Lim Kim San
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Utilities Board's investigation shows that the residents of Pulau Ubin are unwilling to pay higher prices due to higher operating costs, thereby causing the contractor to cease operations. It was explained to the hon.”
“Sir, I understand the Member's point, but I hope he realises that six months after serving notice, the pigs will still be defecating freely which will continue to contaminate our water.”
“Sir, if anyone should get sick from coming into contact with contaminated water, I hope they will accept sympathy from the Member for Jurong. But we cannot evaluate the danger to human life in terms of dollars and cents. The farmers have known for several years now that pig-rearing will have to be phased out of the catchment areas.”
“Sir, all I can say is that we are still looking into the feasibility of siting a coal-fired station on one of the islands to reduce the pollution problem. But no definite decision has yet been made. We have several offers to do a feasibility study on it, and we are looking closely into the matter. 5.45 p.m.”
“Merit Scholar- Merit Courses ships Bursaries Medicine/ Dentistry 44 41 Engineering 28 22 Architecture/ Building/ Estate Management 6 18 Accountancy/ Business Administration 9 14 Arts/Social Science/Law 32 40 Science (includes Pharmacy) 82 102 ___ ___ 201 237 === === Sir, I believe the hon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, air pollution is being monitored daily by the Anti- Pollution Unit, and we find that the air pollution in industrial estates and the urban areas is normally higher than in the residential or rural areas.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,111 lines we hold for Lim Kim San, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 23.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this is a very serious allegation - that the PUB is cheating. I hope the Member would not mention this outside Parliament, otherwise legal action could be taken. As regards the point raised by the Member for Toa Payoh about combining a hawker's business account with his domestic account, I think there must be some misunderstanding here. I do not believe the PUB will com- bine one account with another without the permission of the consumer. It cannot be done. If it is so, will the Member bring the case to my attention? I doubt it very much. If an officer of the PUB has shown such initiative, then this is something which I will be quite proud of. But normally I would say that things like this do not happen.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, his friend can check the bill to see whether we have charged him at the commercial rate or the domestic rate. The figures are shown there. There is no sleight of hand in the billing.”
“There were 500 cases of cables being damaged by excavation work in 1966 and 1967. Contractors who persistently dig up cables and do not take good care in their excavation work are debarred. Last year 40 contractors who persistently ignored our advice were given advice and lectures by the PUB engineers on how to prevent damage to electrical cables. This course of education will continue and we hope damage to cables by contractors will be reduced. Sir, I think I have replied to most of the points raised by hon. Members, but should I overlook any, they can bring it up.”
“If they are asked to work on a Sunday, they have to be given a day off in lieu, so very few of the daily-rated employees like to work on Sundays. The PUB is not stinting on overtime when it is necessary and essential. In fact, the overtime payment for the Electricity Department is 25% of the wages. The Member also quoted an incident where because of the refusal of the PUB workers to work on a Sunday a company had incurred a great loss. The company should know when it requires a changeover from low tension to high tension electrical supply or when it requires a change in cable in which case it must inform the PUB much earlier. Wherever we can, we will accede to the request of the company and we will try not to disrupt production. But the company must have known about its requirements very early and it should have made plans to meet with such contingency. There are only 52 Sundays in a year and there are a few hundred firms. In addition there is a lot of maintenance work to do. So if PUB workers just work on Sundays, we would not have such an efficient system of electricity distribution. The Member for Toa Payoh asked whether we have enough competent engineers to man the electrical distribution and generating system. By and large, I can say that we in Singapore have been very fortunate in that we have sufficient electric power to see us through the accelerated economic expansion that has taken place during the last 20 years. Blackouts, as I have explained at one time or another in this House, are inevitable. We are dealing with very sophisticated equipment and cut-off blackouts are just one of the ways of preventing damage to the system. However, a great deal of damage has been caused by careless contractors.”
“Their electrical or gas appliance may have deteriorated and so the bill goes up. They may be celebrating birthdays or marriages. But half a million accounts of the consumers are now put on a new computer which is programmed to alert the Finance Department should there be any abnormal departure in the pattern of consumption of the consumer. If there is a large increase or reduction in a bill from one month to the next, officers will be sent out to the home to find out the reason. In many instances, leakage of gas and water is detected this way. Similarly, if we do have meter readers who are like Mr Magoo known for his poor eyesight, and are unable to read the meter correctly, then the abnormality will be shown in the bill. If the reading is wrong, the consumption of electricity or water will show either an abnormal increase or decrease. This is a departure from the normal pattern of consumption and the computer will alert the Finance Department which will then have a second look at the bill. They are experts at this job and they will be able to tell if it is a case of wrong meter reading. But whatever it is, if the bill is not rectified immediately it will be rectified in the following month. Since these accounts are now computerised, if there has been an over-estimation of consumption and the consumer pays Government tax on it, the tax will be credited if subsequent reading of the meter shows that the consumer is actually not liable to tax. I come to the question of working on Sundays. I would be most happy to enlist the assistance of the hon. Member for Boon Teck to persuade the PUB daily-rated employees to work on Sundays. As you know, Sunday is a rest day for the PUB daily-rated employees.”
