brought up by the Member for Toa Payoh, concerning blue identity card holders. Hitherto, this category of persons who are permanent residents of Singapore, are, in the same way as foreigners, required to apply for permits. Of the large number of blue identity card holders, I am convinced that many of them were born and bred here but, because of insufficient documentary proof, they were unable to obtain citizenship. This is particularly the case with those born during the war years. These people have no family roots elsewhere. Their only roots are here in Singapore. Many of them are married to Singapore citizens and have children who are also citizens. I feel that special consideration should be given to these people. They should be allowed to work freely without requiring them to apply for work permits. By doing so, we will give them a sense of security and assist them to make a better contribution to the country. Sir, there are no more frustrating people than those who feel that they belong to nowhere and are not even allowed the freedom to make their contribution.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am just wondering whether the Ministry of Labour has any intention to institutionalise the Safety Committee, which has been set up within the Ministry, and turn it into a national body for accident prevention. All interested parties could be invited to participate in it. I think in other countries they do have such a body to look into all aspects of industrial safety.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I just make a brief point? Speaking of telephone calls, at the best of time it takes a long time to get through to any Government department.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to raise a small point. What is Government's attitude in the official establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China? Is there any change?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the first supplementary question is: should we not let the importers know in all such cases that they should try to get the weight certificate from the suppliers? Secondly, if the checking is being done by private firms, how do we ensure that there is no irregularity, and that all applications are processed on the basis of first come first served? Because I have heard of cases where people who apply later have yet got their certificates earlier.”
“In this connection active support, financial and otherwise, should be provided by the Government even though the ultimate success rests upon the awareness of managements of the importance of maintaining our competitive edge by becoming more efficient and better informed of market conditions. Whilst the manufacturing sector has been and will continue to be our leading growth sector, it is encouraging to note that the Minister has not lost sight of the potentials of our services sector, namely, financial, banking, insurance, transport and communications institutions. There are unlimited scopes in these fields for us to step up our invisible earnings, and I do hope that every assistance and encouragement will be given to these industries in the extension of their ser- vices abroad by way of tax and other incentives. Sir, at home, inflation will become part of our everyday life and we shall have to learn to live with it. Whilst I am pleased that the Government is taking measures to minimise the effect of inflation in so far as goods are concerned, I would again urge the Government to give serious consideration to introducing measures to limit increases in housing rents, particularly for houses occupied by people in the lower income group. It is appreciated that the Housing and Development Board is doing its utmost but until such time as the long waiting list for HDB flats is shortened, something of an interim nature should be done to prevent unscrupulous landlords from taking undue advantage of the situation by hiking rents, in many instances by several hundred percent in any one year. This is an area of inflation which is clearly not imported, and therefore well within our control. 4.24 p.m.”
“However, in the maintenance and extension of public services, every care should be exercised to ensure that those responsible for the implementation of Government policies do not become over obsessed by profit motive only and overlook the commitment of a government to the underlying social good of the community. In any society there arc to be found a certain number of underprivileged and needy people who, not due to the lack of trying, have failed to make the grade. They need a helping hand from somewhere, and I feel that our philosophy should be one based on "the least number of passengers" and not one on "no passengers". As we look forward to another year there is indeed much cause for concern. The chaotic state of the world economy today has rendered any forecast well-nigh impossible. To what extent we will be affected, it is obviously difficult to make an accurate guess, although it is heartening to note the Minister's Statement that if we all pull together we may still be able to achieve a real growth rate of some 10 per cent per annum. To achieve this, he has prescribed the formula of higher productivity and lower wastage for the manufacturing sector. In addition, Sir, I would suggest that it is time for more active export promotion by Government in conjunction with the private sector. The oil crisis has overnight changed the entire pattern of distribution of wealth among nations; consequently the transfer of purchasing powers and perhaps radical changes in demand patterns. Extensive market research is obviously necessary to identify the extent and the nature of such changes so as to assist us in adjusting to the fast changing situation and in making sure of our fair share of the world market.