Ong Pang Boon
Singapore
“At the same time, our shoulders should be broad enough to accept criticism and even admit mistakes if need be, and be prepared to make the necessary changes. This does not mean pandering to the baser instincts of the people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry will certainly give every assistance to the villagers in clearing the debris, especially if they are left over by the contractors. I will appreciate if the Member can also let the Ministry know who are these contractors and we will prosecute them. CONSTRUCTION BRIGADE (Progress) 2.”
“The Ministry is now monitoring the results of the programme and is happy to note that there are some improvements in the cleanliness of our public toilets. It would prosecute managements of public toilets who fail to provide proper maintenance.”
“A comprehensive programme to monitor the air and sea environment in the vicinity of the Complex has been drawn up. Engineers and technicians from the Ministry and other departments have been sent for overseas training on the surveillance of petrochemical complexes.”
“The professional or other misconduct for the purposes of revocation must be of such a nature as to render, in the opinion of the Attorney-General, the notary public unfit to practise as such. This amendment is dealt with in clause 4 of the Bill.”
“All flats of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) including those at Blair Plain are rented out to employees on monthly tenancies and are not provided as part of their terms and conditions of service. These flats are therefore not service quarters.”
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“In 1980, 30 workmen were trained as greasers to work in various sewerage works. Another 26 workmen will be sponsored for VITB courses under the Skills Development Fund. The Ministry also has a programme to train drivers to operate refuse trucks and mechanical sweepers. The Ministry works very closely with the various daily-rated employees' unions on matters relating to the welfare and working conditions of the workmen. In so far as the mechanization programme is concerned, I am sure both sides have discussed the matter prior to its implementation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1979, the Ministry of the Environment conducted a review on the use of manpower for the various services, for example, refuse collection, public cleansing, etc. Operations were streamlined and new work procedures introduced and more mechanical sweepers were used. As a result, we were able to deploy a reduced workforce to deal with the increased work load. The productivity of the workforce in many of the services had increased. In recognition of the increase in productivity by the workmen, particularly the refuse collection workmen, the Ministry had pushed hard for a salary revision for the various grades of workmen. In 1980, the refuse collection workers were given a 17% increase in their basic wages over and above the NWC awards for improved productivity. I must say our workers have been very cooperative and responded well to the changes in work procedures. In addition, the Ministry also has a scheme whereby deserving and hardworking workers are given monetary awards once every six months. A total of 235 awards are given on each occasion. In view of the difficulties in recruiting workers for cleansing work, my Ministry will continue to explore areas where mechanization can be applied. We shall then be able to pay our employees for the greater skills required. At present, 58 mechanical sweepers are deployed to sweep major arterial roads and highways and other public roads which are accessible to the mechanical sweepers. Sixty-four roads comprising 3,307 sweeping kilometres are covered daily. There is, however, a limit to mechanization. Much of our work still has to be done manually which is the experience even in the developed countries. We have trained our younger workmen for skilled and semi-skilled jobs.”
“I have instructed my officers to look into this matter deeper to find out what are the basic regulations that these eating shops should comply for the use of the open space. If they can satisfy the requirements that may be formulated, then they may be allowed to make use of the open space. As regards the five-foot way and the road for operating their business, the chances are slim. I believe my reply is satisfactory to the Member.”
“In the past few years our experience has been that if the Ministry of the Environment officials had not been strict in ,their enforcement and had allowed shopkeepers to extend their area of operations to the open space or five-foot way, then after they had closed for the day a lot of litter would be found scattered outside their shops and this rubbish would, of course, breed mosquitoes and insects. And if they were told to clear up the litter, they would just sweep the swill or rubbish into the drain, causing blockage and a stinking smell, and finally all this would have to be cleaned up by our department. I would like to take this opportunity to state our position. In the matter of dealing with public health, the true picture is often different from what the people imagine. Only those who have actual experience of this difficult work would know what it is all about. I would like to take this opportunity to touch on eating shops being unhygienic and the surroundings being in poor condition. The hon. Member said that this is confined to small eating shops in the old city area whereas eating shops in the new housing estates are not so. The fact is that if you go to the coffee shops in the new housing estates, you will notice that the situation is not much different from the old city area. In my own view, I think the main reason is that there are too many stalls in the eating shops, so that little space is available for the customers to sit down to eat or drink. This has led to some shopkeepers extending their business outwards. 3.30 p.m. The Member has also asked whether there could be a compromise, in other words, whether certain regulations, as suggested by him, could be formulated to permit the extension.”
“And if any of these regulations is infringed, the deposit may be forfeited after repeated warnings have been given. I believe there are many shopkeepers who are willing to take up this proposal. To allow the shopkeepers to place chairs and tables outside will first provide a good venue for members of the community to meet and exchange views. Secondly, it will also provide for the need in life of the ordinary people. It will be killing two birds with one stone. I hope this suggestion will receive the serious consideration of the Senior Parliamentary Secretary. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment (Mr Chor Yeok Eng)( In Mandarin): Sir, as the Member for Leng Kee has said, this is an old theme; my reply will also be an old reply that I gave in the past. The Ministry of the Environment does not allow eating shops or coffee shops to extend their business beyond their premises to the five-foot way, the road or to other vacant land outside their shops for many reasons. Normally, not less than 25% of the total business area of an eating shop must be used as a kitchen. Otherwise, the eating shop will be congested and the food will be affected, especially in a tropical country like ours. It may lead to decomposition and the breeding of germs, thus posing grave health hazards to the people, resulting in cases such as those described by the Member for Leng Kee - food poisoning caused by an unhygienic environment in the eating shop. If the shopkeeper wishes to extend its area of operations, he must first enlarge the kitchen area and also improve the other facilities. Otherwise his request will not be approved by the authorities.”