“Sir, I can say that on the whole meter reading by the PUB to register consumption of either water, electricity or gas, is reliable and accurate. If the meters are not accurate, and there are about 1.1 million of them in service, I would be the one who is most worried. This is simply because an inaccurate meter tends to under-register. Because of this tendency, the PUB observes very stringent standards when purchasing meters. And it is not true in this instance to say that we accept the lowest tender. We always go for the best equipment, cost-effective wise; and in the case of the PUB meters we make doubly sure that they are accurate. As I said, if they are not accurate and not in proper working order, the tendency is for them to under-register. In fact, I have received complaints from suppliers, who want to sell us meters, that our specification for meters are very stringent indeed. The Member complained that we are using cheap meters whereas suppliers are complaining that we are very stringent in our specifications, and rightly so, because I want to be sure that the meters do not under-register. During the last four months, there was an average of 2,000 complaints per month made in person, by letter or by telephone. Most of them were satisfied with explanations given on the spot. But since August 1977 we have set up a team which will visit complainants at their homes to clarify in more detail their complaints. On the average, this team made 500 visits per month and my report is that 98% of the complainants were satisfied with the explanations. There are many causes for fluctuating utility bills from month to month. During the hot weather, consumers will use more water and electricity. They may have a new equipment in the house.”
“Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what was the number of telephones installed by the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore as at 31st December, 1977, and what were the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976, and 31st December, 1975.”
“Since there are public toilets in the markets, hawker centres, eating houses and other commercial premises within walking distances of flats in HDB estates, it is not necessary to provide toilets in selected void decks of the apartment blocks. MOTOR VEHICLES REGISTERED, 1975-77 9. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will give figures of the various categories of registered motor vehicles, e.g. private cars, lorries, buses, etc., as at 31st December, 1977, and the comparative figures as at 31stDecember, 1976 and 31st December, 1975. Mr Ong Teng Cheong: The figures of the various categories of registered motor vehicles as at the end of 1975, 1976 and 1977 are as follows:- As at As at As at Category 31 Dec 75 31 Dec 76 31 Dec 77 _________ _________ _________ 1 Private Cars and Station Wagons 139,958 133,350 132,064 2 Other motor cars, station wagons and taxis 8,579 8,730 10,040 3 Goods Vehicles 42,411 46,952 50,899 4 Buses 4,974 5,272 5,570 5 Motor Cycles and Scooters 83,145 84,016 89,840 6 Other Motor Vehicles 1,350 1,599 1,669 _________ _________ _________ Total 280,417 279,919 290,082 _________ _________ _________ The total number of motor vehicles dropped slightly from 280,417 in December 1975 to 279,919 in December 1976 but increased by 10,163 or 3.6% to 290,082 in December 1977. This was mainly due to the increase of motor-cycles/scooters and goods vehicles. The number of private motor cars and station wagons, which form the single largest category of our motor vehicles, decreased by 6,608 to 133,350 in December 1976 and by a further 1,286 to 132,064 in December 1977. This reflects, to a large extent, the effectiveness of our policies to restrain the growth of private car ownership. TELEPHONES INSTALLED, 1975-77 10.”
“(a) 8,049 families were resettled by the Resettlement Department in 1977, 7,203 in 1976 and 9,912 in 1975. (b) The household size of such families ranged from 2 to 9 and averaged at 5. (c) The following resettlement families were moved into HDB flats:- Year 1-Rm 2-Rm 3-Rm 4-Rm 5-Rm Total 1975 1,309 648 3,310 1,958 235 7,460 1976 687 496 2,620 1,375 267 5,445 1977 729 868 3,096 1,980 296 6,969 No case was resettled into HUDC flats. (d) The total number of HDB flats completed in 1977 was 36,648 as compared to 27,507 in 1976 and 26,355 in 1975. The total number of HUDC flats completed in 1977 was 1,452 as compared to 234 in 1976. (e) The number of HDB shops given up was 229 in 1977, 206 in 1976 and 147 in 1975. (f) 790 HDB shops were taken up in 1977. It was 665 in 1976 and 552 in 1975. PUBLIC TOILETS IN HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD APARTMENT BLOCKS 8. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will request the Housing and Development Board to construct public toilets in some selected void decks of apartment blocks.”
