Sim Boon Woo
Singapore
“Thank you very much, Sir. As everyone is jumping on to the band wagon. I thought I would join in also. I regret to note that the Changi Airport Development which costs $129.6 million has been planned with total disregard for the welfare and livelihood of the fishermen directly affected by this project.”
“Some three weeks ago I asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development to convene a meeting with the Primary Production Department and the Housing and Development Board, but to my surprise nothing has been done.”
“Sir, I think the Minister is mistaken when he said that I was being unfair to him by saying that he did not tell me about the project that was going on in the Bedok resettlement. Perhaps the officers who briefed the Minister could have made the mistake. The first case of repossession of land was at Lorong Dangai and Koh Sek Lim.”
“But these people obeyed the warning of the land inspectors and resumed their farming. But after a month they were again issued with another notice stating that their land would be repossessed.”
“Sir, it is very hard to please the Minister. I have never mentioned about allowing every Tom, Dick and Harry to hawk all over the place. My request is that those fishermen, who are old and unable to fish because they have been resettled in Housing Board flats far away from the sea, be given licences in Bedok New Town where markets and sta…”
“But I feel that the point must be driven home to our people that what they have enjoyed and hope to continue to enjoy must be paid for by constant vigilance and no one can afford to be complacent, which would make it easier for the Communists to make a comeback.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the Member for Bukit Ho Swee. The ones which we should educate are not the ones who are already educated. It is the people in the rural areas who are the unfortunate ones we have to educate. But to drive this point home, hon. Members and even the Minister for Health must have a lot of time, energy and effort to spare. I would like to suggest to the Minister that more intensive propaganda be carried out in the rural areas, in the kampongs, in the islands, in order that this policy of having small families be driven home to the people. And that is why I say we should not exercise our power without rational considerations.”
“I am also not moving, Sir. The sum of $419,845,500 for Head 91 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 101 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, speaking on this subhead, I must say that although the Development Bank of Singapore was established by statute, I presume there is a sufficient safeguard over the investment of public moneys, and that all investments are made in good faith and with good intent. However, I would like to ask the Minister to be more explicit than what is said in page 48 of the Memorandum on the Development Estimates, Paper Misc. I of 1972. Sir, it would appear that the Development Bank of Singapore has the lion's share of this loan. But the House is not sufficiently informed as to how the Development Bank of Singapore will make use of this loan. As stated in the Memorandum, the Government has approved ten lines of credit to the Bank, totalling some $411 million. The House is entitled to know more details before we are asked to approve any further sums of public money. 5.00 p.m. Sir, the next major beneficiary appears to be the Neptune Orient Lines Limited. I wish to know what class of ships and tankers is to be purchased and their total tonnages. I presume that our local shipbuilding industry will also benefit from this loan. The new addition of ships for the Neptune Orient Lines Limited will naturally be built by our own shipyards.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, last year, under this subhead. I raised the question of insufficiency of funds allocated to the Urban and Rural Services Committee for making up agricultural and kampong roads. For 1972-73, there is an increase of $300,000, and I would like to thank the Minister for Law and National Development for giving full consideration to our plea. For the next financial year the provision for item 013 - Jetties - has been reduced by $25,000. I believe that this meagre sum of $50,000 is for the repair of jetties in the Southern Islands - Pulau Ubin. Pulau Tekong - and also other jetties on our main island. Sir, Members representing the constituencies such as Jurong, Telok Blangah and Pasir Panjang have got surrounding islands to look after. Therefore, I think you will agree with me that $50,000 will not be enough to repair the very bad condition of the jetty at Pulau Ubin. Sir, this year, I would like to plead again with the Minister to consider increasing the provision for this item.”