“In fact, all along coffee shops and small eating shops have been favourite places for members of the public to hold conversations and chit-chat with fellow members. Their talks range from current affairs to rumours, astronomy to lottery tickets, in fact, anything. If the committee members of the grassroots organizations, such as the Citizens' Consultative Committee and youth bodies, can go to these places and establish close rapport with these people, they will be able to gauge the views of the people on current affairs and their feelings towards Government policies, so that these views and feelings can be conveyed upwards to the Government more effectively. Based on the replies by the Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the past, there are two reasons why he is not willing to accept this suggestion. First, to place chairs and tables outside the coffee shop will cause obstruction to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Secondly, it will result in pollution of our environment and the breeding of mosquitoes, insects, cockroaches and rats. As for the first argument, the coffee shops and small eating shops in the old city area might have caused obstruction to traffic during certain hours. But in the new HDB estates, especially in the New Towns, most coffee shops are situated in the corner where there is plenty of open space; and therefore placing chairs and tables outside the coffee shop will not cause obstruction to traffic. As for the second argument, I think there is room for a compromise. The Ministry of the Environment can lay down specific regulations such as the payment of a deposit, compliance with standards of cleanliness, the number of tables and chairs that may be placed outside, and the latest hour when outdoor operations must cease, etc.”
“There were also complaints about rats. The number of cases has also increased from 73 in 1977 to 113 in 1980. The problem of rats is becoming increasingly serious. Also, there have been cases of unhygienic food affecting the public, and it mainly occurs in hawker centres, markets as well as restaurants and eating houses. There have been cases of food poisoning caused by unhygienic food, which resulted in vomitting or diarrhoea. The newspapers have also reported cases of unhygienic food being sold in certain supermarkets - cases of alien elements found in the food. I believe many people also have the experience of buying outdated food, such as milk and baby foods, which are harmful to children and babies. I hope that through more positive enforcement of the law and regulations or through education or both, the Ministry will further improve our living environment and foster hygienic habits among our people. In addition, I would like to harp on my old tune by suggesting to the Senior Parliamentary Secretary that coffee shops and small eating shops be allowed to make use of the little space outside their premises to put their tables and chairs. This suggestion was made by several Members in this House before. For example, in 1980, the Members for Jurong and Khe Bong mentioned about it. Last year, the Member for Tiong Bahru reiterated it. Today, two of them have been promoted to higher office. So, it falls on me to once again make a similar request here on behalf of our people. Recently the Member for Rochore made a suggestion that community centres should be allowed to set up "coffee corners" so that the residents can sit around and chit-chat about current affairs.”
“I seem to remember that when the Prime Minister officiated at the opening ceremony of the Upper Peirce Reservoir, he said that if within 10 years civil servants could make our rivers and canals so clean and so clear that fish and prawns could live in them, then he would award them with solid gold medals. We all know now that the Singapore River near Parliament House is much clearer and cleaner than before. If any assessment is taken now for award purposes, the civil servants in the Ministry of the Environment should be awarded half a medal. On 18th August last year, the Minister issued a statement on the plan to clean up Singapore River, Kallang Basin and the water catchments by 1987. I hope after 1987 our waterways will not only be clean and clear with fishes swimming in them but green and scenic with plants and greenery along the banks so that our composers may be inspired to compose a song "The Green Singapore River" to rival "The Blue Danube". However, as the saying goes, "It is easier to move mountains than to change human nature". This is very true. We can move and level mountains and reclaim land from the sea. We can clear up rivers and make oases out of deserts. But there are some unhygienic practices which are still deep-rooted in our people, such as spitting and throwing of cigarette buns. These unhygienic practices are commonly seen today. So once again we can see the truth of this old saying. In the hawker centres, and this is what the Member for Whampoa has been very concerned about, the sight of hawkers sticking their thumbs into the soup is still very prevalent. According to the 1980 Report of the Ministry, the number of complaints against hawkers has decreased from 489 in 1977 to 218 in 1979. However, it increased to 236 in 1980.”
“Sir, the Ministry of Finance has given in-principle approval for the construction of a new building for the Ministry of the Environment. The new building will be located at the junction of Scotts Road and Cairnhill Road. It will be a 24-storey building costing about $129 million. The building is expected to be completed by early 1986. The departments of the Ministry are scattered at several places due to inadequate office space at Princess House. The Sewerage and Drainage Departments are renting premises at the World Trade Centre after they have been moved twice since 1972. The lack of a central location for the Ministry is causing undue inconvenience to members of the public who have to travel to the departments located at different places. It also affects the efficiency and productivity of the staff. The new Ministry of Environment building will be able to bring all the departments under the Ministry together. In addition, it will be able to offer an extra 14,779 square metres of office space to other Government departments. The Ministry of Health which is presently renting office space at Cuppage Centre is likely to occupy the extra space in the new Ministry of the Environment building. Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee)( In Mandarin): Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead MB-01 of the Main Estimates. The Ministry of the Environment has in the past few years achieved certain results, whether it be in the field of public health or living environment.”
“In certain cases the Department allows two families to share one R2 system. In swampy areas or areas which are inundated at high tides and where the houses are built on stilts, the R2 system can be constructed on high or raised ground, and this will be just as effective. I have been assured by my officers that this poses no problem to them. However, additional costs will be involved. Sir, the officers of the Sewerage Department do assess the need for R2 system before they serve notices to the residents. Before serving notices, the Sewerage Department will ask the developing agencies to indicate or plan areas which will be developed. In the case of Punggol, this was done before notices to install R2 were served during the second half of 1981. Out of the 270 notices served, there were two cases where HDB subsequently informed the residents that their land would be required for redevelopment. I think one was in Track 6 in Punggol and the other along Punggol Road. As soon as we were informed of this, notices were immediately withdrawn.”
“This, of course, does not include the cost of installing the sanitary appliances which amount to another $300 to $700, depending on the quality. But for those who face financial hardship, the Government has a scheme to assist them in constructing the R2 system. Families whose combined income is less than $800 per month may take advantage of this scheme by applying to the Sewerage Department. The Sewerage Department will then carry out the work on their behalf and the families can pay back the cost in instalments over a period of five years.”
