Lee Yock Suan
Singapore
“The position will be clear when the regulations have been drafted. Right now we are debating it in the absence of actual wording of the regulations. The regulations will be fair, they are meant to maintain a level playing field, and we should wait for the regulations before we pass judgement. The intention is not to go after everybody.”
“I think the Member will be aware that Internet is a very dangerous place. We can have all kinds of poison letters and they will just spread like wild fire. So we must have some means to try and minimise this and make sure that everything is orderly and fair.”
“The other Members have no problem supporting the Bill, including Mr Chiam. I think the position is about 95% clear. 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 Lee Yock Suan].”
“Then we will have to see the actual situation. But, as I said, the intention is to go after the popular sites, the main sites of parties and non-party political sites. If it is an individual, eg, a young man posting up his own site and saying "These are my views", we are not going to go after those people.”
“The intention is to make the rules clear for the main parties involved in the contest, in other words, the party websites. These are the areas we are mainly after.”
“I thank Mr Chiam for reminding me about his question. On listening to his speech, I was under the impression that he was asking whether this ban on opinion polls applies to the mass media. The answer is yes, it applies to all media, not just the Internet but also newspapers, TV and so on. Thank you for pointing this out.”
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“These improvements include the replacement of secondary roofing, the resurfacing of car parks, the enlargement of refuse bin centres to accommodate all refuse containers awaiting collection, and the provision of additional lifts. I have with me some photographs showing the marked difference between these facilities before and after repair, if Members would like to see them. KAKI BUKIT ESTATE (Summonses under State Lands Encroachments Act) 12. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for National Development why his Ministry had served summonses under the State Lands Encroachments Act on occupiers of properties in the Kaki Bukit estate before they were allocated alternative accommodation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the taking over of JTC housing estates in May 1982, extensive repair and improvement works have been carried out on the lifts in these estates, including Boon Lay. The performance of lifts has improved from an average of 2.1 breakdowns per lift per month in May 1982 to 1.8 in July 1982. When all repair and improvement works have been completed, the number of breakdowns is expected to be further reduced. If the performance of lifts continues to be unsatisfactory despite these repairs, they will be replaced. The HDB has also been carrying out a series of improvement schemes to upgrade the condition of JTC housing estates to equal that of other HDB estates. In Boon Lay Estate, the performance of cleaning contractors has been improved through the implementation of HDB's work specifications and by encouraging these contractors to mechanize cleaning operations. Repairs have also been carried out, for example, the replacement of broken rubbish chute doors; the repair of all broken drains, pavements and floors; the over-hauling of all water pumps; and the repainting of dirty lift landing doors and staircase walls. The condition of the open areas in Boon Lay Estate has also been improved by the provision of additional foot-paths and drain crossings, pruning of overgrown trees and the returfing and replanting of landscaped sites. Round-the-clock lift rescue services and repairs to essential services have also been provided by HDB's Essential Maintenance Services Centre. In addition, the HDB has drawn up plans for long-term improvements to all former JTC housing estates including Boon Lay.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is no. The pig farms in the designated pig farming areas will be required to treat their waste to the required level, i.e. to bring down the BOD (Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand) from above 4,000 to about 250 milligrams per litre by December 1984. So they will have to decide whether they want to comply with this requirement or to give up farming altogether. There is no minimum requirement in terms of number of pigs that they have. BOON LAY HOUSING ESTATE (Improvements) 11. Mr Goh Chee Wee asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the assurance given that improvements will be carried out to the Jurong Town Corporation Estates which have been taken over by the Housing and Development Board, (a) if the HDB has finalized plans to replace all the unserviceable lifts in Boon Lay Housing Estate; and (b) what other improvements have been made to this Estate.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it will be necessary for the smaller farmers to combine together to upgrade their operations so that they will be able to afford the waste treatment facilities. Because of our constraints in Singapore such as land shortage and also the need to maintain a clean environment, it is necessary to have farms which are economical and mechanized, and so on. So small farmers should really get together and upgrade themselves, and my Ministry will be only too happy to provide them with the necessary technical assistance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, between 1st January, 1980, when the levy scheme started, and 15th August, 1982 a total of $23.4 million has been collected from the levy of $10 per pig slaughtered. The amount collected between 1st March, 1981 (as required in the Question) and 15th August, 1982 is $12.6 million. The cost of installing pig-waste treatment plants varies, depending on the system of treatment adopted as well as the ground condition of the farms. The capital grant of $100 per pig by the Government is expected to be sufficient to cover the construction costs of most systems. However, in some cases, farmers may choose to install more expensive plants if these plants cost less to operate and provided these savings more than compensate for the higher capital cost. Owing to economies of scale, the larger capacity plants cost less on a per-capita basis to construct. The actual costs will only be known after tenders have been awarded to the most competitive bidders.”
“Sir, concerning the first question, the HDB is aware of the frustrations felt by ordinary applicants as a result of the various priority schemes. We will only introduce priority schemes when there are good reasons for doing so, for example, to encourage families to live together. The Member may be aware that the HDB already has quotas for the various priority schemes. For resettlement cases, the quota is 50% of the flats available for balloting. And for other schemes like the SAF, Police, HDB staff and so on, we have also set quotas. So I think, through the quota arrangement, we have already satisfied the proposal that he is making. Concerning the second question about assuring applicants that they will not have to pay more, I do not know whether the Member is serious. Anyway, the answer is no, it is not possible. PIG-WASTE TREATMENT PLANT (Construction cost) 10.”