“In view of the assurance given by the Minister that the Board will minimise any inconvenience or hardship, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting - That the sum to be allocated for Head 72 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 501. Mr Ng Kah Ting: I am not moving, Sir. The sum of $43,569,610 for Head 72 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 73 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 72 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 304. Sir, this amendment concerns reclamation work, Phase IV, taking place from Bedok to Tanah Merah Besar. I would like to request the Minister to bear in mind the following factors. Most of the residents living in Bedok, Padang Terbakar, Kampong Ayer Gemuroh and Tanah Merah Besar are fishermen and farmers. Consideration should be given to see that no hardship or inconvenience is caused to these farmers, fishermen, or the residents due to reclamation works. If any land is to be acquired, the affected families should be fairly compensated. Of course, the purpose of reclamation work is to add some more land to our Republic, but if it is carried out without sufficient foresight and due attention to the existing conditions of the area, this may cause untold hardship to the residents in that area. There are many small canals in this area earmarked for the reclamation project. These canals serve as outlets to the sea for the fishermen. When these canals are filled up, the fishermen will not be able to push their sampans out to the sea nor will they be able to berth their fishing boats or sampans. Sir, as it is, the area between Bedok and Telok Mata Ikan is low-lying and often gets flooded when heavy rain falls or when the tide is high. The filling up of these canals will, therefore, be another cause for floods in this area. I am told, Sir, that floods bring untold damage and misery to the residents in the affected area as a whole. It is hoped that the Minister will give full consideration to these problems before the actual reclamation work commences.”
“Sir, I do not quite agree with the Member for Geylang Serai that the Immigration Department does not reply to letters sent to them. I think the Department has a high standard of efficiency as regards work. I would like to know how soon will the Immigration Office, presently situated at Empress Place, move to its new office, which I am given to understand, is to be located at Phoenix Park. Members of the House are no doubt aware of the working conditions of the staff of the Immigration Department. The congestion in the public waiting lounge in the Immigration office is most unbearable and chaotic. The situation now is quite similar to that of a fish market. This certainly presents a bad picture to the tourists and foreigners, particularly those prospective foreign investors and tourists who have occasion to complete certain formalities in the Immigration Office. However, in spite of this pathetic situation brought about by insufficiency of staff and compact office space, Immigration staff has maintained a high standard of efficiency, for which I commend. While I am concerned with the image that we present to the foreigners, who would certainly count such a visit to our Immigration Office as quite an experience, I am even more concerned for our own citizens who have to wait for several hours in seemingly unending queues in such an environment. I hope the Minister will make an immediate adjustment, bearing in mind my observation, when this office moves to its new premises.”
“This is a hazard to motorists and, apart from accidents that can happen to them, the kite flyers themselves can be knocked down by cars. The time has come for the Commissioner of Police to take firm measures against these kite flyers.”
“It is only when there is co-operation between them that we can hope to achieve greater stability and better social order in our country so that our people will be able to live in peace. Secondly, in recruiting Police officers we must recruit more citizens. Sir, the Minister has said in a Statement earlier on that there has been a considerable improvement in the remuneration of Police officers. Therefore, I should think that this new salary structure is enough attraction to Singapore youths to join the Police Force. If this should fail to attract our own youths, then we have to make a further review and to study the causes. I would also like to ask the Minister concerned how many non-citizens have been recruited into the Police Force. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan) (in Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has launched several campaigns, such as the Industrial Safety Campaign, Pedestrian Safety Campaign and Road Safety Campaign. To ensure the safety of members of the public on the roads and to prevent them from accidents which are, of course, avoidable, several road safety measures have been provided and a lot of money spent on them. For example, overhead bridges have been constructed and zebra crossing lines painted on the roads. All these are for the safety of pedestrians. But such campaigns and measures will be meaningless if all kinds of road users, either pedestrians, motorists or motor cyclists, still meet with accidents. One contribution to road accidents is that children are allowed to fly their kites anywhere they like. Sometimes these kite flyers can be seen by the roadsides, running across roads, and in many other places which are dangerous.”
“In view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1151*.(* The same amendment also stood in the, names of Messrs Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi, J. F. Conceicao and P. Govindaswamy.) In moving this amendment, Sir, I wish to speak on the Police Force. You will recall that during the debate on last year's Budget, I pointed out that some constables and Police officers were rude to members of the public. At that time the then Minister expressed concern over this issue and promised to take appropriate action to rectify the position. I am glad to note that since then members of the Police Force have shown a new style of behaviour in carrying out their services. The Police have been very active in some campaigns to bring about a better public understanding of the Police Force. For example, during Police Week they have put up road safety exhibitions in the community centres to bring about a better relationship and an improvement in co-operation between the people and the Police, and to make the people understand that the policeman is a friend of the people. These are some achievements which are praiseworthy. Undoubtedly a rapport between the Police and the people is meaningful in Singapore, because this, will promote the co-operation between the people and the Police, thereby enabling the Police Force to be more effective in crime prevention and detection. However, in the interests of the public, I wish to bring up two points. Firstly, the Police Week should be held annually in order to continue to improve the relationship between the people and the Police.”
