Tan Eng Liang
Singapore
“Sir, in the light of Government's emphasis on road safety and the strong measures indicated by the Hon. Minister, I would draw the Minister's attention to the conviction in court of a school bus driver who caused the death of two students in my constituency. He was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment.”
“Furthermore, the concessions in personal income tax rates effective from Year of Assessment 1978 have benefitted most taxpayers in the higher income group. I, therefore, do not see any justification to warrant a revision of the $4,000 limit allowable for purposes of tax deduction.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not in a position to debate with the hon. Member whether or not the 5% increase given in 1974 was adequate. But if he feels that the situation now warrants another increase, perhaps we can have a look at the position. Dr Augustine Tan: Mr Speaker, Sir, just as a matter of interest, what would the Hon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to a certain resolution. Resolution reported - "That the sum of $250,000,000 shall be supplied to the Government under the head of expenditure for the public services shown in the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st Apri…”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Consumer Price Index at constant prices in 1972 was taken as 100. In 1973 it was 117.7. In 1974 it went up to 144. That was the period when the ex-gratia allowance was given. In 1975 it was almost the same, 147.7. In 1976 it was 144.9. In 1977 it was 149.5.”
“ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn sine die." - [Mr E.W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly sine die at Twenty-six minutes past Four o'clock p.m.”
The complete record
Every one of 441 lines we hold for Tan Eng Liang, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 9.
“In 1977, 4 new street lights were installed in Jalan Potong Pasir and 5 existing 100-watt lamps upgraded. No street lighting work was carried out along Meyappa Chettiar Road, Lorong Bakar Batu and Jalan Kolam Ayer. However, a proposal to install 5 new street lights along Meyappa Chettiar Road is now under consideration. Since the street lighting along Lorong Bakar Batu and the widened stretch of Jalan Kolam Ayer meet the required standards, there is no need to upgrade them. Street lighting for the remaining stretch of Jalan Kolam Ayer will be upgraded in conjunction with its widening in 1979. JALAN POTONG PASIR, MEYAPPA CHETTIAR ROAD, JALAN KOLAM AYER AND LORONG BAKAR BATU AREAS (Environmental improvements) 6. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (a) how many times in a month the Jalan Potong Pasir, Meyappa Chettiar Road, Jalan Kolam Ayer and Lorong Bakar Batu areas are patrolled by the Environment personnel; (b) what actions are being taken to improve the poor environmental conditions existing in those areas; (c) what is being done to improve the poor drainage in those areas; and (d) what particular action is being taken to reduce the existing pollution in the upper reaches of the Kallang River especially the portion flowing through the Lorong 8 (Toa Payoh), Jalan Potong Pasir and Meyappa Chettiar Road areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Petroleum Act provides for the licensing of petroleum storage and transportation. Section 20(5) of the Act provides that all licences shall expire on 31st December of each year. This meant an accumulation of work at the end of each year. More than 1,000 licences are involved annually and obviously processing time would be affected since each renewal of licence requires inspection of the premises or vehicles. If the expiry dates were staggered so that renewals could be spread evenly throughout the year, the processing work would be considerably speeded up. This Bill therefore seeks to amend section 20(5) of the Petroleum Act to enable licences to be issued expiring at any date not exceeding 12 months from the date of issue. The Bill also seeks to validate those licences which have expired under that section of the Act but which are regarded as being valid for the purposes of the Act. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to, Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Tan Eng Liang]. Bill considered in Committee: reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. TRUSTEES (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.37 p.m.”