“The answer is yes. REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE (Applications) 12. Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health (i) how many male and female applicants have applied for a high-flying career with the Republic of Singapore Air Force to-date; and (ii) the number of male and female applicants selected for flight training.”
“This condition is clearly stated and has to be accepted by the applicants concerned before their applications for transfer can be considered. As the date of the Bukit Purmei ballot was less than two months from the dates of transfer of the three applicants, they had to be excluded from the ballot.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I must explain to the Member for Anson that there are some situations where a public applicant would not be due for balloting whereas others with bigger registration numbers would be. For example, if an applicant applies for Zone X, he would not be included in the balloting for flats in Zone Y, although applicants in the balloting for Zone Y may have bigger registration numbers. Balloting for HDB flats is on a zonal basis. Similarly, if an applicant applies for a three-room flat, he would not be included in the balloting for four-room flats, although again some applicants in the four-room ballot may have bigger registration numbers. In the ballot for Bukit Purmei held on 21st January, 1982, there was one applicant for a three-room flat who was excluded from the ballot, although his number was smaller than the numbers of other applicants who were included. This applicant was left out at his own request as he had specifically asked for a flat in Bukit Ho Swee where flats were being offered for sale, first to sitting tenants and then to the public should some sitting tenants decline the offer. There were also three applicants with smaller numbers who were originally on the three-room register but who had transferred to the four-room register under the Multi-tier Family Housing Scheme. These applicants were clearly told and they accepted the condition of the Scheme which stipulates that applicants transferring their applications to bigger flats would be excluded from any ballot within two months of the transfer. The two-month cut-off period is necessary to enable the HDB to finalize the list of qualifying applicants and to make other preparations for the ballot.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the prices of beef and mutton have been stable, with mutton price showing a slight increase in the middle of 1981. This price stability is due to the continued steady supply of beef and mutton from abroad. Unlike pork which is mainly locally produced and subject to wider price fluc- tuations with variation in local supply and demand, practically all our beef and mutton are imported from overseas, mainly from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. We are confident that supplies will be adequate in future as these countries are major exporters and our imports are comparatively small. Nevertheless, my Ministry is seeking other sources of supply so as to further ensure the continued stability in the supply and prices of beef and mutton. BALLOTING OF HDB FLATS IN BUKIT PURMEI 11. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for National Development if he will explain the inclusion in the recent balloting for Housing and Development Board flats in Bukit Purmei under the category reserved for members of the public who were not eligible for priority, of applicants whose registration numbers had not been reached whilst others with qualifying numbers were excluded.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in Geylang Serai Constituency, additional main pipes with separate downfeed pipes will be installed in 31 blocks to increase the water pressure at the upper floors. Tenders for 18 blocks in Geylang East and four blocks in Haig Road have been called. Work on these blocks is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 1983. Tenders for the remaining nine blocks in Haig Road are scheduled to be called in October 1982 and works to be completed in mid-1983. BEEF AND MUTTON PRICES (Steps to stabilize) 10. Dr Chau Sik Ting asked the Minister for National Development, as measures taken by his Ministry have kept the price of pork fairly stable, what steps have been or are being taken to stabilize prices of beef and mutton.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board will install an additional main pipe with separate downfeed pipes for the top two floors of flats where water pressure is low. To date, improvement works have been completed in 575 blocks and are in progress in another 554 blocks. In Boon Teck Constituency, improvement works on 29 blocks are already in progress and are expected to be completed in December 1982. Tender has also been called for works on the remaining 12 blocks in Boon Teck Constituency. These works will be completed in the first quarter of 1983. GEYLANG EAST AND HAIG ROAD HDB ESTATES (Low water pressure) 9. Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe asked the Minister for National Development what measures the Housing and Development Board is taking to improve the water pressure of the upper floor units of the flats in the Geylang East and Haig Road Estates, and when these measures will be implemented as the present low water pressure is causing considerable inconvenience to residents.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Thomson Road provides the only access for the northern part of the island to the city. The traffic volume along the northern corridor has been increasing steadily due to HDB's building developments in the north. The ultimate solution to traffic congestion along Thomson Road is the completion of the Sembawang/Central Expressway which will run from Avenue 1 Ang Mo Kio to Thomson Road. Construction is now in progress and the expressway is expected to be completed by the end of 1984. Pending the completion of the Sembawang/Central Expressway, the PWD has implemented a number of traffic management measures, such as the banning of right-turning movement from Thomson Road into Moulmein Road at their junctions to give more green time for city-bound traffic along Thomson Road. This has increased the city-bound traffic volume during the morning peak hours. An extra lane is also under construction for Upper Thomson Road in the direction of Lornie Road at the junction of Upper Thomson Road/Thomson Road/Lornie Road. There are also plans to ban right-turning from Lornie Road to Thomson Road at their junctions during the morning peak hours. The Department will continue to monitor the traffic situation along Thomson Road and, if necessary, adjustments to the green time of the traffic signals will be made. INQUIRY UNDER SECTION 14 OF THE EMPLOYMENT ACT (Statement by the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour) 2.38 p.m.”