“Sir, the Minister has said that the Registrar of Societies has got the full power of deregistering any political parties if they are defunct or inactive. I do not know why no such action has been taken. Can the Minister explain to the House?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. Sir, may I request the Minister for Home Affairs to inform the House as to how many political parties there are on the Register of Societies today, and whether they are alive and functioning? If they are not, will the Minister consider introducing amending legislation to the Societies Act to remove all these dead-wood organisations from the Register, thereby protecting the people from the dupery of so-called political parties which resuscitate when general elections approach and promise the people nirvana-plus? Sir, if this mischievous practice of political parties of merely securing their registration is allowed to continue unchecked, our City State will in no time hold such an assortment of rackets that our people may turn politically frigid, and astute visitors to our country leave in bemused bewilderment at the spectacle we offer. Sir, in the name of rational freedom, I call upon the Minister to avoid turning our beautiful Republic into a museum of political parties.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to draw the attention of the Minister concerned to the sad plight of the residents living at Koh Sek Lim Road, which is in my constituency. Most of them were resettled years ago under development projects for the Paya Lebar Airport. These people were affected by the construction of the airport. Small plots of land used for dwelling purposes, as well as stove-making and agriculture, were allocated to them at Koh Sek Lim Village. Sir, Members of the House, especially those representing rural areas, will agree with me that stove-making and vegetable farming are not profitable propositions. The people engaged in these occupations have to live like everyone of us here. Therefore, they turn to cottage-industries, such as iron foundry, furniture-making, rattan-cleaning apart from farming, in order to supplement their living. These people have been, issued with notices from the Commissioner of Lands to stop such activities, because they are said to have contravened the terms and conditions of their leases. Sir, our Government has been, both practical and realistic, and I hope it will always be. But since these poor people cannot supplement their living, by stove-making or farming, I would urge the Minister to consider making, amendments to the present conditions of the lease so as to enable such people, who are unable to earn a sufficient living by farming or stove-making, to return to their farms, as I mentioned, earlier, to make their living.”
“In these circumstances, I wonder whether the Public Assistance Scheme will be of actual help to those who need it under the scheme. I hope the Minister concerned will explain the position.”
“Sir, I originally intend to speak on my amendment* which will come up later, but since other Members have been speaking on the same subject, I also wish to touch on it now. * The amendment, standing in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon, reads as follows: (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1151. Sir, in December last year when I raised the question of public assistance, I remember the Minister concerned replied that his Ministry proposed to ask the Ministry of Finance to increase the rates of public assistance to those families who needed aid, and that the Ministry of Finance was considering it. However, when we examine the present Budget we are rather disappointed, because while we are able to give an additional month's salary as allowance to our civil servants, the public assistance vote has not been increased as expected, but instead it has been reduced by $600,000 as compared with that of last year. Does that imply that those recipients under the scheme will get less financially? If I am not wrong, Sir, the present public assistance scheme was formulated in 1962. According to this current scheme, a family receiving public assistance could get a minimum of $21 per month. The maximum should not be over $60. These were the rates fixed ten years ago. A decade has passed and our social environment has changed tremendously. Our standard of living is now much higher than it was ten years ago. If the family of a recipient is staying in a Housing and Development Board flat, the meagre sum of public assistance is not sufficient even to meet the expenses for rent and P.U.B, charges, not to mention food and sundries. The present amount is not sufficient as I have mentioned earlier.”