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as in the previous year we are again presented with a painless Budget. In welcoming the Statement from the Minister for Finance, in particular, the tax concessions, one should not however overlook the series of departmental exercises in tax increases of an indirect form that have occurred during the year under review, which have inevitably inflicted pains of varying degrees. If our citizens have suffered the pinch, they can at least take consolation in the fact that whatever monies collected by the Government have been and will no doubt continue to be put to good use that will produce lasting benefits to the country and bring about wellbeing to the people. No public funds have been squandered on wasteful monumental white elephant projects carried out under the pretext of national prestige. Nor have any funds finished up lining the coffers of individuals. All funds have been wisely spent either in the strengthening of our national security, the upgrading of social and community services, or in the active promotion of economic development. The economic prosperity and social stability that we enjoy today have been due in no small measure to the successful implementation of the Counter Recession Strategy adopted by the Government in 1968, when we were threatened by a possible recession consequent upon the British military withdrawal. By spending available surpluses from revenues in the right direction, such as urban redevelopment and the promotion of industrialisation, the Government has not only acted as catalysts but also provided the necessary stimulants for greater economic progress which have culminated in an unprecedented state of full employment. There is therefore a lot to be said for our not subscribing to the "something for nothing" philosophy.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the importance of conserving fuel and the need to cut down the consumption of electricity, it appears to me that the Government is not setting a positive lead. Take this Chamber, for instance. Do we need to light up these two chandeliers? Why has this Chamber always got to be kept cold at this temperature? And I think there must be a great number of Government offices air-conditioned to a pretty low temperature. We should set an example. These two chandeliers are merely for ornamental purposes. There are also other areas where electricity can be saved. Why should our television programmes still go on to 12 midnight? Cannot we cut them short to 10.00 p.m.?”
“Sir, clause 11 of the Bill, which is not considered to be significant by the Minister, empowers the Building Authority to require the owner of a building to remove roofing made of inflammable materials, such as attap, by giving three months' or shorter period of notice. In the implementation of this particular section of the law, I do hope that the Department concerned will be both flexible and reasonable in their attitude, bearing in mind that the majority of people likely to be affected by this particular section are attap house dwellers in the lower income group. In view of the present high cost of building construction materials, these people may very well find three months too short a period to raise sufficient money to replace the attap roof with other suitable material. In cases of genuine financial hardship, I do hope that the Department will be prepared to grant a longer period for the work to be carried out. Another point that has occurred to me is that the existing procedure to obtain official permission to change the roof from attap to some other hardier material is somewhat involved, and in most cases it takes more than three months to obtain planning approval. So, for this clause 11 to be implemented, I presume that something will be done to simplify the procedure. In concluding, Sir, I do like to mention that I can fully appreciate the very good intention behind this particular clause of the Bill, which obviously aims at minimising the risk of fire spreading from house to house.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do agree that it is the social responsibility of the family to try to help in the recovery of the patient. But all that I am concerned with is whether the home environment of a patient is investigated into before he is sent home. That is my question.”
“Perhaps we should seriously think of expanding the facilities at the hospital.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has stated in his speech that: "in a number of cases, it would be in the interest of the patient to be treated as an out-patient rather than an inpatient of the hospital, so that he could live in an environment which is more conducive to his recovery". While I have no doubt that some patients are best treated as outpatients, in practice I wonder how thorough is the investigation into the home environment of a patient, particularly the financial position of the family concerned, in deciding upon the desirability of outpatient treatment. During the course of my work on the ground, I have come across a number of cases of complaint from families that they are unable to look after the patients, and that they would like the patients to be detained for a longer period; but the mental hospital invariably is quite reluctant to do so. There was at least one case I know of where the parent of a patient came to me with a very badly damaged head. In another case, after a patient was released and sent home the whole family could not get any sleep for nights because he threatened to burn down the house. These are two of the several cases which I have received. Generally a family would come along and complain that as soon as a patient was brought home, he would suffer a relapse, or that his condition was no better than when he was first put into the mental hospital. This question of investigating into the family background as to whether the family adequately understand the circumstances of caring for the patient or whether they are financially able, should be looked into very carefully. I suspect that it is rather a question of lack of facilities at the mental hospital that causes many patients to be treated as outpatients.”