“All security sensitive areas such as the aircraft aprons and runway, customs, immigration and health areas as well as baggage areas, are restricted to airport passholders only. All entry and exit points to the restricted areas are permanently guarded by police personnel who also carry out checks on airport staff entering or leaving the restricted areas. The airport is also equipped with closed circuit television cameras that constantly monitor all activities inside the terminal buildings covering both public and restricted areas. There are also special police units stationed in the Airport to react immediately to any emergency. Sir, the security measures which I have briefly described provide adequate safe-guards for the safety of passengers at Paya Lebar Airport without causing too much inconvenience to passengers or affecting adversely the smooth flow of passengers and other users in and out of the Airport. These measures are constantly reviewed in the light of the prevailing security situation facing all international airports. Adjustments are made whenever considered advisable by our airport security officers. MOUNT FABER VICINITY (Resettlement) 11. Mr Ahmad Haleem asked the Minister for National Development and Communications when the residents of kampong houses at Seah Im Road, Marang Road and on the slopes of Mount Faber will be resettled.”
“Sir, the land at the junction of Telok Blangah Road and Henderson Road is under clearance. Action will be taken to landscape the area. PAYA LEBAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Security measures) 10. Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) if he will give a report on the present security measures implemented at Paya Lebar International Airport for the safety of passengers; (b) if he is satisfied with those measures; and (c) if not, what steps will be taken to improve them. The Acting Minister for Culture and Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Sir, the present security measures for the safety of passengers at Paya Lebar Airport are adequate. While I should not publicise too much of the details lest effectiveness is affected, a brief description of these security measures would be in order. All departing passengers are thoroughly screened with the aid of metal detectors. Body search is also carried out, if necessary. Hand baggage are subject to checks by X-ray machines and manual search. Passengers' luggage to be kept in the holds of the aircraft, which are not accessible to passengers in flight, are also searched or X-rayed by security personnel. Transit passengers who choose to proceed to the departure holding area in the terminal building are security checked before entering the passenger terminal. Airport staff holding passes are also checked before they may enter the restricted departure area. All outgoing air mail and postal parcels are subject to X-ray screening. X-ray screening is also carried out on hold luggage of arriving passengers. The Airport is divided between public and restricted areas.”
“Sir, the hills at Mount Faber Ridge, including Mount Washington, are designated for public park development. Mount Washington has already been developed as a lookout point with a pavilion. BEAUTIFICATION OF LAND AT TELOK BLANGAH ROAD/HENDERSON ROAD 9. Mr Ahmad Haleem asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ask the Housing and Development Board to clear and beautify the piece of land at the junction of Telok Blangah Road and Henderson Road.”
“Sir, the answer is: (a) 1,974 HUDC flats have been built and sold since the establishment of the Company. (b) In view of the demand for HUDC flats, the Company is proceeding to implement its Phase II development programme which will provide about 1,250 flats. The Company is currently releasing 98 houses at Pasir Ris Beach Park for sale to HUDC registrants. DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNT WASHINGTON 8. Mr Ahmad Haleem asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what the plans are for the development of the hill next to Mount Faber known as Mount Washington.”
“Sir, I do not wish to go into the pros and cons whether Woodlands is suitable or not. But in answer to the Member's question as to whether allocation could be expedited, my reply is that different estates are at different stages of development and that choice of locality will be a factor in the period of allocation. DEMAND FOR HUDC FLATS 7. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communicatons whether he will ascertain from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (a) since the establishment of the Housing and Urban Development Company how many flats have been built and the number sold; and (b) what plans there are to meet the demand for the Company's flats.”
“Sir, I have indicated a general period of waiting, but if the applicant is not too choosy about the locality of certain estates, like Woodlands, he could probably have got his flat within six months to a year.”