“Sir, I will reply to the Member for Punggol and the Member for Kebun Baru and the rest together. Sir, the provision under this subhead is for subsidizing the construction of R2 sewerage system in Kranji, Pandan, Seletar, Jurong and the western water catchment areas. The R2 is a cheap rural sanitation system suitable for dwellings in rural areas where sewers are not available. The provision of R2 sewerage system in these water catchment areas will also reduce pollution of our reservoirs. A total of 6,300 R2 systems have already been constructed both inside and outside catchment areas. Another 2,700 R2 systems will be constructed by early 1983. The provision of $900,000 for FY 82 will be sufficient for constructing all the R2 systems in catchment areas. Sir, rural premises in non-water catchments are also required to install the R2 system not only to prevent water pollution but also to improve public health by phasing out the nightsoil buckets. The use of nightsoil buckets increases the hazards of infectious diseases. The dwindling workforce of nightsoil workmen will soon not be able to remove all the nightsoil buckets daily. Besides, there have been no new entrants into this occupation. We have therefore no choice but to phase out all the nightsoil buckets in Singapore by 1984. Thus in rural areas where houses are due for clearance within two years, we will not require the occupiers to install the R2 system. Several Members have mentioned the financial hardship that will befall the householders who have been served with notice to install the R2 system. Mr Speaker, Sir, the average cost of constructing the R2 system is about $1,200 to $1,300.”
“1225 - 1228) Mr Speaker, Sir, the installation of the R2 sewerage system to provide modern sanitation for individual rural premises in Kranji, Pandan, Jurong and western catchments is progressing well. This is evident in Kampong Chantek, Lorong Temechut and Lorong Kebasi areas where they are now much cleaner. A similar programme for the new catchments of Sungei Seletar and Bedok has just started and is targetted for completion in 1984. In the run-down urban areas, the redevelopment programme is being carried out in phases. The areas in Kim Seng Road, Jalan Besar, Sungei Road, Beach Road and Jalan Sultan have already been or are being redeveloped into residential and commercial centres with built-in anti-pollution facilities. However, the progress of the redevelopment of run-down urban areas is expected to slow down owing to difficulties in clearance and resettlement. Meanwhile, all premises in urban areas which are not due for clearance within one year will be required to connect to public sewers. The Port of Singapore Authority is building a wharf and other ancillary facilities at Pasir Panjang for the lighters which now operate along the Singapore River, Kallang Basin and Telok Ayer Basin. These projects are likely to be completed in 1983 or 1984 when the lighters will be relocated. When the sources of pollution have been removed by 1984, there will be a further programme to dredge the rivers and improve the river banks. My Ministry is working closely with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the PSA on how to improve the appearance of the Singapore River and its immediate environment. For the future, Singapore River will be landscaped with parks and footpaths along the banks. Our citizens will be able to fish in the river in pleasant and relaxing surroundings.”
“Mr Speaker, before the House adjourned yesterday, I was recounting to the Member for Kebun Baru the progress of cleaning up the Singapore and Kallang Rivers, One notable success in the cleaning up efforts is the reappearance of prawns and crabs in the rivers and the absence of foul stench from the Rochor Canal. Sir, we must remove sources of pollution in order to clean up the rivers and water catchments. Some sources of pollution, such as waste water from households, can be controlled by connecting the premises to sewers. Other sources which cannot be controlled, such as pig farms, street hawkers and squatter pockets, will have to be resettled. The Ministry of the Environment undertook a survey in 1977 to identify all the sources of pollution affecting our rivers and water catchments. A programme was then drawn up to coordinate the efforts of other Ministries to remove the sources of pollution. The main sources of pollution are from pigs and ducks, trade and backyard industries, rundown urban areas, squatter pockets, street hawkers and riverine activities. Under the cleaning up programme, premises have been connected to sawers thereby reducing the number of premises served by nightsoil buckets and over-hanging latrines. Street hawkers have been resited into proper markets and food centres which are provided with anti-pollution facilities. The Ministry is also extending refuse removal service to another 581 premises by December 1981. Except for one, all the pig farms in the Kallang River catchment have been resited or encouraged to change trade. Action is being taken to phase out the last pig farm in the catchment. The progress is in the Annex (Cols. 1225 - 1228) which the Clerk of Parliament will distribute to Members. Annex - PROGRESS OF CLEANING UP PROGRAMME (Cols.”
“Sir, the Ministry of the Environment launched a programme in 1977 to clean up the Singapore River and Kallang Basin catchment. The objective is to improve our living environment. The programme will restore clean water in our reservoirs and eliminate the filth and stench from our rivers and canals so that clean water will flow in our watercourses and aquatic life will return. A clean city reflects a disciplined and organized society with an efficient infrastructure. It brings indirect economic and social benefits to the country by enhancing the confidence of our investors and attracting tourists to the country. The cleaning-up programme has already achieved significant progress, as pointed out by the Member for Kebun Baru. If Members of the House will recall, passing Rochor Canal and the Singapore River was a distinct experience a few years ago. The stench was strong and the river water was black in colour. The water was so polluted that even the most hardy fish could not survive. Now, Sir, one can catch prawns and crabs under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and along Singapore River and Kallang River. Prawns and crabs cannot live in these rivers if the water quality is not improved. The water is visibly cleaner. There is no longer the foul stench from Rochor Canal. In the Singapore River, the stench is now less frequent. 8.00 p.m.”
“Sir, all the pollutive factors mentioned by the Member for Whampoa have already been taken into consideration before approval was given to the setting up of this petrochemical complex in Pulau Merbau. The Member can rest assured that the air will remain as clean as at present.”
“Apart from the measures mentioned before, pollution from motor vehicles is also reduced by controlling the quality of diesel and petrol sold in Singapore. The maximum amount of sulphur in diesel was first reduced to 0.7% in 1976 and further reduced to 0.5% in 1977. The effect of this is reflected in the decrease in sulphur dioxide in the air. Less sulphur in diesel also reduces corrosion of engines, thus saving maintenance cost to motorists. We have also reduced lead in petrol as high levels of lead in the air can be detrimental to health, particularly to young children. Although such evidence is still being debated overseas, the Government feels it is a precaution well worth taking to protect the health of our people. It has therefore decided to reduce the level of lead in petrol sold in Singapore to 0.6 grams per litre since July 1981. As a result of this move, lead levels in the air have decreased by some 20-25%. When the level of lead is further reduced to 0.4 grams per litre in January 1983, lead levels in the air can be expected to fall further. The cost in reducing lead in petrol is small. The Anti-Pollution Unit has succeeded in reducing the pollution of our air over the last decade. As a result, Singapore has been able to achieve economic growth through industrialization without sacrificing the health of our people.”