“If Members care to look at subhead 2061, they will observe that there is a reduction of $600,000 in the provision as compared with fast year's estimates. This is because some of the recipients of public assistance have found employment. I would like the Minister to re-examine the criteria in deciding the quantum of payment granted to recipients of public assistance, in view of the high cost of living today. I appreciate that the Government should not be too liberal or unduly generous in this particular form of social welfare service for it might encourage irresponsibility and indolence. However, I strongly feel that in cases where the recipients are not employed due to illness, old age or handicapped, consideration should be given to the fact that the amount granted should be reasonably sufficient to enable them to live a reasonable life. Another factor to be considered in this respect is that sonic of the recipients may be employable but cannot take up any employment as they have to perform the necessary domestic routine, for example, a widowed mother has to look after their young children. It is, of course, morally wrong for the otherwise able-bodied persons to live on welfare dole almost permanently, but unfortunately the situation is such that it is beyond help. I would request the Minister to conduct an immediate exercise to revise the rates of public assistance allowances, taking into consideration the different social environment and today's minimum standard of living. Sir, the dreadful situation some of our public assistance recipients are in cannot meet with our claim that we have the second highest per capita income in Asia. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker.”
“The Member for Sembawang, in moving his amendment in respect of the subhead, Director of Social Welfare, has touched on the subject of Public Assistance. And since I have an amendment in respect of subhead 2061*, Public Assistance, I am wondering if you will permit me to * The amendment, standing in the names of Messrs Sim Boon Woo and Seah Mui Kok, reads as follows: (5) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (1) of subhead 2061. speak on my amendment now, as it will be convenient for the Minister to answer.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister of State's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $24,386,590 for Head 1303 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1304 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1303 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2654. Sir, under this amendment, I wish to seek elucidation from the Minister as to why the contribution to the ASEAN Fund has to remain as high as over $3 million. Do the other member-countries contribute just as much? Furthermore, I would appreciate if the Minister could inform the House on the cost benefit of continuing with such contributions.”
“Sir, in view of the not unsatisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $188,092,100 for Head 1301 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1303-”
“Sir, my question on the air passages for Parliamentary Secretaries has not been answered.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by the whole sum in respect of subhead 2096. Sir, I would like to know from the Minister the reason for the almost 50 per cent increase for this subhead. Sir, who are the people to be entertained, and what are the forms of entertainment? I would also like to know if this vote is meant for the Ministry as a whole, or for the use of any individual officer in the course of his duties. I observe the anomaly that whilst entertainment allowances are budgeted for Ministers and even Permanent Secretaries, there is no provision at all for Parliamentary Secretaries. May I know if it is the Minister's view that Parliamentary Secretaries have no occasion to entertain? I know they do entertain foreign guests, particularly, but with funds out of their own pockets. Sir, I also want to know the reason why Parliamentary Secretaries are not entitled to these allowances? Further, I am given to understand that when Parliamentary Secretaries travel abroad on official duties, they are given economy class air passages. Are Permanent Secretaries given first-class air passages when they travel abroad on official duties? If so, why? Sir, Parliamentary Secretaries have to-date maintained a silent and reluctant restraint on this matter for reasons best known to themselves. I cannot see the reason and logic that Permanent Secretaries should take precedence over Parliamentary Secretaries.”
“Sir, in view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2005. Sir, in moving this amendment, I would like to present a bouquet to the Minister for Law and National Development for his achievement in public housing. In doing so, I observe a radical phenomenon. The more successful we are in our housing, development, the more the State would have to pay in the form of subsidy to every Housing and Development Board flat dweller. This burden, of course, is reduced by our scheme of home ownership, but the bulk of dwellers in rented flats still receive this privilege of rent, though they do not see or are even aware of it themselves. I note that there is an increase of $3 million under this subhead. I would appreciate it if the Minister will inform the House as to how this increased amount is to be expended. I should also like to know the total number of housing units completed last year. How many of these were sold, and the amount of subsidy incurred for the remaining units which were rented out?”