“The HDB has no plan to construct a covered footpath from the bus shelter opposite Bedok View Primary School, New Upper Changi Road, to Apartment Blocks 74, 75, 76 and 77. However, the Board will construct an open footpath for the convenience of the residents. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (Resettlements, units completed and HDB shops, 1975-77) 7. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, during the year 1977, (a) how many families were resettled by the Resettlement Department; (b) what was the number of members of such families; (c) how many families were moved into 1-room, 2-room, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room Housing and Development Board and Housing and Urban Development Company flats: (d) how many units of HDB and HUDC flats were completed; (e) how many HDB shops were given up; and (f) how many HDB shops were taken up; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.”
“Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the amendment proposed in this Bill provide greater flexibility in appointing public officers to the Public Utilities Board; facilitate proceedings of the Board; and incorporate model provisions dealing with the appointment of auditors; keeping of financial records; submission of reports on the Board's accounts and powers and duties of the Board's auditors. At present, subsection (1) of section 5 of the Public Utilities Act provides for the appointment of only one public officer to the Board. For better administration and guidance, it may be necessary to appoint more than one public officer to the Board. In clause 2 of the Bill, it is proposed to amend subsection (1) of section 5 of the Act to provide for the appointment of more than one public officer. The existing requirement in subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act is for a majority of the members to form a quorum at meetings of the Board. This has posed practical difficulties when some members are away or unable to attend meetings for urgent reasons. In such circumstances, proceedings of the Board have been delayed. Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to amend subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act by reducing the quorum from a majority to three members of the Board. The opportunity has been taken to incorporate in the Act certain model provisions which the Auditor-General has recommended for adoption by all statutory boards in their legislation. These provisions are contained in clauses 4, 5 and 6 of the Bill. Sir, I beg to move. 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 Lim Kim San].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think the Member got what I meant and I, in turn, do not understand him at all. VACANT LAND AT LORONG 8, TOA PAYOH (Development plans) 29. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what are the development plans for the vacant piece of land opposite Block 227, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh.”
“Sir, the Senior Minister of State has said that the rental of uncontrolled houses depends on supply and demand. One can expect that over the last 30 years most, if not all, landlords would have probably raised the rent of their houses. So the difference here is that those who occupy uncontrolled houses are paying quite a high rent. Those occupying controlled houses are paying a very low rent. Therefore, if we were to lift rent control, thousands of people occupying rent controlled houses would have to pay a very much higher rent. That is the reason why we are retaining rent control on houses built before 1947.”
“Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) why so many roads have deteriorated during the recent heavy rains and what are the causes of the deterioration; (b) whether he is satisfied that road surfacing is carried out with proper technique and under adequate supervision; (c) how much money has been spent on the recent road repairs: and (d) whether and what steps he intends to take to minimise damage to the roads during heavy rains in future.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at 9.34 a.m. on 17th January, 1978, a 120 megawatt generator at the Jurong Power Station developed vibration at one of its bearings, and its protective relays tripped it off the system. The resulting system instability caused another 120 megawatt generator, also at the Jurong Power Station, to trip out. The disconnection of these two generating units from the system activated the operation of system automatic under-frequency relays, cutting off power to Toa Payoh, Aljunied, Kallang Basin and Siglap areas. By 10.30 a.m. power had been restored to 50% of the affected areas, and by 11.34 a.m. the situation had returned to normal. For the information of Members, under frequency relays are protective devices installed in the system to automatically disconnect loads in pre-selected steps when there is a certain loss of generating capacity in the system. The use of under-frequency relays which has only been recently introduced is to prevent a larger area from being affected and also to reduce outage time. NEW TANJONG KATONG ROAD EXTENSION (Request for bus shelter) 6. Haji Rahmat bin Kenap asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Public Works Department will erect a bus shelter at the existing bus stop along the new Tanjong Katong Road extension as there are no premises nearby where commuters can wait in case of rain. The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department will install a shelter at the bus stop along Tanjong Katong Road extension during the second quarter of 1978. ROADS (Causes of deterioration) 7.”