“Sir, on the first point regarding pig waste treatment, the Primary Production Department and the Ministry of the Environment have jointly formulated a plan to assist permanent pig farmers to manage their pig waste. I am pleased to inform the House that the Government has set aside a sum of $65 million to be disbursed over the next few years as capital grants to assist permanent pig farmers to overcome their waste pollution problems. However, at this stage the details have not been finalized. We expect to finalize them very soon and, together with the Ministry of Finance, an announcement will be made. Concerning the Punggol Fishing Port and Market, this is now under construction and will be completed in June 1983. The $11.7 million complex covers a site of two hectares. It will have a jetty equipped with water and fuel bunkering facilities and cranes for the loading and unloading of fishing vessels. Besides the wholesale auction market, there will also be shops, offices, stores, canteens, car parks and other amenities to serve the fishermen, fish merchants and fish retailers. The port and market is expected to handle about 10,000 tons of fish a year and will be the main fish marketing and distribution centre for the eastern part of Singapore.”
“Actually I have already answered the point, but there seems to be some communication gap here. We cannot give every farmer a piece of land if he asks for it because we have not got the land. But the land is there and it will be developed. If the farmers think they are .able to meet the requirements, say, they ask for two hectares and say that later on they may want to go on to five, then the Primary Production Department will consider their plan if they meet the requirements. In fact, the Primary Production Department will assist them with the know-how to eventually grow to be big farmers. I have cited the instance of the pig farmers who have been helped over the years to become really big farmers. They are among the largest in this part of the world. But to give every farmer a piece of land because they have been farming before, that is not possible. So there is no question of priority here. The land is there. There will be many hectares of land for farming and those farmers who want to continue farming and are able to meet the requirements can apply, and the land will be given. There is no question of jumping the queue or anything like that. The land is there. So I do not see the need for special consideration. For those who are changing trade, and those who are old, I have explained the various ways by which Government is trying to assist them.”
“As I have explained, we are not able and we have stopped giving land to resettled farmers unless they are able to meet the minimum requirements. So in a sense we are not giving them back the land, and for a very good reason because we have not got land resources. Singapore is not a farming country. But as I have explained just now, we do give special assistance to these people. We do give them special compensation - we rent them shophouses at resettlement rates, and so forth. They do not have to tender for the shophouses. They are allocated shophouses. So these are the various means of assistance to help them to adjust. If they want to continue farming in the context of modern Singapore, then they have to upgrade themselves; maybe several of them could group together so that they have enough capital resources to apply for a piece of land that is suitable for modern farming. But in terms of giving every farmer a piece of land, that is simply not possible.”
“In addition to the normal resettlement rates for their house, for their plantation, for their trees, farm plots and so on, we also give a special compensation for the licensed farmers. I think this is about $19,000. They are also given priority for HDB housing, as well as priority to rent HDB shophouses with rental concessions. This is at the resettlement rates. So I think the Government is doing its best to help these people to adjust.”
“Sir, the hon. Member for Chua Chu Kang said that I was misleading the House when I made this comparison. The point that I am trying to make really is that some people may ask, "Why are we clearing farms to make way for other farms?" So I drew a comparison to show why we clear squatter houses to make way for other houses. Therefore, the point really is that it is for the same use but it is a much more intensive use. That is the point I was trying to make. In the case of farmland, the important thing is to optimize on our scarce land resources. I have explained that farmland is getting less and less, from 7,500 hectares to about 3,000 hectares. On the other hand, it is desirable for us to continue to have a steady supply of fresh food. So if these farmers can group together and meet the requirements, they will be able to apply for the land after it has been developed. The question of priority does not arise because there will be adequate land available. If they meet the requirements, they will be given the land. I have also explained just now that we very much welcome them to upgrade themselves if they can and the Primary Production Department will also assist them to do that. I have also explained the kind of assistance we give to the other farmers whose livelihood may be affected. These are the marginal farmers who are able to survive because they pay no rental, they do not undertake pollution controls, and so it is only a matter of time before marginal farming dies out naturally, what with the farmers' children going to schools, universities, and not following their footsteps. In the case of old farmers who have difficulty adjusting, I have explained that we have enhanced the compensation.”
“Once this land is developed, it will be somewhat like the development of industrial land in Jurong where those industries which qualify simply come to apply for the land and are allocated the land at the standard rentals. We fully sympathize with the situation of the farmers and, as you can see from my lengthy explanation, we are trying our best to compensate them and assist them to adjust to their new way of life.”
“They can apply for land in the designated areas. Alternatively, the compensation paid to the farmers will assist them to adjust from subsistence farming to other activities more compatible with land-scarce Singapore. It is unlikely that the children of marginal farmers will want to work on the farms, and so sooner or later the adjustment will have to be made. As Members may be aware, affected small farmers are also given priority to rent HDB shops at resettlement rental, which is 10% below open market rentals. Many farmers have, in fact, made use of this opportunity. Those farmers who are above 40 years of age and meet other criteria for consideration for hawker licences may also apply for hawker stalls. However, each application for hawker stalls will be considered on its own merits, as the policy is to encourage our population to go into other more productive occupations. If I may just come back to the point made by the hon. Member for Chua Chu Kang. He has asked whether we can give special consideration to these farmers - whether they could be left alone on the site, whether they can group together and buy over other sites and to continue farming without having to move out. As I said, the Primary Production Department will have to examine this further. But I have been told that it may not be possible in a comprehensive redevelopment like this to allow these odd plots to be left where they are. The point is that it is not so much a question of giving these people priority when they apply for the land, because if they meet the requirements set by the Primary Production Department they are fully welcome to apply to the Primary Production Department which will give them every assistance to develop into modern farms which are viable.”