“Unfortunately, Sir, these feasibility studies have in some cases turned out to he nothing more than speculation. One can no longer take for granted that the Economic Development Board has the capacity, in terms of personnel, to justify its involvement in joint projects with either foreign or local investors. Of course, one cannot summarily dismiss the achievements of the Board. But I believe the Government can save itself from considerable embarrassment and pain if more meticulous studies are made before Government invests public money in adventurous projects. Sir, the situation is further aggravated by the nomination of Government representatives to serve on the board of directors of certain companies. These representatives, their brilliance in other fields notwithstanding, may know next to nothing in that particular undertaking. Sir, some Economic Development Board officials do not appear to know the real value of money. I hear many a potential foreign investor smacking his lips when he negotiates terms with E.D.B, officials - like an agile cat ready to pounce upon and devour a canary. I would earnestly urge the Minister to strengthen the staff of the E.D.B, before more harm befalls us. 6.35 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to join my colleagues in congratulating the Minister for Finance for presenting a painless Budget. Hence I fully endorse my support to the motion moved by him on 7th March, 1972. However, Sir, I do not wish to repeat the observations made by my colleagues nor have I the brilliance or intelligence to do an analytical dissertation on the well presented financial statement, for much ground has already been covered by Members of the House. Therefore, I will confine myself to one small observation, i.e., the involvement of public moneys by Government through the Economic Development Board in what I call "adventurous projects". Sir, the Minister for Finance must be the most elated man in town. The success of our Government's economic and industrial policies deserve not only mere words of praise but also a deeper search into the causes and factors which helped to put our economy beyond the stage of the launching pad. Only cynics and pessimists will raise doubts as to the present economic buoyancy of the Republic. Whilst I cannot hesitate to commend the Economic Development Board for its achievements in attracting foreign investment into the Republic, I am a little sceptical as to whether the Board has all the information and, even more important, the expertise to ensure the soundness of every investment. I would like to know what are the factors that guide the Board before it decides to participate in some industrial ventures. I agree that direct capital involvement by the Government would lend great credibility to any project. I have no doubt that many detailed feasibility studies must have been made to ascertain the viability of each project.”
“Sir, in spite of the effort made by the Parliamentary Secretary to answer this very difficult question, I hope that he, being also the Chairman of the Urban and Rural Services Committee, will give his fullest support to our request and provide all Members from the rural constituencies with an easier or better means of dealing with our constituencies. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think much can be done by setting aside even the whole vote for this Head, which is only $2,475,000, for road building and repairing. How can the Parliamentary Secretary tackle the more than 10 rural constituencies, where the roads were built some four or five years ago, with only $2 million? Therefore, we ask that the Ministry listen to all the Members from the rural constituencies who are pleading for more money to be allocated for building and repairing roads. That is what we are interested in.”
“The condition of the roads then is not better than what it was before. It is always an agonising experience for the rural folks, like the farmers and even their wives, to have to transport heavy loads of farm produce to market over these roads, not to mention the little children who use the roads on their way to school. The situation is even worse during the monsoon season when the farmers and their children have to struggle to find their way home in a tortuous way. Would not the Government consider a better construction method, such as laying a foundation for these roads so that they can last longer and provide easy access for the farmers and the country folks? It is easy for us as city dwellers to neglect this aspect of the rural life as we move around the town in cars and other modern modes of transport over one of the best roads ever constructed in this part of the world. I sincerely urge the Minister to be a little generous and sympathetic towards the rural people who, after all, do contribute in whatever small way they can towards the building of our republic. They have done nothing wrong to justify the second-class treatment from the Government.”
“Would not the rural people be entitled to a better deal, if only it means a little slice of the cream? Does the Ministry of National Development really believe that a mere miserable sum of $450,000, which is not even 10 per cent of the monies to be spent on parks and trees, is sufficient to build or repair the rural and kampong roads? My constituency alone requires many times more than that. The rural folks are simple and their wants modest. Whilst we enjoy what the Minister for Finance has said to be a mild or mini-boom, would not a little more be spent on the poor rural folks? Would we be asking too much or unreasonably demanding too exorbitantly of the Government to plough back just that little bit more so as to make life for the rural people a little bit easier? May I reiterate that the needs of the rural people are indeed minimal. I would not burden the House by, relating any further hardship of the farmers and the fishermen, for my other colleagues have in the past few days adequately informed this House. It is all very well for the Government to say that it is preoccupied with other priority matters in restructuring our economy in the face of the British pullout, but a somewhat apathetic attitude towards the rural people is something that surprises me, because we have said so much and claimed to be able to do so much for the rural people. There are roads built several years ago, but they were constructed on the standard classified as "kampong and rural roads", which means a mere surfacing of the track of land without a foundation at all. This method of constructing kampong roads might well suit the needs of the people, but after several heavy rainfalls, the surface of these roads is washed away and potholes appear after a short time.