“Sir, based on the present rate of building, the waiting period should be approximately two to three years, depending on the choice of locality.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Under the Housing and Development Act, the Board's officers can only act for a person buying a flat direct from the Board. In all other transactions including resales, the parties engage their own solicitors who will charge them for work done in accordance with the Solicitors' Remuneration Order, 1974. The Bill seeks to enable the Board to act for parties in resales and in other transactions. To date, the Board has sold 137,093 flats under the "Home Ownership For The People Scheme". As more flats are being sold by the Board, the number of resale cases and all other transactions has increased accordingly and the number of transfer instruments registered increased from 678 in 1974 to 1,606 in 1976. If the Board is permitted to handle resale cases and all other transactions, it will help a large number of flat owners to minimise legal costs. Amendments to sections 42 and 49 of the Housing and Development Act will empower - (a) the Board by authorised officers to act for the parties in resales and in all other transactions in respect of the flats where these parties do not engage solicitors; and (b) the Minister to make regulations prescribing fees payable to the Board for legal services rendered in such transactions. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Dr Tan Eng Liang]. Bill considered in committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“Sir, I suggest that if the Member is interested, he can write to the competent authority. BUS SERVICE TO PUNGGOL ESTATE 32. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will request the Singapore Bus Service Limited to extend Service No. 111 to Punggol Estate via Tampines Way. The Acting Minister for Culture and Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the present Tampines Way Terminal where Service No. 86 now terminates is only a temporary one. No crew facilities, such as toilets, canteens and rest areas, can be built there. The Public Works Department and Traffic Police have indicated their objection to more services ending at this temporary terminal. Therefore, the Singapore Bus Service will consider extending Service No. 111 to Punggol Estate via Tampines Way only when a site for a permanent terminal can be found in that area.”
“Sir, the competent authority is in the best position to assess the situation. While we appreciate that security is involved, from the competent authority's point of view, safety is more important in this case.”
“I think it is a statutory requirement that such space should be left open. If the Member is so conscious of security, then safety requirements near landing points must be observed for safety reasons.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board cannot allow the space in front of the main doors of HDB flats to be enclosed as it is a public area which forms part of either the lift lobby, staircase landing or access corridor.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the site can be utilised for a community centre if the People's Association makes a request for it. LANDING SPACE FRONTING MAIN DOORS OF HDB FLATS (Fencing In with iron gates) 31. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the Housing and Development Board will consider allowing the landing space fronting the main doors of HDB flat owners to be enclosed with collapsible iron gates as this would ensure security and optimum utilisation of space.”
“My colleague here has told me that the planting of trees, as suggested by the Member, is already included in the plan for consideration. COMMUNITY CENTRE AT LORONG 8, TOA PAYOH 30. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the landscaped area at the gable-end of Block 222, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, can be utilised for building a community centre mainly for tennis and squash as at present no such facilities are handy for Lorong 8 residents.”
“The vacant land opposite Block 227, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, is zoned for industrial development. Either terrace factories or other types of industrial buildings will be built on it.”
“Sir, we are talking of a glut in private housing now. If a private developer is prepared to resettle all those tenants he intends to move out into his own new private housing estate, then there will be no problem. But in the present circumstances we are assuming that when the developer gives notice to the tenants or sub-tenants to move out, he expects them to find alternative accommodation in the HDB. So there is no contradiction in my explanation.”
“Sir, my only reply is that pre-war houses and post-war houses are placed in different situations. However, the lifting of control of rent will be considered when the time is right and if the situation warrants it. This is to prevent any hardship that may be caused. For example, if we were to lift the control of these rent-controlled houses, land owners might want to develop their land and there could be thousands of cases requiring immediate housing. Mr Ho See Beng: I do not agree with the explanation given by the Senior Minister of State. On the one hand, he says that there is a glut of housing, and on the other he says that there will be hardship caused if the rent control regulation is lifted for the prewar houses.”
“Sir, at present, rentals imposed on tenants of pre-war houses built before September 1947 are regulated under the Control of Rent Act. Rentals pertaining to postwar houses built after that date are not controlled. Rental of houses depends on supply and demand. With the large number of housing units completed and under-construction by HDB, there is no problem of housing shortage in Singapore. In fact, at the present moment there is a glut of private housing. The Government, therefore, do not intend to introduce measures to control rental of postwar houses.”