“Quite correct. Mr Speaker, Sir, I think what motivates the legislature to limit it to $1,000 is that the mere fact that he has been fined as a professional puts a stigma on him. This will cost him more in monetary loss than it would have been for a layman. I think this is the rationale behind it. Question put, and agreed to. Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. MISUSE OF DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.11 p.m.”
“Sir, I think the fact that he has been fined matters more to the engineer than the quantum of his fine. Being penalised for breaking professional practice and/or etiquette will be a deterrent and the engineer will certainly exercise more care in the future in carrying out his responsibility. To an erring professional the fact of having been fined is more detrimental to his career than the quantum of the fine.”
“Sir, my colleague, the Minister for Finance, is not here but what I can say is this. This matter has been thoroughly deliberated, and we are following the recommendations of the people who have sat down, thought over and fully considered this question. The implications of all this have been explained in my answer.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this matter has been thoroughly studied by the National Wages Council. I have already given the explanation. The hon. Member for Anson will find all the explanation in my answer.”
“Sir, as to why we are not giving 6% to all, it is because we are following the NWC recommendations. The 2% is arrived at by offsetting the 6% recommended against the 4% increase in remuneration on a group basis.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry is aware of this problem and has early this year established a new driving test centre at Jurong. From November this year, the testing of learner drivers of lorries, cranes and other heavy goods vehicles will be transferred from Queenstown to Jurong. This move will help ease the concentration of learner drivers in Queenstown. To ease traffic congestion within the Central Business District, my Ministry is phasing out the Maxwell Road Test Centre. Two smaller test centres outside the Central Business District are planned. These will be sited away from densely populated residential areas and will be kept small so that the traffic volume generated will be within manageable proportions and will not create a nuisance. NATIONAL THEATRE (Maintenance of facilities) 19. Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Culture and Science and Technology whether he is aware that (i) the stairs leading to the National Theatre are narrow and steep and together with certain areas inside the Theatre seem to be slippery when it rains; (ii) because of shoddy workmanship, nails are protruding through the planks in the shed covering the stairs; and (iii) members of the audience have to cross an open area to go to the toilets, and if he will request the National Theatre Trust to consider improvements in respect of (i) and (ii) and provision of toilet facilities inside the Theatre in regard to (iii).”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Members must have read of the progress made in connection with the development of Changi Airport in the daily papers from time to time. However, I will just give a summary of the progress made so far. Earthworks on the first runway started about two years ago. Presently, work on the extension of the first runway is ahead of schedule and the whole runway should be completed by December 1979. Reclamation of the land for the second runway with fill dredged from the sea-bed, started in early May 1976. By working continuously throughout the period, the five dredges deployed in the reclamation work have nearly completed the reclamation of the land for the second runway. Part of the site meant for the first passenger terminal building has already been reclaimed from the sea. Piling work for the passenger terminal has progressed steadily since early June this year. Based on the present progress, we anticipate that the airport could begin operation in late 1980. DRIVING TEST CENTRES (Request for now sites) 18. Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the heavy concentration of learner-drivers in Stirling Road, Mei Ling Street, Mei Chin Road, Tanglin Halt Road and Commonwealth Drive, thus causing great inconvenience to residents in those areas, whether there are plans for new sites in other parts of Singapore for driving tests to be conducted.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the junction of Pier Road and Netheravon Road is presently served by two feeder services, Nos. 210 and 213. These services operate with a combined frequency of 15 to 20 minutes during peak periods. Unfortunately, the roads within the Changi Complex are narrow and are not suitable for the 39-foot long buses deployed on Service No. 1. If this service is re-routed, one more bus with an annual recurrent cost of $90,000 will have to be added to maintain the existing frequency. The additional capacity provided will be greatly in excess of peak demand. It is therefore not feasible to re-route Service No. 1. However, if the demand justifies it, additional buses will be put on Service Nos. 210 and 213. CHANGI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Development progress report) 17. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he will give a progress report on the development of Changi International Airport which has been targetted for completion by 1980.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the hon. Member for Bedok that the Singapore Bus Service Ltd has recently taken the following measures to improve the bus services in Bedok New Town:- (i) Introduction of a new feeder Service No. 221 on 11th July 1977 to link the northern part of Bedok New Town with the Chai Chee Terminal; (ii) Extension of Service No. 152 to provide a direct link between Bedok South Road and Toa Payoh with effect from 15th August 1977, and (iii) Rescheduling and strengthening Service No. 41 which links Bedok New Town with Marine Parade. In view of these recent improvements, the SBS does not intend to re-route Service No. 135. However, SBS will continue to monitor the demand for bus services by the residents of Bedok New Town to ensure that their needs are adequately catered for. CHANGI COMPLEX (Re-routing of Bus Service No. 1) 16. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether he will request the Singapore Bus Service Limited to consider re-routing Service No. 1 to the junction of Pier Road and Netheravon Road before arriving at the terminus at Upper Changi Road, for the convenience of students and club members going to the Junior Sailing Club.”