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 78 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 001 of subhead 101. Sir, the subject matter "Urban and Rural Services" under Head 78 provides yet another classic example of the lopsided mentality of the Ministry of National Development. The provision of a meagre sum of only $450,000 for agricultural and kampong roads is out of logical proportion when one compares this "chicken-feed" of a mere half a million dollars to the funds allocated for the Parks and Trees Division in the same Ministry. One cannot help but wonder if the Ministry of National Development has actually lost its sense of judgement, or has acquired a somewhat queer sense of priority over the years. Let me invite Members to take a quick look at the amount of public funds set aside for our city beautification projects: $ Development of New Parks 1,590,000 Improvement of Parks and Open Spaces 1,210,000 Roadside Trees and Shrubs, including Landscaping and Improvement of Open Spaces and Parks 1,200,000 Vehicles for Parks and Trees Division 300,000 ----------- Total $4,3000,000 =========== The total, together with another $1,560,000 provided in the Ordinary Estimates, gives a grand total of $5,860,000. Sir, I am not without any sense of aesthetic preference, and I certainly would not want to create the impression that I am out to torpedo this fine project of beautifying our city. It is true that we have now reached a stage where gracious living has become the common aspirations of the middle and upper income groups. So be it. It is not a sin for anyone who has the means to seek a more profitable and gracious living, but let us not forget to look at the other side of the coin -- the less colourful and less glamorous side of the happy facade.”
“I am not satisfied with the reply, and I will not withdraw my amendment. Question on the amendment put, and negatived. The sum of $5,944,360 for Head 1306 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1401 -”
“Sir, can the Minister of State inform us of the result of putting these advertisements over radio and on television? Is it good?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1306 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2063. You will notice that the vote for Advertising Charges under the Property Tax Division has been increased by $13,240 over the previous year. Is this not because of the tremendous increase of house property tax as mentioned by the Member for Potong Pasir and the Member for Anson, and is it not also because of the increased cost of living that the department has to tell the people, through advertisements either in the newspapers or on T.V., that they have to pay their property tax? Sir, the Ministry has the machinery to send out notices of assessment of property tax to each and every house owner. Therefore, why is it necessary for the Ministry to spend such a large sum of money on advertisement charges?”
“Sir, in view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1303 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2316. Sir, my intention in moving this amendment is to urge the Minister to have a permanent Grand Prix circuit for the republic. The Minister has answered my question by his statement in today's Straits Times before I can even speak in this House. Sir, after a long wait for more than ten years, I am happy to note that we are going to have a permanent Grand Prix circuit. This, of course, will make the Member for Nee Soon happy, because the Urban and Rural Services Committee can put in more street lamps, thus lighting up the place. I would also like the Minister to elaborate on this subject further by saying where, when and how we are going to have this Grand Prix circuit.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I seek some clarification from the Minister. If a person wishes to repair a house by replacing the main pillars and changing the roof and, at the same time, replacing half of the planks, will it be considered a new house or a repaired house? The sides and the height of the house remain the same.”
“He will not give the occupier permission to build a new house nor will he sign the plan, but the occupier comes to the Chief Building Surveyor with an application for repairs. So there is trouble all round. But if the houses are reconstructed on the same site with the same floor area as the original, the owner's consent is done away with. But in many cases the reconstruction is first carried out, and then the applicants go to the department to regularise the position. It is only in cases of reconstruction of concrete semi-detached or terrace houses that applicants are advised to engage an architect to prepare the building and site plans. The Member for Sembawang also mentioned continuous court actions. It all starts with the builder being prosecuted for putting up an unauthorised building. The magistrate convicts him and fines him, and also makes an order that he should demolish that house. It is called a mandatory order. But, of course, he does not demolish the house. He will not comply with the terms of the mandatory order. Because of that, he is brought to court again and again. And, of course, as long as he does not comply with the order to demolish, subsequent convictions lead to bigger fines. If we are to drop the matter after, say, three years, then the position will become hopeless. He defies the law, he ignores the mandatory order, and after three years, when everybody keeps quiet, he has got away with it. So I think the Member for Changi is right on that score. But there have been cases where, after several convictions and on sympathetic grounds, the department has not taken any further action. But to do that in all cases would lead to many more unauthorised houses being put up, thereby getting the cloak of authority within three or four years.”