“Sir, there are four existing signalised junctions near the junction of Lorong 2/Lorong 3, i.e. the junctions of Lorong 2/Lorong 1, Lorong 2/Toa Payoh Central, Lorong 4/Lorong 5, Lorong 4/Toa Payoh Central. These four signalised junctions interrupt the continuous traffic flow and create gaps along the roads bounded by them. Pedestrians can cross the roads in this area during these gaps in the traffic stream. Though there is no proposal to construct an overhead pedestrian bridge at the junction of Lorongs 2 and 3, Toa Payoh, the PWD will make an investigation and provide an appropriate pedestrian crossing if warranted. RENT OF POSTWAR HOUSES 28. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider the need to introduce legislation with a view to checking excessive increases of rent by owners of postwar houses, especially those houses built immediately after September, 1947, as there have been instances of rent increases of as much as 200 per cent and tenants have no recourse but to accept the rent increases.”
“Sir, the HDB will study the suggestion to ensure that in creating an opening in the divider along Bedok North Road to allow traffic to turn right near Blocks 74 and 75, the flow of traffic will not be affected. OVERHEAD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE (Junction of Lorongs 2 and 3, Toa Payoh) 27. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the increasing volume of vehicular traffic at the junction of Lorongs 2 and 3, Toa Payoh, if an overhead pedestrian bridge will be constructed at that junction.”
“Sir, there is an existing traffic signal at the junction of New Upper Changi Road and Bedok South Avenue 3. Another set of traffic signals is under installation at the junction of Bedok North Avenue 1. This traffic light is expected to be in operation by middle of February 1978 and vehicles from Bedok North could make use of this junction to turn right into New Upper Changi Road and proceed towards the city without diverting through Bedok South Road. There is no proposal to install traffic lights at the junction of Bedok North Road and New Upper Changi Road as it is too near the existing traffic light junction. However, the PWD is examining the need for installing traffic signals at the junction of New Upper Changi Road and Bedok North Avenue 3. OPENING OF ROAD DIVIDER ALONG BEDOK NORTH ROAD 26. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Public Works Department will look into the feasibility of making an opening in the divider along Bedok North Road near Blocks 74 and 75, to allow traffic from the City and New Upper Changi Road to make a right turn into the car parks instead of having to go to Bedok North Avenue to do a turn.”
“Sir, the HUDC will consider offers of the private developers to sell houses and flats to the Company if the housing units are suitable and the prices are reasonable. BEDOK NORTH ROAD/NEW UPPER CHANGI ROAD (Installation of traffic lights) 25. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether it is planned to install traffic lights at the junction of Bedok North Road and New Upper Changi Road, opposite Block 56, Neighbourhood 11 of Bedok New Town, so that there may be direct traffic movement from Bedok North towards the City without a diversion through Bedok South Road.”
“Sir, as on 23rd January, 1978 there were 2,214 applicants on the HUDC's waiting list. In answer to (b), applicants will normally have to wait 2 1/2 to 3 years before they are allocated accommodation. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT CO. (PTE) LTD. (Policy on purchase of private apartments and houses for sale to HUDC applicants) 24. Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Urban Development Company (Pte) Ltd whether it will continue to buy apartments and houses from private developers and make them available to HUDC applicants under the normal terms.”
“Sir, communal TV antennae will be provided in old housing estates and SIT estates in stages in view of the large number of flats in such estates. The Housing and Development Board expect to install communal TV antennae in the flats in Delta constituency before the end of the year. APPLICANTS FOR HUDC FLATS (Particulars) 23. Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Urban Development Company (Pte) Ltd (a) what is the number of applicants on its waiting list as a result of its recent registration exercise; and (b) how long the applicants will normally have to wait before they are allocated accommodation.”
“Sir, our study confirms that there is a demand for parking spaces in the vicinity and it is feasible to convert the vacant land adjacent to the Serangoon Garden Market into a car park. Some 36 parking lots will be available. We are looking into the introduction of a pay-parking scheme there. OLD HDB FLATS IN DELTA CONSTITUENCY (Installation of communal TV antennas) 22. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the Housing and Development Board has any plan to install communal TV antennae to the old flats, including those built by the Singapore Improvement Trust, in Delta Constituency.”