“SBS will introduce a new double decker bus Service No. 86 to operate between Punggol Estate and Shenton Way, some time in June 1977. Seven double decker buses will operate this Service which will terminate at Tampines Way. PUNGGOL ESTATE (HAWKER CENTRE) 5. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether and when a hawker centre will be built near the Punggol Estate.”
“There are plans to upgrade Paya Lebar Way, Jalan Kolam Ayer and Jalan Toa Payoh to expressway standards to form part of the Pan-Island Expressway. For the major road intersection at Woodsville, a flyover is planned to link Jalan Kolam Ayer with Jalan Toa Payoh for non-stop traffic across the intersection. Improvements to the ground system are also included in the plans for Woodsville. The proposals will commence as soon as approval for fund is obtained from the Ministry of Finance. When completed, the proposals will relieve traffic congestion and reduce hazard to pedestrians at Woodsville. TAMPINES WAY (BUSES) 4. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications when Singapore Bus Service buses will make use of Tampines Way for the convenience of the residents of Punggol Estate.”
“Tampines Way is a newly completed 3-lane dual carriageway linking Tampines Road and Upper Serangoon Road. Investigations have shown that traffic volume along this road is very light and the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge is at present not justified. However, my Ministry will consider puffing up a zebra crossing at an appropriate site. WOODSVILLE (TRAFFIC CONGESTION) 3. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what action is being planned to ease traffic congestion at Woodsville where six major roads meet, viz. Upper Serangoon Road, Jalan Kolam Ayer, Serangoon Road, MacPherson Road, Jalan Toa Payoh and Bendemeer Road, causing unnecessary hardship and danger for the people of Potong Pasir, especially those living in Sennett Estate, Jalan Potong Pasir, Lorong Ahadiat and Meyappa Chettiar Road.”
“Currently, there are no plans for industrial development in the vicinity of the Punggol Estate within the Punggol Constituency. However, in the nearby Teck Hock Estate, the development of an industrial estate is being planned. The types of industries which will be accommodated in this industrial estate include sauce factory, workshops for repairing tractors and heavy machinery and manufacture of wooden boxes. TAMPINES WAY (OVERHEAD CROSSING) 2. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether and when an overhead pedestrian crossing will be constructed across Tampines Way which is a dual carriage-way between Blocks 1 and 19.”
“The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the subject site at Lot 3639 Pt is the minimum area required for the proposed North-South Arterial Road project to serve the Ang Mo Kio satellite town. Presently, clearance of the site is carried out on a priority basis. Twenty-eight families and two single persons are affected by the proposed road. Of these, 21 families are eligible for rehousing. Eighteen families have already collected keys to their flats in Ang Mo Kio/Toa Payoh and three families are awaiting allocation shortly. The remaining seven families are found to be ineligible for rehousing benefits because they cannot prove that they have been residing there before the date of Gazette Notification, 16th November, 1976. However, they have been asked to produce documentary evidence to prove their presence on site before the cut-off date so that they can be accorded resettlement benefits by the Resettlement Department. All the displaced families will be paid ex-gratia compensation and disturbance/transport allowance in accordance with the current resettlement policy. There is no more land available at the subject site for a children's playground and garden. SETTING UP OF THAI-SINGAPORE ENTERPRISE (Effect on farmers' livelihood) 6.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the definition of a domestic consumer is clearly spelt but in the Board's tariff regulations. Domestic rates for electricity and water are only applicable to premises which are used exclusively as private dwellings. Where part of the premises is used in connection with any trade, business or profession or as a boarding house, school, place of worship, mess or for communal services, the non-domestic rate will be charged. One essential point of consideration is the definition of the term "voluntary non-profit". There will be countless organisations claiming to be worthy of this description; for example, temples, churches, clubs, clans, associations, institutions, to name but a few. The situation could become unmanageable. The Public Utilities Board will charge the domestic rate if it can be established that the premises is used solely for residential purposes. For example, the Singapore Council of Social Service is being charged domestic rate for the 30 Housing Board flats in Bukit Merah and Ang Mo Kio estates which the Council has rented as homes for the aged under a special scheme. UPPER THOMSON ROAD, LOTS 3639 PT AND 3641 MK XVII (Development into children's playground and garden) 5. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Government plans to develop Lots 3639 Pt and 3641 Mk XVII, Upper Thomson Road, into a children's playground and garden and whether the squatters affected will be given alternative accommodation and adequate compensation.”