“Sir, we are now turning our attention to the mobile sources of air pollution of which motor vehicles constitute a major source. Control of emission from motor vehicles is being carried out by the Registry of Vehicles. It has tightened up the control of black smoke emission from motor vehicles. There has been some improvement in most categories of vehicles although there is still much room for improvement. It has also started compulsory inspection of private cars since January 1982, which apart from raising the standards of maintenance and safety of such vehicles, will also reduce air pollution. Petrol-driven motor cars emit a lot of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons which can cause photochemical smog. At present, we have not set emission standards for vehicles in Singapore. Many developed countries, including the United States of America, Japan and most European countries have set vehicle emission standards. The ROV has obtained approval to build a Vehicle Emission Test Laboratory. Thereafter, we will set vehicle emission standards for new petrol-driven cars, perhaps by January 1984. The Vehicle Emission Test Laboratory will conduct sample tests on new cars imported into Singapore to ensure that they are equipped with low-pollution engines to comply with the standards. For a start, the emission standards set will be less stringent than those adopted by the developed countries I have mentioned above. Major car manufacturers can comply with the standards without a substantial increase in the cost of the cars as they already manufacture cars to higher emission standards for larger markets. The emission control of motor cars will drastically reduce their emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons.”
“The monitoring results act as a feedback as to whether the emission standards have been sufficient to bring air pollution to tolerable limits. The main pollutants which are injurious to health and which the Unit monitors are total acidity (made up mostly of sulphur dioxide), ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, smoke and dust. Over the last 10 years, the Anti-Pollution Unit has compiled a comprehensive inventory of all major stationary sources which can cause air pollution. The emission of these major sources have been brought under control. The results of these are reflected in the air monitoring results. The average total acidity has fallen. Smoke levels have also shown a marked decrease. Localised dust levels have, however, shown an increase in the last few years. This is mainly because of increased construction activities. Despite the increase, however, the dust levels are still within acceptable limits. Our air quality is good, and is within the long-term standards set by the World Health Organization. As expected, the air is cleaner in rural areas and more polluted in the Jurong industrial area. But even the level of pollution in Jurong is better than accepted standards. An exception is ozone which is much higher than those monitored by other countries, although the number of occasions when high ozone levels was detected had also declined. We suspect that our higher level of ozone may be peculiar to tropical countries. However, we have not detected adverse health effects caused by the high levels of ozone. As almost all the factories have installed the necessary pollution control equipment, our emphasis in future will be placed on proper maintenance and operations of these equipment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Prime Minister, let me assure the hon. Member for Punggol that the air in Singapore is generally quite clean. The Government is aware of the damage that could be caused by air pollution. Besides Ankara and Taipeh, which are recent cases, there were numerous other cases in the last few years of severe air pollution which affected the health and even lives of many people in other cities. When the Anti-Pollution Unit was established more than 10 years ago, it initiated a comprehensive strategy to control air pollution in Singapore. The strategy comprises four main programmes. First, the Unit works closely with planning authorities on the siting of industrial estates and residential areas to ensure their compatibility. Within industrial estates, zones have been established for various types of industries according to the propensity to pollute, so that the most pollutive industries will be sited furthest away from residential and commercial developments. All private and public sector development proposals are vetted by the Unit to ensure compatibility according to the zoning concept. Secondly, the Unit compiles an inventory of stationary sources which are likely to cause air pollution. Thirdly, the factories that are sources of air pollution are required to comply with emission standards under the Clean Air Act and the Clear Air Standards, using the best practical means of control, i.e., using commonly accepted methods and available equipment. The factories have generally been cooperative and willing to comply with our air pollution standards. Lastly, the Unit has 14 permanent air monitoring stations around the island to monitor the level of various air pollutants.”
“Their operations are being closely monitored to ensure that the waste is properly collected and disposed of at the authorized disposal grounds. My Ministry is also studying the licensing of private waste collectors. olumn: 376 MR PHEY YEW KOK (Steps to secure return to Singapore to stand trial) 10. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will outline all steps that have been taken to obtain or secure the return to this country of Mr Phey Yew Kok former President of the National Trades Union Congress to stand trial upon the charges instituted against him and on which he jumped bail.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1st January, 1980, a total of 716 cases of illegal dumping of refuse were detected. The refuse comprised construction waste, industrial and trade refuse, containers and some food waste. Illegal dumps, some of which are fairly large, are found mostly on vacant land and sites under clearance. They are unsightly and cause environmental health problems such as odour, the breeding of mosquitoes, flies and rats. It is costly to clear these dumps. Of the 716 cases detected, 486 offenders were prosecuted in Court. The law provides a maximum fine of $500 for the first offence for illegal dumping. However, the Court normally imposes a fine of about $100. The Ministry of the Environment has two refuse disposal grounds at Tampines and Lim Chu Kang and an incineration plant at Ulu Pandan. Members of the public can bring bulky waste to these places for disposal. No fees are levied if the quantity of refuse is less than one tonne, and $7.50 is charged for every half tonne in excess of one tonne. Although facilities are provided at reasonable charges to dispose of refuse, there are still inconsiderate contractors and members of the public who choose to dump their refuse illegally to save time and money, and cause public health nuisance. I can only conclude that they find it worth their while to risk prosecution in Court and the fine and, therefore, the penalties for illegal dumping of waste are not sufficiently deterrent. My Ministry will be seeking amendments to the Environmental Public Health Act to provide more deterrent penalties against illegal dumping of refuse. At present, private waste collectors are not licensed by my Ministry. They are, however, required to furnish details on the type of equipment and vehicles used.”