“For a start, the Government may wish to consider areas where farmers are scheduled for resettlement. Instead of the present system of compensation, those affected and are interested in continuing their farming business may be resettled in multi-storey farmhouses. By doing it on a collective basis, large savings can be made in infrastructure development which is becoming more costly in view of the need to adopt extensive antipollution measures, such as construction of septic tanks, drainage system and other sanitary amenities. Sir, at a time when a number of countries in the world arc suffering from a shortage of food, it is comforting to know that our agricultural sector continues to supply us with many essential items of food at reasonable prices. But for the contribution of our farmers, I am sure that our cost of living would have risen to a much higher level, as happened in many other countries which depend heavily on imports of food. With this in mind, Sir, I would urge the Minister, in consultation with the Minister for National Development, to give serious consideration to my suggestion so as to ensure that our agricultural sector will continue to make this meaningful contribution to our national economy.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, speaking as one Member from a rural constituency, I am pleased to note that for once tax incentive is being introduced as a measure to encourage development in the agricultural sector. I have in mind clause 7 which provides for allowances for industrial buildings and structures to be granted in respect of multi-storey buildings used or intended to be used for the purposes of intensive pig and poultry production. Sir, in considering the practical effect of this particular provision, it occurs to me that the incentive provided may benefit only a handful of big timers with substantial financial resources behind them. In so far as the thousands of medium and small-sized farmers are concerned, the proposed incentive is to my mind quite meaningless. In the first place, how are they able to raise sufficient funds to purchase lands for development, not to mention the cost of construction at a time when prices of materials are so high? Sir, if the Government is genuine in its intention to encourage development of agriculture along modem lines, and I believe this to be the case, I suggest that the Government should give serious consideration to the provision of much needed organisational support and long term low interest loans to interested farmers on a group basis for the development of multi-storey farm houses. Perhaps a scheme similar to the house ownership scheme of the Housing and Development Board (we can call it "Farm Ownership Scheme") but with suitable adjustments to the repayment programme may be introduced. If the Government is prepared to undertake the task of organising and financing the scheme initially, I feel sure that the Farm Ownership Scheme is likely to succeed.”
“(6) Motor vehicle licence fee, if he happens to own a truck or a motorcycle. (7) Hawker's licence fee, if he happens to sell his own produce. (8) Telephone bill. Of course, not every one can afford a telephone, but an increasing number of people are installing telephones in their homes to avail themselves of such modern means of communication. Furthermore as he does not normally have a bank account, the payment of each of these items can involve considerable inconvenience and time, which is precious to him. I would therefore take this opportunity of enquiring from the Minister whether he would consider setting up a central collection agency which will be charged with the responsibility of collecting all types of fees and taxes receivable by Government departments and statutory bodies. If this can be introduced, I feel sure that it will benefit not only the rural folks but the majority of our population.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 8 of the Bill requires a property owner to notify the Inland Revenue of his liability to pay tax if he has not received a notice calling on him to pay tax in respect of his property within six months from the 1st January of each year. Failure to do so is an offence and the offender may be punished with a fine not exceeding $1,000. Sir, in the implementation of this particular provision, I do hope that the department concerned will be flexible and reasonable in dealing with noncompliance by rural folks. I have in mind those people who at present enjoy concessionary rates at $6 per annum, as their houses are of timber and/or attap material. Perhaps on account of the very small sum involved, it has not been the practice of the department to send out notices to owners of such structures. Consequently, I have come across many cases where houseowners have not paid their taxes for many years, because at each visit to the department to inquire they are told to wait for notices to be sent to them. In most cases, of course, the notices never seem to arrive. Sir, these people are mainly working class people and they have very little time, apart from their own personal affairs, to look into the numerous items of taxes, fees, etc, which they have to pay in the course of any one year. It is therefore inevitable that such items could be overlooked. Take an average farmer in a rural area. He has the following items to pay: (1) Temporary Occupation Licence fee to the Land Office. (2) Property tax to the Inland Revenue. (3) Farmer's licence fee to the Primary Production Department. There are several types of licences depending on the scope and nature of his operations. (4) Radio and TV licence fee. (5) PUB bills.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the Minister for introducing this Bill. The illegal trawlers regularly come to our coastal waters to catch fish, and this affects the livelihood of our fishermen. I hope the Marine Police will detail more boats to patrol our coastal waters so as to prevent these illegal trawlers from fishing in our coastal waters.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on a matter of interest, I wonder whether the Minister of State can enlighten the House as to whether most of the major maritime nations have now adopted the agreement reached at the International Convention at Brussels on the question of limits of liability.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to ask the Minister whether there has been any change in the criteria adopted in deciding on the economic benefit of an applicant.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister tell the House what is the position of those companies which have gone into voluntary liquidation? I have heard that some of these companies are taking their own sweet time to finalise matters. Will the Minister consider imposing a time limit for these companies to complete their liquidation?”