“Somehow the bus is stopped. Therefore, bus drivers have the right to use the other traffic lanes, like other motorists. The bus lanes are reserved for buses in order that they may move faster, but they also have the right, as other road users, to use other traffic lanes. 4.30 p.m.”
“This is probably because one bus breaks down in a bus lane and all the other buses get stuck.”
“I do not know whether the Member for Anson has ever been along Shenton Way and the Esplanade when we first introduced bus lanes. If he had he would have seen the long queue of buses stretching from Collyer Quay right down.”
“We hope to deploy these on the different routes so that congestion can be gradually relieved. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir,I would urge the Minister to take remedial action when the seats of buses get wet. Every conductor must have a towel to wipe the wet seats. Instructions must be given to the bus drivers not to over-take another bus. They must confine themselves to the bus lanes.”
“To come to the Member for Changi, I do not know whether he is aware that the Minister for Home Affairs has already indicated that there will be a nation-wide campaign on road safety in order to instil into the commuters and motorists a sense of discipline for the good of all concerned. I do not think either the SBS, the drivers or the conductors would like to have an overloaded bus, if they can help it. It is all very well to say that we have certain limitations and that we must not allow more passengers on the bus and that the bus would move off when there are enough passengers. But it is not as easy as that. I do not think it is practical during the rush hours when every one, as he says, is rushing helter skelter trying to get into an already overloaded bus. To push them out would have caused a riot. Probably his experience with travelling in aeroplanes gives him a bias over the way in which the running of the bus can be controlled. I would like him to get down to a bus stop during a rush hour, and obviously he must have done so, otherwise he would not have been able to give such a good description of the scene during the rush hours. I think if the conductor or the driver were to start pushing people off the bus, there will be a riot and there will be a terrific jam. Much as we like to, there has got to be some laxity. The answer here would be probably to supply more buses. This we are doing. We are adding more buses to the fleet. This is one of the ways by which we can alleviate overcrowding in buses. Probably the way to solve this problem would be to increase the number of buses and provide buses with larger capacity. We are doing that. As he said, there will be double-deckers.”
“Sir,I am greatly enlightened. We take statistics. But if he wants to know what it is, let him write to me and find out. I will answer his questions with regard to statistics or anything on the buses.”
“If there are no passengers, the bus conductors will be asked to close the windows. These cases are few and far between because the conductor himself does not like to get wet. But if his complaint is about leaks from the roof, then my explanation is that probably these cases are getting less and less. From the figures given to me, in spite of an increase of 400 buses to the fleet, the number of buses that have been laid up has dropped from 750 to 110 per day. There has been an improvement in the servicing of the buses. As regards music through the telephone, this is due to interception of broadcasting wavelength, but more often than not it is due to the proximity of Rediffusion wires. If the Member should pick up the phone and hear music the next time, the TAS will make the necessary adjustment if he will only telephone them. With regard to difficulties in getting through to some Government departments, perhaps everybody wants to get through to the same department at the same time. The adequacy or inadequacy of telephone lines for any organisation, be it a Government department or a business concern, is something over which the TAS has no control. The TAS can however advise the department or organisation concerned as to what should be the appropriate number of lines, taking into account the usage, but the decision whether to increase the number of lines or not lies upon the Minister or the Head of Department or the organisation concerned.”
“So it is not due to defective buses. Probably it is the fault of the conductors. Instructions will be given and probably passengers could help by closing windows of the buses whenever it rains. They can and should help.”
“There may be a few buses with leaking roofs.”
“The ROV is also in constant touch with the Singapore School Bus Owners' Association and the Singapore School Transport Association, whose members operate most of the Scheme B services. From time to time these associations are asked to remind their members of the rules and conditions of the scheme under which they operate. Since early this year the Scheme B operators have introduced time-keepers at four major terminals. This has brought about some improvement in the service. Sir, we do not have 7,000 taxis. The Member is wrong. There are only 5,745 taxis. 400 taxis have been added to the fleet during the period November 1976 to March 1977. We expect to add another 1,800 taxis to the fleet. To increase the efficiency of the taxi fleet, taxi operators are encouraged to operate radiophone taxis and set up taxi kiosks with telephones. When radio taxis become universal, probably the service will improve greatly.”