“The answer is yes. HELL RIDING ALONG PAN ISLAND EXPRESSWAY (Measures to curb) 4. Encik Saidi Haji Shariff asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in view of the tendency for some motor-cyclists to use the Pan Island Expressway as racing tracks, (a) how many of these motor-cyclists or "hell" riders have so far been apprehended and charged; and (b) what further deterrent actions are envisaged by the Ministry to totally reduce or eradicate this problem of dangerous riding.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Neo Tiew Road is a metalied road connecting Woodlands New Town to Lim Chu Kang Road. My Ministry deploys three refuse vehicles daily to remove refuse from Woodlands New Town and its vicinity, including 32 houses along Neo Tiew Road. After collection, these three vehicles make use of Neo Tiew Road to go to Lim Chu Kang Dumping Ground. This is the shorter route (by 11.5 km) and saves time, manpower and fuel. With the development of Woodlands New Town, Neo Tiew Road has become an important link road with heavy traffic using it daily. These include private lorries, buses, military trucks, etc. The three refuse vehicles are not the only cause of the damage to the road. The answer to the hon. Member's problem is to request the Public Works Department to upgrade the road.”
“This is a requirement of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The net surplus of revenue is used to defray part of the capital expenditure. From FY 1970 to FY 1980, the amount of water-borne fee collected is $175 million, and the sanitary appliances and other fees are $214.1 million. For the same period, my Ministry spent a total of $260 million on providing sewerage services. The present rates of the water-borne fees are 7 cents per cubic metre for domestic premises and 15 cents per cubic metre for non-domestic premises. The sanitary appliances fee is $3 per toilet or urinal. The net surplus has fallen in FY 1980. Our operating expenditure has increased because of higher energy and material costs, and wages. Based on existing revenue rates, we will run into a deficit in FY 1982. My Ministry has reviewed the rate of the waterborne fee and an announcement on the revision of the fee will be made shortly. Copies of the financial statement (Cols. 219 - 220) for the sewerage programme from FY 1970 to FY 1982 have been circulated for the information of the House. statement - FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR SEWERAGE PROGRAMME FY 70-FY 82 (Cols. 219 - 220) APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP (Particulars) 10. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many applications for citizenship are still outstanding as at the latest convenient date: and (b) how many persons have applied for citizenship since 1st January, 1981, and how many of them have been granted citizenship.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Singapore is a compact, urbanized and industrialized state. Over the last 20 years, the Government has built a modern sewerage system to ensure a high standard of public health. Waste water from our homes and industries is collected and treated before dis- charge into our watercourses or the sea. This has prevented water-borne diseases and the breeding of vectors, such as flies and mosquitoes. The modern sewerage system has also helped to reduce the pollution in our rivers and canals. To-date, we have built four sewage treatment works, 118 sewage pumping stations and 1,400 kilometres of sewers. Another two sewage treatment works, costing $127 million at Jurong and Seletar, are under construction. Eighty per cent of our population are now served by the modern sewerage system. Because of the effective sewerage system, Singapore is enjoying one of the highest public health standards in the world. We still have isolated outbreaks of contagious diseases, such as typhoid and cholera. Investigations, however, revealed that the harmful germs are food-borne and not waterborne. The sewerage infrastructure requires large amounts of capital. From FY 1970 to FY 1980, we have spent $795 million on capital expenditure. We have borrowed US$33.1 million (equivalent to S$78 million) from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to partly finance the capital expenditure. Since 1970, the Government levies a monthly water-borne fee on all premises with PUB water supply. In addition, a sanitary appliances fee (for toilets and urinals) is collected for premises connected to public sewers. The PUB collects the fees on behalf of the Government. The revenue pays for the depreciation of the capital works, the operating expenditure and interest payment on loans.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the testing of ammunition at the Chartered Industries at Boon Lay Road has been going on since 1967. These testings are carried out daily from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm and from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm under controlled conditions. They create noise at levels of about 70-74 decibel (dB) at the residential flats nearby. The noise levels are slightly higher than the background noise level of 64- ,70 dB in the locality. The noise level caused by the testings is no higher than the noise caused by the heavy vehicle moving along Jalan Boon Lay. Nevertheless, Chartered Industries has been advised to minimize the noise. They are taking action to appoint an acoustic consultant to carry out a noise control study at the firing range with the intention of reducing the noise level. They will also be required to adjust the time of testing to minimize the nuisance caused to the residents. WATER-BORNE FEE (Particulars) 9. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for the Environment what is the purpose of the "water-borne fee" collected by the Public Utilities Board; what amount has been collected since its introduction up to any convenient date; how this amount collected has been expended and whether the need to maintain the rate for this fee will be reviewed.”
“To-date, 13 pumping station attendants have applied for the monthly-rated posts. Four were offered and accepted jobs with the Ministry with no break in service and no loss of salary, while two were selected and offered jobs by the Jurong Town Corporation. Thirty-nine chose to apply for the skilled and semi-skilled daily-rated posts in the Ministry, out of which 35 were offered appointments. It is inevitable that some of the pumping station attendants may suffer a drop in take-home pay, depending on the jobs they have applied for. However, several of the alternative jobs have higher wage ceilings. This means that in a few years' time, they can earn more in their new jobs than if they were to stay in their existing posts. My Ministry is also looking into the retraining of some of the attendants if they can be re-employed by the Ministry. This will upgrade them for higher skilled and higher paid jobs in the Ministry. EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC RULES, TOOTING OFFENCES AND IMPATIENT DRIVERS 6. Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what steps his Ministry plans to take on "L" drivers and illegal parking along expressways to improve safety and traffic flow along those roadways: (b) what kind of scenario the Ministry expects to see along expressways when heavy and light goods vehicles are fitted with anti-speed devices from 1st August, 1981; (c) how many people have been warned or fined for indiscriminate use of vehicle horns and who are they mainly; and (d) whether the Traffic Police will ensure that impatient drivers at "give way" junctions are duly punished as they can be the cause of drivers in front of them not giving way at such junctions.”