“Sir, just a point of clarification. When the Parliamentary Secretary mentioned "older people", what is the general guideline? How old should he be? The second point is: why should the buck be passed from one Ministry to another?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Jurong has mentioned about getting any Tom, Dick and Harry to do school crossing patrol duty. I have come across a case where a housewife was given the job of a school crossing patrolwoman by the Employment Exchange. In her daily life this woman seldom goes out, and she might even find this job of school crossing patrol difficult to manage. Therefore, this matter of any Tom, Dick and Harry, or even Mary taking up this job is open to question. For the safety of the children, we should not employ any person who is not able to look after his or her own safety when crossing the road. If he cannot look after his own safety, how then can we expect him to look after the safety of the children crossing the road? Mr Speaker, Sir, there are some former civil servants who have retired at the age of 55 but who are still physically fit. Perhaps this is a possible source of recruitment of school crossing patrolmen. If these pensioners, in addition to their pensions, are given this job on a part-time basis, it would be good both for the Government and the pensioners themselves. Mr Tay Boon Too(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would also like to take part in this discussion on the school crossing patrolman. I wonder whether the Ministry of Education could convert the daily wage of a school crossing patrolman into a monthly salary, because these people are not paid during the long school holidays, public holidays and Sundays. If they can be paid on a monthly basis, I wonder whether the Ministry of Education can provide an extra school servant for each school on the basis that the school servant also works as a school crossing patrolman.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Parliamentary Secretary please inform the House whether all applications are, in fact, referred to the Advisory Board?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this debate is very important for a rural Member, and I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak. (In Mandarin) Sir, I rise to support the rural Members of Parliament on the allocation of funds for the rural areas. Over the past few years, the Government has done something for the rural areas. Although the performance has been quite satisfactory in itself, on the whole, it is not adequate enough when compared to the high rate of progress and development in the urban areas. The feeling is that the rural areas are still backward. But if we compare the present rate of development of the rural areas with that of a few years ago, it could be excusable, because at that time our economy was such that we came to a stage when the spirit was willing but the body was weak. The Member for Jurong has said that with the buoyant economy and with a surplus budget, there are favourable conditions for the Government to allocate more sums of money for the improvement and progress of the rural areas, particularly in regard to the metalling of roads, the construction of drains and the provision of other social amenities so as to make it possible for the rural people to enjoy the modern facilities in life. It is therefore regrettable to see that the allocation for 1973-74 is the same as that for 1972-73. As was pointed out by the other Members, it is also my hope that a bigger sum will be provided for 1974-75. Even if the amount is doubled it may not be enough. Mr Lee Yiok Seng rose -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I be permitted to make some observations with regard to the work of the Legal Aid Bureau? I have no doubt that the Bureau is rendering an excellent service. However, I have similarly received complaints of delay on the part of the Bureau. Quite apart from the shortage of personnel, I suspect that the delay might well be due to language, because the majority of the people who seek the help of the Legal Aid Bureau are non-English speaking. In fact, I know of one parti- cular case where the petitioner won the case but under peculiar circumstances. Somehow it seemed to him that it would be to his advantage to make a plea on certain grounds. However, the position of the case was not clearly explained to him, and he came grumbling to me. I am just wondering whether the provision of interpreters could be made to relieve the situation, because most of these people speak their own dialects and not English.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I be permitted to ask whether the Minister can elaborate on the failure of the Telephone Industries of Singapore? Has it involved us in any financial loss? If so, what is the amount, and whether there are any legal means by which we can hold the other party responsible for our loss?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the question of bus services, I would also like to take the opportunity of asking the Minister to look into the question of assigning new buses for the rural areas and not some broken-down bone-shakers. My constituents have time and again written to the newspapers to complain. It is all very well to extend the bus routes, but it takes two hours to get to town. I am quite sure this applies to areas like Jurong, Chua Chu Kang and the other outlying rural areas. I cannot see why the rural folks should be penalised just because they are staying in the rural areas.”