“Later on if the demand should increase and there is justification, the SBS will run a direct route between Marine Parade and the roads mentioned by the Member. At the moment there are already 10 services operating 70 buses along Keppel/Telok Blangah and Pasir Panjang Roads. The SBS will continue to monitor closely the demand for such services. If it is required, more buses will be put in service there. As we all know, the rate between the Malaysian and Singapore currencies fluctuates. The SBS bus conductors have been told not to accept Malaysian currency and it is only fair that they should not give Malaysian currency in return. The directive will be further emphasised. Under the present condition, the City Shuttle Service operates for quite an extended period, that is, from 7.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. This covers both the morning and evening peak periods. Extension of operational hours will result in the need for more buses, more workers and more costs. Since the commuting demand outside the CSS operational hours is adequately met by the SBS, there is no need to extend the CSS period of operations. With regard to the extension of the routes, this again depends on the demand. The Member also mentioned about deterioration of the Scheme B services. The Registry of Vehicles has been taking enforcement action against Scheme B operators who have breached operational conditions stipulated in their licence. One of the conditions is that the operator can only operate on an approved route and he cannot change his route without the prior approval of the authorities. Those who do not observe this rule can have their licences suspended or even revoked.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to inform the hon. Member for Anson that action has been and will continue to be taken by the Traffic Police and the Singapore Bus Service against reckless and inconsiderate drivers. In fact, the SBS operates five radio-equipped patrol cars for this purpose. In the past 14 months, it has taken disciplinary action against 400 drivers for speeding or for dangerous driving or for inconsiderate driving. I am glad to inform the Member that during the last three months the number of such cases has dropped because of this strict enforcement action taken by the SBS and the Police. Sometimes, Sir, buses which have to stop at the left side of the road have to make a right turn and in doing so they edge their way from the left to the right and might give the impression that they are bulldozing their way. Under such circumstances, Sir, the drivers and conductors have been given strict instructions to give appropriate signals to provide sufficient warning to other road users. It is the intention of the SBS to continually upgrade the skills of the drivers by training and retraining. 4.15 p.m. It is not feasible to provide direct bus services from the housing estates to every part of Singapore. Resources are limited and to do so would be a waste of limited resources. A direct service between two areas can only be justified when there is a high demand for such service. In all other cases, bus transfers will be inevitable. The Member gave the example that there is no direct bus service between Marine Parade and Keppel/Telok Blangah/Pasir Panjang Roads. The demand is not sufficient to justify a direct route. But they only need to do one transfer.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a few rural MPs seem to be carried away by the assertion of the Member for Jalan Kayu that the agricultural policy is contrary to the general policy for the whole of Singapore, that is, the policy of the Government to upgrade and improve the standard of living of the people of Singapore. He said that we are, in fact, by resettling the farmers, lowering their standard of living. If Members were to listen carefully to the Member for Jalan Kayu, they will find from his own words that, far from lowering the standard of living of the farmers, the standard of living of the farmers during the last ten years has, largely through the assistance of the PPD, improved because they have increased their productivity. Now, having increased their productivity, they must be better off. So do not be carried away by just one assertion. They ought to listen carefully.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we do not single any person or any group of persons to victimise them. I do not know the case. For all I know, it may be in a very quiet residential area. If the house owner concerned has got permission for use as a prayer house, the Building Control Division will not disturb him. However, I am speaking "in the dark". He has not given me the address. Unless he gives me the details of the house concerned, I am unable at this moment to tell him whether or not permission has been given for its use as a prayer house or whether it is in a zone for places of worship. But if he wants further clarification, then let him send in a Question for Oral Answer. I hope Members will appreciate that it is not possible for me or even for my colleague, the Senior Minister of State, or for any Minister, to be able to give in detail specific replies to specific questions. We are only able to tell Members generally the kind of policy that we pursue. But when Members bring up specific instances, it is beyond us to give a detailed reply there and then. Perhaps some of the queries which have been raised during this debate by hon. Members from time to time could best be answered through written Questions for Oral Answer. This is one of them. However, if the Member will give me further details, I might be able to satisfy him as to why notice was given. The Member for Potong Pasir has again raised the question of the missing clauses. We have taken up his suggestion and we are in consultation with the experts in the Labour Ministry. We hope to solve the problem soon by including the necessary clauses in the new regulations.”
“I am finishing it now. As I have said, we cannot eliminate blackout. But these minor failures are not due to the major fault that developed over Deepavali eve. I hope I have replied to all the questions raised.”