“The hawker might argue that if the customer wants a bowl of mee for 70 cents, then that is the quantity he will get unless he pays for more. From time to time when our staff make their rounds, they do advise the hawkers to adjust the price lists according to the actual prices charged. If they want to sell at higher prices, they must tell the consumers frankly what is the price charged and for what quantity. We are always taking action to remind and advise the stallholders about such matters. MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT (Displacement of Pumping Station attendants) 5. Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Minister for the Environment if he will explain why about sixty monthly-rated staff in his Ministry were recently converted to daily-rated staff resulting in a loss to them in take-home pay. Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in line with our national policy of upgrading operations and reducing manpower, the Ministry has progressively automated its sewage pumping stations. As a result, the 65 pumping station attendants have to be displaced. There are no vacancies of equivalent grade in the Ministry to absorb all the 65 attendants. Consequently, the pumping station attendants were informed in December 1980 that they would all be retired by the end of March 1981. At the same time, the Ministry circulated notices of monthly-rated job vacancies in the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Health, Prisons Department, Jurong Town Corporation, Housing and Development Board, Telecommunications Authority of Singapore and CISCO for the 65 pumping station attendants to apply. There were adequate monthly-rated posts to absorb the 65 attendants, if they were selected. The Ministry also circulated notices of vacancies in its skilled and semi-skilled daily-rated posts.”
“However, this does not mean that we want to control their prices. It will be difficult for the Government to dictate the prices of cooked food. Singapore practises a free market economy. Our hawkers have to buy their supplies from other traders. Moreover, there are enough hawker centres and food stalls in coffee shops throughout the whole of Singapore to generate a sufficiently healthy competition which will act as a check against unreasonable profiteering. Ultimately, the consumers themselves will be the best check against profiteering. They can find out for themselves which stalls are charging reasonable prices, and so refuse to patronize those stalls which charge excessive prices. Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Ang Mo Kio)( In Mandarin): Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary this question. Although we are aware that hawkers are required by regulations to display price lists at their stalls, are there any checks made on the price lists? How many times have checks been made after display? Does the Hawker Department know that the prices displayed on the price list could be different from the prices actually charged. We have cases of consumers asking for a bowl of mee at 70 cents, for example, but the hawker refused to sell at 70 cents a bowl, saying that there was no such price. Mr Chor Yeok Eng( In Mandarin): Sir, I agree that these cases may have arisen. Generally, when we receive complaints of this nature, action is taken. On the other hand, a different kind of situation can arise - the hawker may charge at the prices displayed but give a lesser quantity of food, leading to an argument between the hawker and the consumer.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the flood prone areas in Singapore are in Bukit Timah, Potong Pasir, Jalan Eunos, Farrer Park, Opera Estate, Orchard Road, Bukit Panjang, Thomson Road and parts of Chinatown. When there is heavy rainfall, especially during periods of high tide, roads including roads leading to schools in these areas become impassable to traffic. We are now widening and deepening the Stamford Canal, Sungei Kallang, Sungei Pang Sua and Siglap Canal, at a total cost of $96 million. When these projects are completed, Orchard Road, Potong Pasir, Bukit Panjang, Frankel Estate, Opera Estate and Jalan Eunos should no longer be frequently flooded. Drainage schemes are being planned to alleviate the flooding in the remaining areas. It must, however, be pointed out that the flooding of low-lying areas cannot be entirely alleviated by improved drainage. For example, certain parts of the city, in particular Chinatown, are barely above the high tide levels. The ground level of these areas will have to be raised in conjunction with redevelopment, like Potong Pasir, to solve the problem of flooding. DISPLAY OF PRICE TAGS BY HAWKERS 4. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for the Environment whether his Ministry will consider making it compulsory for all licensed hawkers, especially the cooked food sellers, to display approved price tags, so that his Ministry will be able to monitor closely any unjustified price increases by hawkers thus checking profiteering and curbing inflation. Mr Chor Yeok Eng (for the Minister for the Environment)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, in the debate on this Ministry's head of expenditure on 18th March, I told this House that, according to the law, hawkers are required to display a price list of the various items of food that they sell at their stall.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the sewer line along Pandan Road will be ready for use by the end of next month. Factories along this road can then apply immediately to the Sewerage Department for their internal sewers to be connected to the newly completed sewer line. FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEMES 3. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for the Environment (a) whether he will give a list of the flood areas in Singapore; and (b) what measures his Ministry plans to take to alleviate flooding in those areas, especially along roads leading to schools.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1977, when the hon. Member for Punggol raised the question when a sewerage system for the Lange/Kovan Roads area in Upper Serangoon Road would be implemented, the then Minister replied that this would be done in two or three years' time. All the sewers for the Lange/Kovan Roads area were completed in 1979. They have since been commissioned, There are no plans, however, for any sewerage system in the Punggol area at the moment. The area is now mainly occupied by pig farms. However, in areas being developed by the HDB, sewers will be laid, for example, in the Hou Gang New Town.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it does not necessarily mean that by taking on a second job, the existing job is under-paid. There are workers who want to enjoy a higher standard of living, to buy colour television or a refrigerator, and so they do not mind working harder to get more than double of what they are getting. I do realize that there is a labour shortage in this country at the moment and that unless we pay a market rate that is commen- surate with the efforts put in by the workers, we are not likely to recruit enough workers for the job. I can assure him that we will always keep the situation under review and, if necessary, we will certainly take up with the Ministry of Finance about the terms and conditions of service of the cleansing workers.”