“Today, agricultural activities occupy about 7,500 hectares or 10% of our total land area. In the medium-term land use plan, only 3,300 hectares of land in several localities will be available for agricultural use. If we are to maintain or even increase our farm output with less than half the land area, we have no choice but to maximize the use of this land. To achieve this, farming must be placed on a fully commercialized footing, like other economic activities in Singapore. Land designated for agriculture will be cleared and redeveloped by the Primary Production Department into proper farming estates. When developed, farmers and entrepreneurs with necessary capital and expertise will be invited to apply for the farm plots which will not be less than two hectares each. Economic rentals will be charged and the successful applicant will be required to meet production targets set by the PPD. The farmers will have to use modern farming methods with a high degree of mechanization and pollution control. 4.00 p.m. Hon. Members are aware of our agricultural policy which has been announced in previous years in Parliament. Effective from 22nd March 1979, affected farmers who hold farming licences are compensated for their improvements at enhanced rates and are given a resettlement cash grant as well. Members have just heard from my Minister the increases in the compensation rates. The farmers also get priority to purchase HDB flats. However, in keeping with the Government's policy to maximize land use, farmers are no longer offered alternative farming land as part of their resettlement benefits. Those affected small farmers who wish to continue farming should group together and organize themselves to undertake large scale intensive farming using modern methods.”
“I am dwelling a bit on the wider scope here to explain to the farmers concerned because it is important that the new farming policy is understood. As I have said, if possible, we will try to accommodate those deserving cases. Farming, like manufacturing and other economic activities in Singapore, has to be restructured and upgraded to make optimum use of our scarce resources. A good example is the reorganization of the pig farms. The resettling of the pig farms was primarily to clean up the water catchment areas. In the process, the more enterprising local farmers have been encouraged to go into more intensive farming using modern mechanized methods and pollution control. The modern farms have to be large to benefit from economies of scale and to implement more capital-intensive methods. The number of pig farms has been reduced from about 9,300 in 1975 to about 1,500 at present. But the total output of pigs has been maintained. In the Punggol Phase 3 farms, 12 large farms will keep about 300,000 pigs, as many as the 175 farms in Phase 1. Incidentally, apart from the Government-owned farm, the large farms in Punggol Phase 3 all belong to local farmers. I want to emphasize the word "local" here. These are farmers who have made use of the opportunity to upgrade themselves over the years with assistance from my Ministry. Singapore is not an agricultural country with a large land area. We have only 620 square kilometres and there are many competing claims for our scarce and precious land resources. Over the years, the area used for agriculture has been shrinking as farms have to make way for more urgent uses, such as industry and public housing, to provide jobs and homes for our people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in replying to the hon. Member for Chua Chu Kang, may I first assure the House that my Ministry is not going out of its way to get rid of small-time farmers. Unfortunately, those farmers occupying lands which are required for more urgent uses, such as public housing and industries, may be affected. They should be compensated and assisted to adjust to new occupations more compatible with land-scarce Singapore. In the case of Lim Chu Kang, Murai and Sungei Tengah, the affected areas are required for a public scheme; in this case, for the development of intensive farming. The hon. Member for Chua Chu Kang has asked why we are resettling these people to make way for big-scale farming. He has also asked whether it is possible to leave some of the bigger ones alone and just develop around them. I have been told that this is a comprehensive scheme and that it may not be possible technically to do it the way he envisages. But I will ask the Primary Production Department to examine this more closely. The point I am making is this: there is, in fact, a scheme to develop the whole area for intensive farming. May I just make a comparison here with the development of land for public housing? In the case of clearance of land under squatter housing, we subsequently build up the area for highrise public housing. But it is on a much more intensive scale, benefiting many more Singaporeans. When the areas designated for intensive farming are developed, their output per hectare and per worker will be significantly higher than that of marginal farms. Intensive farming will make better use of our scarce land and manpower resources to help ensure our supplies of fresh food at minimum cost.”
“Sir, concerning the first problem raised by the Member for Chua Chu Kang, farm houses like other buildings and structures must comply with building standards which have been laid down. The revised standard-type plans for farm houses and other temporary buildings provide for normal roof eaves of 0.9 metres, or three feet width. However, the Development and Building Control Division does permit side extensions of up to 1.2 metres or four feet, and 2.4 metres or eight feet for front extensions provided the eaves can comply with spacing requirements. I wish to assure the Member for Chua Chu Kang that the Development and Building Control Division has been applying consistent standards for all buildings and has not been unduly strict with the houses in Lim Chu Kang. Building standards and requirements are constantly reviewed. As far: as roof eaves are concerned, enforcement action is taken only in the following circumstances: 1. If they are built without permission; 2. They are built larger than what has been approved; or 3. They cannot meet boundary clearance requirements. There must be a limit to the protrusion of roof eaves, beyond which they become unsafe for temporary timber buildings. If more coverage is required, and there is a need to deviate from the BCD standard-type plans for temporary buildings, then a proper plan should be submitted through an architect for a shed to be erected. The situation is not that we do not approve the eaves, but there has to be a certain amount of control for safety and other reasons. In the case of the R2 toilet system, I am afraid I am not too familiar with this problem and I will have to ask the BCD to look further into this problem.”