“It is for safety reasons that the use of liquid petroleum gas is not allowed in hawker centres. It is not because the PUB wants to monopolise the business. As for power failures, I have here art article entitled "The Great Blackout of 1960". In 1976 at 5.50 p.m. the lights began to flicker in Salt Lake City. Then, quite a large part of America was affected. A committee to look into it was formed and the report has just come to hand. The conclusion of this report is that "you can do everything but you can never eliminate blackout". We have done everything we can here. We cannot eliminate blackout. But the blackouts that we have from time to time are minor ones. A major one occurred on Deepavali eve. The Chairman: Mr Minister, would you be long in your reply, or would you like to continue tomorrow? 8.00 p.m.”
“Members should remember that this is not a surcharge. This is a Government tax: The Member can bring the matter up with the Minister for Finance. His complaint was that bills have been heavy. Well. if he uses more, he pays more. That is a fact. The hon. Member is right when he says that new electricity meters are calibrated 1% higher. The reason is this. We know that meters are clock-work machines and with continuous use they deteriorate and would not be accurate. And unfortunately for public utility bodies, as meters deteriorate, they tend to under-register. Electricity meters tend to under-register by as much as 3%. Therefore, in the long run this is to the advantage of the consumer. So for a start, the electricity meter is calibrated 1% higher. This is the practice of most utility bodies. Electricity meters are not changed until ten years later. So it is with water and gas meters. As they deteriorate, we change them. Either we recondition the meters, if they can be reconditioned, or we change them for new meters. Gas and water meters are changed on the average every four to six years. Regarding gas leakage, normally there is no gas leakage if the appliance is closed tightly. If there is leakage, you can smell it, and when you do. telephone the PUB immediately. They will come and repair the appliance. In this way, you would not waste money through gas leakage. Regarding the restriction in the use of gas, the PUB does not want a monopoly. In fact, it welcomes the use of liquid petroleum gas. However, its use is restricted in food centres for reason of safety. Hawker centres tend to attract crowd and accidents can happen with such gas containers, and if the containers of liquid petroleum gas should explode, it could cause a lot of damage and injury.”
“Besides salinity, colour and organic contents of water, they also mention the limits for other chemical substances, such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and sulphate. I suppose that if these comprise the minimum content of water, it would have a certain taste. If this is exceeded, of course, the water is unpalatable. There is also a recommended limit for ph value of water as well as its hardness. The quality of treated water from the Kranji and Pandan reservoirs is well within this limit. If the Member for Potong Pasir is really interested, I can give him a copy of the WHO recommended limits of chemical substances in drinking water for domestic use. To come to my very good friend, the Member for Anson. I should first speak on the subject which I had occasion to refer to previously. I have here a copy of a PUB bill which I believe everyone must have seen. This is a PUB bill [indicating]. I believe most Members must have handled it at one time or other, except those who are fortunate enough to have their bills paid by someone else. I think Members must have had a look at the bill closely, otherwise they would not have complained of an increase in the water charges or that there has been a mistake. If they were to look carefully at the bill, they will see an item "Government tax on $90.12." I have already had occasion to explain that this is not a surcharge. This is a Government tax on PUB bills, including rentals on gas or other appliances. Much as I would like to debate on this Government tax with the hon. Member. I cannot do so because I believe the prerogative belongs to my colleague, the Minister for Finance who has said in this House that, in conjunction with the increase in oil prices, there would be a review of this tax.”
“His suggestion is that if we further advance the clock in Singapore we may save on fuel. The maximum difference in time in Singapore throughout the year is 45 minutes, We have already advanced the clock by half an hour. If we further advance the clock, I am afraid that instead of saving money on fuel we may have to spend more money on fuel because people will have to wake up earlier in the morning when it is still dark to prepare breakfast for their children going to school. I think we have achieved the maximum in daylight saving by advancing the clock by half an hour. Daylight saving has been most useful in countries which have seasonal changes and where the difference in time between winter and summer is quite wide. For his information, let me say that we have already considered the position and we think that half an hour is the maximum that we can achieve without adversely disrupting the economy and social habits and customs. I am very glad that the Member for Potong Pasir has given me the chance to further elaborate on what is meant by WHO drinking water standard. The WHO drinking water standards which I have mentioned in this House as well as in my address at the opening of the Upper Peirce Reservoir recently, are parameters recommended by the World Health Organisation in its publication, "International Standards for Drinking Water." I believe that by his very eloquent description of how drinking water should look and taste, he can probably add greatly to the publication, However, the parameters mentioned by the World Health Organisation are purely technical and they relate to chemical substances in drinking water for domestic use.”