“Sir, I have no doubt the Minister for Finance who is here in this House will take note of what the Member for Ang Mo Kio has just said. Sir, the daily-rated employees have very similar, if not better working conditions and terms of service than workers in the private sector. In addition to their basic wage they are paid the NWC wage increments and the 13th month wage supplement. The Government also pays 201/2% of their wages into their CPF accounts. If they have to work overtime, they are paid overtime allowances. They are also entitled to seven or 14 days of paid vacation leave a year, depending on whether they have less than or more than 10 years of service. Therefore, when the Member for Ang Mo Kio said that the refuse collector is paid $10.50 a day, which is the starting basic pay, he should also bear in mind that he will have to add about another 40% to the basic pay. Besides the pay, some of the daily-rated workers are also provided with quarters. I think the Member has previously raised this question about converting daily-rated employees to monthly-rated status with the Minister for Finance in this House in 1979. As was pointed out by the Minister for Finance then, the determining factor was one of service requirements. The employment of daily-rated employees provides Government departments some degree of flexibility in the appointment and deployment of such employees in response to changing manpower requirements. This arrangement has functioned satisfactorily and there is no compelling reason to change it. From the workers' point of view, I think many may prefer the present arrangement because many of them have an extra job and many of them do undertake odd jobs which they will not be able to do if they are converted to the monthly rated.”
“I am glad that Members of Parliament have responded to the increasing habit of littering and the problem of cleanliness in housing estates by organizing cleaning campaigns. My Ministry will provide cleansing workmen and vehicles and assist in the removal of refuse collected during these campaigns. Officers from my Ministry will help to plan the cleaning campaigns and also provide film shows and talks to residents on how to keep their estates clean. It is the responsibility of my Ministry to ensure that housing estates are well maintained and refuse is removed. The cleaning campaigns which have been organized are not to supplement the responsibilities of the Ministry and statutory boards in providing cleansing services. Rather they serve to educate residents of their responsibility to keep their estates clean. The subsidiary benefit of such campaigns is that it helps the residents to know each other better and to develop a more caring attitude for both residents and public property. Because of the benefits of such cleaning campaigns, my Ministry intends to step up cooperation with grassroots organizations, such as the Citizens' Consultative Committees, the Management Committees and the Residents' Committees, to organize more of such campaigns. Parents could also play their role by instilling in their children good habits and the awareness that littering and vandalism are anti-social acts. Mr Rohan bin Kamis: Sir, in view of the reply and comments given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I would like to answer the points raised by both the Member for Telok Blangah and Member for Kaki Bukit together. Sir, it is rare to hear words of praise being said of Government workers, especially of workers in my Ministry. I hope they will take note of the encouraging words said by the Member for Telok Blangah and that they will re-double their efforts to make Singapore a cleaner and greener city. We enjoy one of the highest standards of public health in the world. As the Member for Telok Blangah has pointed out, rubbish is removed every morning, drains are cleaned and the roads are swept every day. But some people still remain careless about maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and public health, although adequate infrastructure is provided. The solution to this problem is public health education. The objective of our public health education programme is to make the public more aware of how they can prevent health hazards to themselves and to their community. We organize talks and distribute informative literature, display exhibits and contribute articles to selected publications and get publicity through the Press, TV and Radio. Our programmes cover several themes, for example, vector control, food hygiene, littering and pollution. 4.45 p.m. However, despite this publicity and educational effort, littering is still a prevalent habit among our population. The number of littering offences has, in fact, increased from 14,550 in 1979 to 18,183 in 1980. More than 50% of the offences in 1980 were committed in Housing Board estates. We cannot, therefore, put the blame on foreign workers or tourists.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand that the Member for Kaki Bukit would also like to touch on the subject raised by the Member for Telok Blangah. Perhaps this would be an appropriate time for him to speak on his amendment* now. *The amendment reads as follows: (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead MA-02 of the Main Estimates.”
“In terms of occupational groupings, the median monthly earnings of sales and service workers based on the Singapore Sample Household Survey, 1966, and the Labour Force Survey, 1979, increased by about 94% and 88% respectively between 1966 and 1979. Following consultations with the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers' Federation, the Government has decided that with effect from 1st December, 1980, the wage ceiling in sections 33, 35 and 144 of the Employment Act be raised to $1,250 p.m. The wage ceiling will in future be adjusted at regular intervals to take into account rises in the level of wages. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR DRUG OFFENCES (Deterrent effects) 3. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether capital punishment for certain drug offences has had the desired deterrent effect, and, if not, whether he will consider introducing amending legislation to make the law more effective.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the hon. Member for Toa Payoh that the $750 per month wage ceiling laid down in Sections 33, 35 and 144 of the Employment Act will be raised with effect from 1st December, 1980, to $1,250 p.m. in view of the substantial increase in the level of wages since the ceiling was fixed 12 years ago. Hon. Members may wish to know that section 35 of the Employment Act stipulates that Part IV of the Act applies to non-manual employees whose salaries are not more than $750 p.m. However, Part IV applies also to manual employees irrespective of the amount of their monthly salaries. Part IV lays down conditions of service like rest days, holidays, hours of work and payment for overtime work. On the other hand, section 33 provides that where the property of an employer is sold, or any money due to such employer is garnished on the application of a person holding a mortgage, charge or lien or of a person who has obtained a judgment or decree, the court ordering the sale or garnishment shall not distribute the proceeds of such sale or such money unless the salaries due to all employees of the employer have been paid. In the case of section 144, it empowers the Commissioner for Labour to enquire into and decide on any dispute between an employee and his employer relating to matters arising out of any term in the contract of service or any provision of the Act. The wage ceiling of $750 p.m. was fixed in 1968. Since then the level of wages has increased substantially. The median monthly income of all employees, according to CPF records, rose by 138%, from $175 in 1968 to $416 in June 1980.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at this moment, I do not anticipate that kind of activity. 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 Ong Pang Boon]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment: read a Third time and passed. PROVISIONAL MASS RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.15 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the decision to construct the CPF building was taken long before I assumed the post of Minister for Labour. But I can assure him that it was not a deliberate attempt to bypass Parliament. I think it was a genuine oversight. I can assure him that this will not be repeated.”