“These include: (a) A new system of outline applications to enable developers to test their proposals against planning requirements and to have a quick reply. This sort of application may take sometimes two weeks for approval to be given. Based on the in-principle approval, the developer can ask for a determination of the development charge, which can therefore be given very quickly. (b) A new system to accept architect's and engineer's certification of plans as accurate with only random checking. This cuts down laborious and time-consuming checking work on. the part of the Building Control Division. (c) Early payment of development charge and re-zoning, as I have explained, to expedite the processing of planning approvals. (d) Specific internal time limits for each processing stage to ensure that plans are speedily approved. With the streamlining of the processing procedure, the approval of plans is now much faster than before. The Ministry is looking into further areas where processing can be expedited. The expeditious approval of plans depends not only on various Government departments involved but also on the developers and their consultants. Numerous amendments and changes proposed by developers in processing mid-stream will delay project approval. Incorrect or incomplete submission of plans by consultants requiring the return of plans for correct submissions also leads to delay. Invariably consultants, pressured by clients, put the blame on Government departments when any delay occurs. In one case, for example, my Minister, reacting to a developer's complaint that his plans were delayed for 24 months, found on close investigation that for 17 months the plans were with the developer's consultants.”
“Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister. The hon. Member has asked how long it takes my Ministry to approve planning applications. This would depend on the nature of the application and the complexity of the case. But before going into that, perhaps I can explain what has happened because there have been some complaints about delays in planning approvals. In recent years the buoyant property market and the building boom have imposed severe strains on the processing of planning and building plan applications. The longer time that has been taken to process the applications for approval has been due to the following reasons: (1) An enormous increase in the number of new applications. The number of applications for the erection of new buildings doubled during the period 1978 to 1981. (2) The boom conditions in the private sector have led to a drain of experienced planners and technical officers to the private sector, making it more difficult to recruit such grades for the Government. (3) The boom conditions for private architects and engineers have led to staff shortages for the private sector also, resulting often in the submission of incomplete or inaccurate plans which require further processing by the Building Control Division. (4) In a situation where property transactions are rapid, new owners invariably want to change the approved plans of the previous owners. Even owners with approved plans often change their own plans to meet changing market conditions. All these result in abortive work for the Planning authority. Arising from the voluminous increase in planning applications, the Ministry has been reviewing procedures to expedite planning and building plan approvals.”
“Sir, the Parks and Recreation Department is presently developing a one-hectare site beside Telok Blangah Heights into a garden for the recreation of residents in the area. Facilities to be provided include park furniture and bird-cage hangers. The garden is being constructed at a cost of about $95,000 and will be completed by this month. In addition to the garden, the Parks and Recreation Department will be developing adjacent areas into a regional park in the latter part of this year. Facilities which will be provided include look-out points, children's playground, fitness course, refreshment kiosks, park furniture, foot-paths, park lightings, car parks and improvements to the existing road. The project is expected to take two years to complete.”
“For example, along Sims Avenue, Geylang Road and Changi Road, a microprocessor was installed recently to control 27 traffic signals. Such independent systems are also effective in linking traffic signals to improve traffic flow. There are plans to progressively install more microprocessor systems in other areas of heavy traffic where traffic lights can be linked. Mr Bernard Chen: I would like to thank the Minister of State for his reply, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I wish to thank the Member for Clementi for his interest in the computerized area traffic control system and also for his remarks concerning the PWD. Just for clarification, when I checked with the Member for West Coast yesterday with the map showing the various locations of the crossings, I was told they were in his constituency. I was a bit surprised that they are not. I will ask PWD to look into this matter further. The computerized Area Traffic Control (ATC) system was put into operation in August 1981. Minor teething problems, such as signal timing, were rectified within the first three months. There has been no problem since. The ATC system provides coordination between traffic signals to improve traffic flow. It also allows the timing of signals to be regulated to suit varying traffic conditions throughout the day. Traffic flow has improved and traffic congestion has decreased within the ATC area since its implementation. The ATC system is designed to serve only the CBD. It has a capacity to handle 200 traffic signals and presently controls 151 signals. It is not desirable to extend the ATC system to cover areas outside the CBD. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, the traffic signals are more widely dispersed outside the CBD, thereby making linking less effective. Secondly, the central computer is unable to communicate effectively with traffic controllers at junctions which are too far away as the transmission along telephone lines deteriorates with distance. The reserve capacity of the system is to cater for new signals to be installed within the city and Marina Centre. In areas outside the CBD where there are groups of signalized junctions close enough to be effectively linked, independent microprocessor systems will be installed.”
“Otherwise motorists may have to make circuitous routes to reach their destination along the road. Bus commuters will also be badly affected. In the case of Balestier Road there is no possible return pair. The PWD has therefore recommended that the one-way system will not be appropriate.”
“The PWD is aware that Balestier Road is heavily congested, partly because it is the only access road to the St. Michael's and Whampoa Housing Estates. The traffic congestion is further aggravated by commercial activities such as loading and unloading along the road which is lined with old shophouses. To improve the traffic situation, the PWD has implemented a number of traffic management measures along Balestier Road, such as banning right-turns from Whampoa Drive to Balestier Road at their junction and linking the traffic signals along Balestier Road at Kim Keat Road and Whampoa Drive to provide better coordination. Drains have been slabbed over to provide footpaths so that pedestrians do not walk on the road and hinder the traffic flow. These measures have provided some relief to the traffic congestion along Balestier Road. The Central Expressway which will run from Jalan Toa Payoh to Thomson Road is scheduled for completion by 1984, and access from the Expressway to the St. Michael and Whampoa Housing Estates will take away some traffic from Balestier Road and provide some relief to the congestion along Balestier Road. The widen- ing of Moulmein Road is not expected to adversely affect the traffic conditions along Balestier Road. At present only 30% of the traffic turn left from Moulmein Road to Balestier Road. These volumes will drop when a new access is provided from the Central Expressway to the housing estates. Moreover, in widening Moulmein Road, the junction of Balestier Road and Moulmein Road will be improved. This will increase the capacity of the junction. 5.45 p.m. A suggestion has been made to convert Balestier Road into a one-way system. However, I am told that in order for this to be done, an efficient return one-way road is necessary.”