“Next, the plans together with the ground rent or assessment receipt to prove ownership of the house, are then handed to the building inspector. After this, the building inspector will then visit the site, take measurements of the building and its location, and draw up the necessary plans for approval. Those are the three steps of the procedure. As for the mukim number and the lot number, my sympathy goes to those people who do not understand what this is all about. But I think the Member for Sembawang will appreciate that no building plan can be passed unless the site is located. To do this, we must know the mukim number and the lot number. But as far as is possible, the building inspector will assist the applicant in this respect. I think the confusion about the procedure really lies with what is meant by "repairs". The Member for Sembawang spoke about repairing a house which was in a dilapidated condition, If a house is in a dilapidated condition, seldom will the owner want to repair it. What he does is to demolish the building and put up a new one. This is where the, trouble starts. A simple application for repairs can be approved provided it is merely repairs. But more often than not, you will find the occupier applying to the department for repairs to his house when his intention is to demolish it and put up a new one. And when the building inspector subsequently makes a check, he finds that the rooms have been enlarged, the house has gone a little higher; and then there is trouble. I think this is the basis of the confusion that exists, because if a house is to be reconstructed, the signature of the land owner is required as he owns the land. You cannot build a house on his land without his permission.”
“Sir, I would like to associate myself with the Member for Sembawang in airing the grievances of the rural people in this House. But I do not agree with him and I cannot associate myself with him in the matter of unauthorised houses for which he is asking for consideration. My question is very short and simple. What is the policy of the Chief Building Surveyor in granting permission to applicants who wish to repair their houses in the rural areas? In this respect, can the Chief Building Surveyor think of a more simple way to help these people get their houses repaired, such as cutting out red tape, as mentioned by the Member for Sembawang just now, which requires the applicant to go down town to the Chief Building Surveyor's office, then to the Planning Department, and then to the Health Ministry, and so on? I wish such a complicated procedure can be made simpler so that it will also help those Members of Parliament in the rural constituencies, including the Minister of State for Finance. Mr E. W. Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the Member for Sembawang has somewhat exaggerated the position as regards the delay and the procedure. My understanding is that normally an application for repair of temporary houses is approved within two weeks from the time the application is made to the Chief Building Surveyor's Department. The procedure for submitting such applications is already quite simple. There seems to be no need to further simplify it. The procedure may be generally listed as follows. The applicant first goes to the Chief Building Surveyor's Department and the building inspector will help him fill in the application form. He is then immediately advised to purchase two copies of the site plans from the Development Control Division of the Planning Department.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the Members for Sembawang and Jurong have spoken on the subhead "Director of Primary Production", I am not moving my amendment. 5.00 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $6,178,000 for Head 1004 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. COMMITFEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS (Suspension of Standing Orders) 6.34 p.m. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding Standing Orders, the Committee of Supply do now report progress." - [Mr E. W. Barker.] Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1004 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1301. Sir, Members will agree with me that the standard of furniture and other woodwork produced by the Prison Industries is considerably high. Will the Minister consider setting up a permanent office and showroom in the city area in order to push the sales of its products vigorously? Sir, nearly $l 1/2 million, which is a large sum of money, will be spent in the ensuing year, and I think it will be a good idea if we can get back some money from the sale of the goods. I wonder if the Minister will consider my suggestion.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the question of applications for citizenship has been brought up in this House every year, like the playing of an old record. The reason why it is being taken up every year is that citizenship is of paramount importance to everyone who has been residing in the republic for many years. Sir, this House has heard many grouses and suggestions even at today's sitting. Sir, if you will recall, in answer to Members of this House last year, that the Minister of State for Labour stated that the policy of granting citizenship would be reviewed from time to time. My question is this: can the Minister tell Members of this House what is the present policy? In his budget statement, the Minister for Finance has stated that our economy is improving, the industries are going very well, and we are short of workers. Sir, if that is the case, I wonder whether citizenship will be granted to those who really want to stay in the republic throughout all their lives and who want to be the sons of the soil in this place.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $370,000,000 for Head 0401 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 4.30 p.m. Head 0501 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister consider giving priority to absorbing the skilled workers who are made redundant by the run-down of the British forces? Dr Goh Keng Swee: Most certainly, Mr Speaker, Sir. There is a great demand for skilled workers of all grades in the Singapore Armed Forces. Any civilian employee in any skilled occupation in the British services should find no difficulty in getting well-paid jobs. In fact, we have been advertising for several months over the radio and on T.V, for these people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2005. Sir, can the Minister of Defence inform this House why no such provision was made for this subhead last year and why is it necessary to provide more than a quarter of a million dollars for employing daily-rated staff this year? Who are the prospective daily-rated staff to be employed?”