“The proposed amendment in Clause 5 of the Bill, therefore, seeks to empower an inspector of the CPF Board to examine the audited statement of accounts of an employer's undertaking, regardless whether or not such accounts relate to employees of the establishment. This will enable enforcement officers to view the accounts as a whole and to detect under-statement or omission of wages by employers for suitable enforcement action to be taken to recover contributions due to the employees. The rates of CPF contribution for all categories of employees in the private sector are as set out in the schedule to the Act. With rapid social and economic changes, I foresee the need to provide for different rates of contribution for different types of employees. The proposed amendment in clause 13, therefore, seeks to empower the Minister to make regulations to provide for rates of contribution other than those specified in the schedule in respect of such categories, classes or descriptions of employees as he may specify. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 4 of the Bill contains amendments to allow greater flexibility in the administration of the Board, while clause 6 seeks to empower the Board to use moneys in the Fund to purchase properties and to construct buildings for the purposes of its occupation and investment. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 5.11 p.m.”
“Firstly, under this provision, he is unable to use his CPF savings for the purchase of HDB and JTC flats to house his family, even though such flats are protected by law from seizure by his creditors. Furthermore, a CPF member who has attained the age of 55, or is physically or mentally incapacitated, or is of unsound mind, is unable to withdraw his savings from the Fund to sustain himself and his family even if his savings substantially exceed the amount required to discharge his debt. Clause 11 of the Bill, therefore, seeks to remove such unnecessary hardship on undischarged bankrupts so as to enable them to withdraw their CPF savings for the purchase of HDB and JTC flats. The Bill also seeks to enable undischarged bankrupts to withdraw from their CPF savings a monthly sum to be determined by the CPF Board for their maintenance if they have attained the age of 55, are physically or mentally incapacitated, or are of unsound mind. In addition, the Bill seeks to empower the Minister to approve total withdrawal of the CPF savings of an undischarged bankrupt if he qualifies under the same grounds. Mr Speaker, Sir, CPF inspectors are often hindered in their investigations into incorrect payments of contributions by employers because of inadequate and inaccurate wage records. The authority conferred by the present legislation is confined only to the examination of documents relating to the employment of employees. Employers can therefore evade or underpay contributions by understating or omitting altogether wages paid to their employees. This is particularly true for those who have already left employment and, as a result, are often deprived of their due benefit.”
“In the administration of the Fund over the years, it has been found that there are members who, having made their nominations before marriage, have neglected to update them after marriage. In the majority of such cases, the nominees are their parents, brothers and sisters; some have nominated distant relatives, friends, and even employers to be their beneficiaries. Whatever the case may be, the wives and children of such members will unfortunately and unwittingly be made to suffer hardship if they should die without changing their nominations, and thus leave their families unprovided. The Bill therefore seeks to protect CPF members' immediate families by revoking their nominations upon their marriage. This will force CPF members to reconsider their nominations, hopefully in favour of members of their immediate families. If such a member fails to re-nominate, his CPF savings will be paid to the Public Trustee upon his death and distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy, As for CPF members who have made their nominations after marriage, I take this opportunity to assure them that the Bill, when passed by Parliament, will not affect their nominations, unless of course they subsequently remarry. For these members who have made their nominations, I hope they have made provision for members of their immediate families. Mr Speaker, Sir, under section 13 (3) of the Central Provident Fund Act, CPF savings of a member who is an undischarged bankrupt are deemed to be impressed with a trust in favour of his nominees. The intention of this provision is to protect his savings from seizure by his creditors, thereby protecting the interest of his beneficiaries when he dies. However, it imposes unnecessary hardship on such a member, as well as his immediate family.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, over the last 11 years, the Central Provident Fund has grown in significance as a social security institution. The rate of contribution has steadily increased from 10% of an employee's wage to the current rate of 37%. The number of CPF members and their total savings in the Fund have also increased significantly from 505,000 members and $504 million at the end of 1968 to 1,436,000 members and $7.5 billion respectively last year. For most CPF members, and indeed the majority of our work-force, CPF savings con- stitute the main source of savings for old age or to provide financial protection for their families in the event of their death before the age of 55. The Fund has also enabled 268,000 of its members to use their savings for the purchase of flats and houses under various approved housing schemes. In 1978, members were also allowed to use CPF savings to buy shares issued by the Singapore Bus Service. Such uses of CPF savings enable workers in Singapore to have a stake in the country and participate in its future development. The Amendment Bill before the House has been introduced to improve protection to CPF members and their families. A major aim in the Bill is to encourage CPF members to give due consideration to members of their immediate family when they nominate persons to receive their CPF savings upon their death. With the present rate of contribution, CPF savings will form a significant portion of a member's assets. Unless otherwise expressly intended by a CPF member, such savings should be for the benefit of his immediate family when he dies.”
“Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider shortening the period of annual in-camp training for reservists in order to minimize the inconvenience caused to them.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, whether the current rate of CPF contribution is adequate or excessive depends on the social security purposes CPF savings are made to serve. The primary purpose of CPF savings is to provide for members' old age. They are also an easy source of funding for the large number of members who use it to purchase flats and houses under the approved housing schemes. Further, in the future, there may be other social security needs, such as the two insurance schemes I mentioned in Parliament last week, to which CPF contributions will be put to use. If these social security needs are to be met, CPF contributions have to be maintained at current level. As to the lowering of the rate of contribution for those above 40 years of age, I would like to mention that their social security needs are the same as those of younger age. Many of them are still using a substantial portion of their CPF contributions to meet the monthly payments for their flats and houses. Further, CPF records show that at the end of 1979 the average balance of members in the age group between 40 and 45 years who used their CPF savings to purchase flats or houses was about $10,500. The corresponding figure for those between 50 and 55 years was $12,000. With life expectancy increasing to 65 years for males and 70 years for females, workers need to save more to tide over a longer period of retirement. Unless sufficient savings are accumulated by maintaining the current level of contributions for those above 40 years, workers' standard of living in retirement will be considerably lowered. IN-CAMP TRAINING FOR RESERVISTS 2.”
“Sir, the Skills Development Fund is being administered by the Ministry of Finance. I think the Minister for Finance has appointed a committee headed by Professor Lim Chong Yah to advise him on how the fund is to be used. If I am correct, the payment of living allowances to trainees has been rejected outright.”
“Sir, it is no longer in force. For certain categories, we do impose a six-month period. If a work permit holder is moving to a high-skilled industry, then that restriction is not applied at all. 3.45 p.m.”