“Anyway, I hope the Ministry of National Development will look into my case, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I am surprised to learn that the hon. Member for West Coast appears to be having some difficulties with the PWD. Since joining this Ministry in September last year, I have answered many questions in this House concerning overhead bridges and other pedestrian crossings. In every case the answer has been positive. My impression therefore is that the PWD has been extremely accommodating to requests from Members and their residents. I am told that the PWD does not reject requests for pedestrian crossing facilities if there are sufficient grounds for them. PWD will generally consider the traffic volume, the pedestrian volume and other relevant factors. The PWD is currently having a programme to complete 104 pedestrian bridges by the end of this year. In addition, pedestrian signalized crossings, zebra crossings and red-and-green-man signals at the various junctions are being installed all over the island. In the West Coast constituency, for instance, the PWD provided an overhead bridge across Ayer Rajah Road near the school at Jubilee Road in June 1979, and a signalized crossing at the junction of Clementi Avenue 2 with Avenue 5 in February 1982. Three more crossing points at West Coast Road between Blocks 513 and 609 are being planned. Work on two of these signalized crossings at Jalan Mas Puteh near Block 513, and another signalized crossing near Block 609 at Clementi West Street 1, will begin in the next financial year. I hope I have answered the Member's question. Dr Wan Soon Bee: Sir, the Hon. Minister of State has mentioned a few overhead bridges which are not in my constituency. They are in Ayer Rajah constituency. He has not answered my question yet.”
“Member feels strongly that the offences should be compounded, I would suggest that he take this up with the Ministry of the Environment. As regards the points raised by the Member for Rochore, as it concerns the HDB, my Minister will be replying later when he responds to the cut in the HDB budget. I hope he will bear with me.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister. First, concerning the point raised by the hon. Member for Ang Mo Kio, I would like to thank him for bringing this matter to the attention of my Ministry. To my knowledge, it is usual for the HDB hawker inspectors to give warnings first before they issue summonses. Usually it is only after repeated warnings that the summonses are issued. So I am a bit surprised to hear about this incident. There might have been some misunderstanding. I will ask the HDB hawker inspectors to be more cautious in future. As the hon. Member may be aware, the HDB hawker liaison officers are delegated with authority by the Commissioner of Public Health of the Environment Ministry to take enforcement action against hawkers who contravene the Environmental Public Health (Markets) Regulations. In exercising their duties, the HDB officers issue notices to errant hawkers under the Environmental Public Health Act. The incident cited by the hon. Member for Ang Mo Kio involves 25 stallholders who had breached the regulations for non-display of price tags. They were served with notices to attend court. The HDB records reveal that the notices bore the names and designations of the issuing HDB officers. However, the address of the issuing office was not indicated in the notices. It is regretted that this has given rise to some inconvenience to the hawkers concerned. The HDB will consult the Commissioner of Public Health to revise the format of the notice to include the address of the issuing authority. However, I regret to inform the hon. Member that offences under the Environmental Public Health Act and its regulations are not compoundable. The HDB is merely carrying out the policy of the Ministry of the Environment in this regard. If the hon.”
“Neither the Registrar of Marriages nor the Registrar of Muslim Marriages has refused to solemnize and register the marriage of a Singapore citizen to a non-citizen when both parties have satisfied the requirements under the Women's Charter or the Administration of Muslim Law Act, as the case may be. This is the correct legal position because neither Registrar has the power to refuse to solemnize and register a marriage between a Singapore citizen and a non-citizen when both parties have got all the legal requirements. As a lawyer, the Member for Anson should know this. What actually happens is this. Whenever a Singapore citizen and a non-citizen approach the Registrar to file a Notice of Marriage, the Registrar would advise the non-citizen to apply for the permission of the Commissioner for Employment first, if the non-citizen is, or at any time was, a Work Permit holder or had unsuccessfully applied for a Work Permit. Non-citizens usually take the advice of the Registrar but if a non-citizen rejects the advice there is nothing that the Registrar can do and he, the Registrar, will have to accept the notice and, in due course, solemnize and register the marriage. Similarly, Sir, if a non-citizen, after having accepted the advice of the Registrar, fails to get the permission of the Commissioner for Employment but insists on going through the marriage regardless, the Registrar will be obliged to solemnize and register the marriage. But, of course, such couples will be answerable to the Immigration Department and the Work Permit Office of the Labour Ministry. For the information of the Member for Anson, Sir, hitherto there have been only one such case at the Registry of Marriages and three at the Registry of Muslim Marriages.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the land bounded by Mandai Road, Meng Suan Garden and Thong Bee Road will be used for middle-income housing development by the Housing and Development Board. The land bounded by old Thomson Road, Lorong Sunyi, Sindo Industrial Estate and Upper Thomson Road forms part of the proposed HDB Seletar Estate. The first phase of public housing development in the area will commence in 1984. REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGES BETWEEN SINGAPORE CITIZENS AND NON-CITIZENS 10. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs under what provision of the law the Registrar of Marriages and the Syariah Court have refused to solemnize and register the marriages of Singapore citizens with intending spouses who are not citizens. The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, before I reply to the Member for Anson's question, I need to explain a couple of things to him first because, reading the Question as it stands on the Order Paper for today's sitting, I can see that the Member for Anson has got the courts mixed up. The Syariah Court does not solemnize and register marriages. The Syariah Court is the place where Muslim couples go when they want a divorce or whenever they cannot settle their marital disputes out of court. In other words, Sir, the Syariah Court deals with married people, not those about to get married. The Department which deals with Muslim marriages is called the Registry of Muslim Marriages. Having sorted out the confusion, Sir, here now is my reply to the Member's question.”