“Housing and Development Board flats would be ideal for them, but there are none in Changi Constituency at the moment. The problem of accommodation is their biggest worry: it is haunting these unfortunate people. It is more serious than being unemployed, because at least they have their gratuity to fall back on for a hand-to-mouth existence till they find other alternative employment. The education of the children of these unfortunate people poses yet another anxious problem. There are bound to be adverse effects on the children's education. If they are to move from Changi to other parts of Singapore, you will agree with me- Mr Sneaker, Sir, that the sudden dislocation is bound to disrupt their education even if they are lucky enough to get admission to schools in their new areas of residence. In this connection, I wish to know if it would be possible to leave R.A.F, civilian employees in their present accommodation even after their retrenchment until alternative accommodation is available to them. Sir, it is nearly four years now since the then British Labour Government announced the withdrawal of British forces from the republic. Surely our Government must have plans concerning Changi Air Base which can be implemented immediately so as to solve the economic depression in Changi Constituency. Can the Minister enlighten this House on what solutions he has to relieve the people of their anxiety about their future. 6.30 p.m.”
“are directly employed by the British services in Changi, but also others like domestic servants, petty traders, hawkers, shopkeepers, taxi drivers, gardeners and a host of others who in one way or another depend on the British services' spending to earn their living at present. I am reliably informed that more than 250 civilian employees and their families who are accommodated in R.A.F, quarters at Changi have been warned recently that they have to vacate their quarters within two months of their becoming redundant. It is also gathered that civilians affected by redundancy are required to vacate their premises even though the houses are going to remain vacant thereafter. Sir, these unfortunate employees will suddenly find themselves confronted with a multitude of problems which cannot be solved by their own efforts alone, and the apparent absence of Government assistance will leave them in a completely hopeless situation. True, there are talks of converting Changi Air Base into an industrial complex whereby these people could be absorbed into industry. But this conversion can only be done after the British have left. What happens in the interim? The disturbing silence on this matter in the Minister's statement raises doubts whether the much talked about conversion will actually come to fruition. If the Government has devised plans for the conversion of Changi Airport, why should the Minister not spell them Out in his statement? After all, to feed many thousands of hungry mouths is no small matter; that could not be lightly ignored. These civilian employees are unable to rent private estate houses because these are beyond their financial capacity. Still less can they afford to buy their own houses as they are unable to draw their gratuity in a lump sum.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir. Members will recall that the day after the Minister for Finance presented his maiden budget statement in: this Chamber, he received a lot of praise and all-round applause from the tycoons of the various Chambers of Commerce, the business community and the big industrialists. But the grouses and the views of the man in the street, the wage earners, the taxi drivers, the hawkers and the workers still await a sympathetic hearing from the Minister for Finance. I am sure Members have already heard enough of this and perhaps more will be spelt out by my colleagues, the Backbenchers, later on in this House. Today I am speaking mainly on the acute problems which are facing my constituency. In the budget statement of the Minister for Finance, which indeed is remarkable and impressive for its contents and length, I fail to see any immediate plan being mentioned to offset the economic problems and hardships arising out of the British withdrawal at the end of the year from R.A.F. Changi which is the last leg of the operation. Members will appreciate my deep concern over this matter. The largest Royal Air Force base is at Changi where nearly 5,000 employees earn their living and where the livelihood of many thousands of people of all walks of life will be immediately and indirectly affected. Sir, the vacuum that will be created by the British withdrawal, with nothing to cushion the ill effects, will plunge my constituents into hardship and set them back. I am afraid it may even be a source of social unrest and, because of its contagious nature, it may infect other areas in the republic. Sir, the people who will be adversely affected are not only those citizens who .”