“The appeal is considered by three parties. The developer himself is present at the appeal. Then there is he Government Valuer and there is the Valuation Appeals Inspector appointed by the Minister. On the basis of the evidence provided by both the developer and the valuer, the independent Inspector will submit a report to the Minister for National Development who will decide on the case. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1982 TO 31ST MARCH, 1983 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [2nd Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 2.50 p.m. Head M (cont.) - Resumption of Debate on Question [17th March, 1982]. "That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead MA-01 Object Group 1100 of the Main Estimates." - [Mr Lim Boon Heng]. Question again proposed.”
“Alternatively, he can abort his original planning application before the 12-month period and resubmit for a new in-principle approval upon which development charge will be determined. There are no plans to review the present system of development charges since this is a fair system and reflects the current values of the property market.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware of the complaints made by developers that the development charge is too high. However, I believe that this is because they are not very clear on how development charge is arrived at or how their interests are protected in the system of levying development charge. Development charge is intended to cream off part of the windfall gains from increases in land values arising from approvals to develop land not in conformity with the Master Plan. It is based on 70% of the increase in land value as determined on a case-by-case basis by the Chief Valuer. This system is fair to all, since land value varies widely from locality to locality and at different points in time. Development charges are as high or as low as property prices at the time of approval of the development project. In the event that developers dispute the quantum of development charge, there is an avenue of appeal to the Minister. The present procedure for the determination of development charge ensures that development is not discouraged. Development charge is determined at the date of the grant of in-principle approval and remains valid for a period of 12 months or until written permission is issued, whichever is earlier. This protects the developer in both a rising as well as a failing property market. In a rising market, with development charge determined on the date of in-principle approval, the developer is protected for up to one year from having to pay higher development charges from rising land values. In a property downturn, the developer can get a new determination of development charge after the expiry of 12 months to benefit from failing land values.”
“Members of this House will know that legal provision already exists for minor children to claim maintenance from their parents and for deserted wives to claim maintenance from their husbands. It is to be hoped, Sir, that it will not be necessary to introduce such legislation.”
“Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs in how many cases has public assistance been terminated or withdrawn since 1st January, 1977; how many of them were the result of investigations which revealed that the recipients had grown-up children or close relatives to whom they could turn for support; whether he is aware that some of these children or relatives refuse to support the recipients; and what measures he proposes to take against these children or relatives after counsel from the Counselling Section of the Social Welfare Department has failed to convince them of their duty to maintain and support the recipients. The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, during the five-year period from 1st January 1977 to 31st December, 1981, 8,839 persons had their public assistance allowance withdrawn. Of this number, 2,035 or 23% had their allowance withdrawn because they had grown-up children or close relatives who could, and were prepared to, support them. I would like to assure the hon. Member and also this House that public assistance allowance will not be withdrawn if the children or close relatives, though financially in a position to support the recipient, do not in fact do so. The facts of each case are carefully considered by the Public Assistance Review Committee under my Ministry. Happily, as of now, the number of public assistance recipients who have well-to-do children or close relatives and yet do not receive any support from them, is small. If, in future, there is evidence that growing numbers are abandoning their parents, the Government will consider introducing legislation to confer on needy, aged parents the right to claim maintenance from their children.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before I answer, I must say that once again we find him making innuendoes like it is a crime to marry a Malaysian. But that is not really the point. The point here, in answer to his question, is that public housing for Singaporeans is not a right. It is a privilege. It is not a right. No country has given its citizens the right to public housing. Singapore can, in fact, be very proud in that we have already housed 70% of our population, and this percentage is rising to 80%, 90% in the near future. Nevertheless, applicants must satisfy certain conditions to qualify for public housing. For example, some families consisting entirely of citizens are not eligible simply because their household income exceeds the qualifying ceiling. Why does not the Member for Anson champion these people? Another example. The HDB maintains a blacklist of applicants who have been disqualified from applying for HDB flats for various reasons, for example, if they had misused their flats as gambling houses or for other vices. Tenants who are guilty of vandalism in lifts may, in fact, be evicted from their HDB flats. Tenants who misuse their flats as stores for bicycle thieves or subversive elements will also be disqualified. WITHDRAWAL OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (Particulars) 4.”
“Mr Speaker, gir, funds have been approved to widen and improve Neo Tiew Road. Work is expected to commence in mid-1982 and is scheduled for completion by mid-1983. BILLS INTRODUCED 3.29 p.m. SUPPLY BILL "to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the estimated expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1982, to 31st March, 1983", recommendation of President signified, presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry (Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY BILL "for making supplementary provision to meet additional expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1981, to 31st March, 1982", recommendation of President signified presented by Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CONSIDERATION OF MORE THAN ONE ITEM OF SUPPLY BUSINESS (Business Motion) Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the First Supplementary Main Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1981 to 31st March, 1982 (Paper Cmd. 4 of 1982) and the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1981 to 31st March, 1982 (Paper Cmd. 5 of 1982) be taken today." - (Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam) FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY MAIN ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE (Paper Cmd. 4 of 1982) and FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE (Paper Cmd. 5 of 1982) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1981 TO 31ST MARCH, 1982 3.32 p.m. Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply (Allotted Day). [Mr Speaker in the Chair]”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as regards the first question, the HDB is satisfied that the structural strength of the prefabricated flats will be as good as, if not better than, the conventional method. Certainly, in terms of finish,the quality will be better because the material has been prefabricated in the factory and does not require the skill of the formworker to provide the finish. As regards costs, as I have explained, the use of the mechanized system requires a heavy capital investment which has to be depreciated. Of course, we save on time and labour. We require different kinds of labour. But on balance, I think the cost of the two types of flats will be about the same. There will not be too much savings by way of costs. NEO TIEW ROAD (Widening and Upgrading) 16. Mr Tang See Chim asked the Minister for National Development what plant, his Ministry has to widen and up-grade Neo Tiew Road which is being used by heavy traffic as a trunk road linking the Jurong Industrial Estate and Woodlands Road and which is inadequate to accommodate such heavy traffic.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, apart from the prefabrication method of construction, HDB has introduced and promoted the use of concrete batching plants and pumps since early 1980. HDB contractors are encouraged to acquire these equipment under the Board's interest-fee financing scheme. To date, 35 units of concrete batching plants and 24 units of concrete pumps have been purchased under the scheme. Concreting labour can be reduced by 20% through the use of these equipment. The HDB started Metalform Operations since early 1975. In the last few years, metal formwork has been used extensively because of the tight labour situation. A - saving of 10-15% in skilled labour, materials and time can be achieved by metal formwork construction. Other areas that the HDB is actively looking into include a mechanized materials handling system, the use of large panel formwork systems, such as table/tunnel form with tower cranes and large panel lightweight partitions. The cost savings derived by the use of such systems is minimal, owing to the heavy capital investment. However, savings of up to 30% in site labour can be achieved with a reduction in construction time of about 10%. Concerning the safety of construction workers, the use of metal forms and mechanized handling systems greatly reduces the amount of debris and waste materials at the construction sites. This will minimize the hazard of tripping and falling. Cantilever platforms with guard rails will also be provided for workers who work at the sides of the buildings. Thus, the safety at the construction sites will be improved.”
“Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for National Development, apart from adopting the prefabrication method of construction, what steps have been taken by the Housing and Development Board to mechanise the construction of flats; and whether these measures will result in cost savings, expedite construction, and improve the safety of construction workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, all HDB lifts are equipped with emergency devices to supply power to the lift fans and ligbts in the event of power failure. Since mid-1979, the HDB has also been installing Automatic Rescue Devices (ARD) in lifts in its estates. In the event of a power failure, the device which operates on batteries, will automatically bring the lift car to the nearest lift landing and open the lift door to release any trapped passengers. The lift will resume normal operation only when the power supply is restored. To date, 94% of HDB lifts have been installed with the ARD devices. The installation of the remaining 6% will be completed by September 1982. All new lifts are fitted with ARD. As the ARD operates on battery power, it will take longer than normal for a lift to reach the next lift landing. However, this would not exceed 10 minutes. Persons trapped in lifts should, therefore, refrain from tampering with the lift door and controls but wait for the lift to reach the next landing. Besides installing ARD in lifts, the HDB has a lift rescue unit which operates round the clock. Residents' Committee members can help to inform residents that if they are ever trapped in lifts, they should remain calm and wait for the ARD devices to bring them to the nearest lift landing. Aftempts to force open the lift door will cause the lift to jam. Lift rescue operations should be handled by the lift rescue unit which is properly trained and equipped for the job. CONSTRUCTION OF HDB FLATS (Mechanization) 15.”
“However, the PWD will continue to monitor the traffic condition along Ayer Rajah Road. If necessary, further improvements will be carried out. RESCUE OF PERSONS TRAPPED IN HDB LIFTS 14. Mr Liew Kok Pun asked the Minister for National Development how the Housing and Development Board plans to free persons trapped in HDB lifts as a result of a major power failure and whether the HDB will consider training Residents' Committee members to help rescue such persons.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Port of Singapore Authority has acquired the area around Alexandra Terrace/Alexandra Lane and will be developing the land for a warehousing complex. There are, however, no plans at present to acquire the lands to the west of Alexandra Terrace up to Jalan Pasir Ria for public development. Pulau Sakeng is earmarked for industrial development by the jurong Town Corporation. However, there is no firm development programme for the island yet. AYER RAJAH ROAD BETWEEN CLEMENTI ROAD AND GILLMAN CIRCUS (Improvement to traffic flow) 13. Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for National Development what steps are being taken to improve the flow of traffic, especially during the peak hours, along Ayer Rajah Road between Clementi Road and Giliman Circus. Mr Lee Yock Suan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, a few years ago when Ayer Rajah Road and Upper Ayer Rajah Road were the only roads serving Jurong, motorists used to experience prolonged congestion. With the completion of the Pan Island Expressway, Commonwealth Avenue West and the West Coast Highway, providing three additional high capacity roads to Jurong, traffic movements along Ayer Rajah Road have improved considerably. Recent traffic counts conducted by the PWD indicate that peak-hour volumes along Ayer Rajah Road are within the capacity of the road, even though some peak period congestions are observed at Gillman Circus. To solve this problem, the PWD intends to signalize Gillman Circus. Work will start at the beginning of next year to be completed by the end of the year. The PWD has observed that the traffic volumes at the intersection of Ayer Rajah Road and Clementi Road are within the capacity of the intersection. Therefore, no immediate improvements are necessary.”