“Sir, there are four existing pedestrian crossings along Balestier Road at the following locations: (a) Pedestrian crossing lines at the junction of: (i) Balestier Road/Serangoon Road (ii) Balestier Road/Kim Keat Road (iii) Balestier Road/Thomson Road (b) A push-button pedestrian crossing near McNair Road. In addition to the above, the following facilities will be installed in the 1978/79 fiscal year: (i) Pedestrian crossing lines with green-man, red-man signal heads at the junction of Balestier Road/Moulmein Road. (ii) Green-man, red-man signal heads at the existing pedestrian crossing lines at the junction of Balestier Road/Serangoon Road. (iii) A push-button pedestrian signal near Balestier Hill School. VACANT LAND ADJACENT TO SERANGOON GARDEN MARKET 21. Dr Lau Teik Soon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what is the outcome of the study into the feasibility of using the vacant land adjacent to the Serangoon Garden Market as a car park.”
“Sir, it is not. We have in one instance granted an additional trade to a particular tenant without any increase in rental. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ALONG BALESTIER ROAD 20. Mr Sia Khoon Seong asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the recent efforts by Government to increase road safety measures and promote road safety consciousness particularly among pedestrians, and in view of the increased volume of vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement along Balestier Road, whether his Ministry has any immediate plans to install an overhead bridge and/or pedestrian crossings at appropriate points along Balestier Road.”
“Sir, the answer is a fairly simple one. When a shopkeeper tenders for a particular shop premises, he has to make it known in that tender the particular trade he deals in. In a particular block of shops therefore, there are tenders for various trades. The tenderer must indicate what he wants to tender a particular shop for, such as a clinic. Therefore, he tenders a certain price for it. Compared to the tender for another shop, for example, a coffee shop, perhaps the tender price could be different. Therefore, in this case, the tenderer must indicate at the time of tendering that he wants to sell intoxicating liquor, but not as an afterthought. Because if it is an afterthought, it could jeopardise the business of other shops in the same block. So the mistake here is not with the authority but with the tenderer. We are saying that if he wants to add in another trade, it is subject to a review. Whether or not he pays more for it, is a matter for consideration by the Board.”
“Sir, the rentals of HDB shops depend on the type of trades which are specified in the tender applications and in the tenancy agreements. Any shopkeeper who wishes to carry out an additional trade, for instance, sale of intoxicating liquor, must therefore obtain the Board's permission and, if approved, the rental will be subject to review.”
“Sir, I have given the reasons for rejecting requests for change of use. While we appreciate the economic contributions from a particular sector, consideration is normally given. For example, extension of time is allowed for a person to move out of the premises for its illegal use. From the reasons for rejection that I have given earlier it is difficult or impossible to compromise. The only "flexibility" that we can give is to grant reasonably sufficient time for a particular case to be resettled. PROVISION SHOPS IN HDB ESTATES (Sale of Intoxicating liquor) 19. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board the reason why proprietors of provision shops in HDB estates have been required to stop selling intoxicating liquors on their premises or face the prospect of rent increase, although they are licensed to sell intoxicating liquors by the Liquors Licensing Board.”
“Sir, from 1st January l977 to 31st December 1977, a total of 4,178 applications for change of use were received. Of this number 2,870 applications or 68.7% were approved whilst 459 applications or 11% were disapproved. 532 applications or 12.7% were withdrawn and the balance of 317 or 7.6% were carried forward to 1978 for consideration. Generally, the 459 applications were rejected for one or more of the following reasons:- (a) The proposed uses were contrary to the Master Plan zoning and planning intentions; (b) The proposed uses would affect the amenity and privacy of the residents in the area; (c) The proposed uses would cause traffic congestion and impede traffic flow; and. (d) The sites were affected by public schemes. Mr Teong Eng Siong( In Mandarin): Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether, in considering applications for the change of use of premises, his Department will exercise some flexibility so as not to cause economic hardship on the applicants?”
“Sir, the site bounded by Havelock Road and Zion Road is earmarked for development of a neighbourhood centre with shops and markets. Development proposals for the vacant site bounded by Zion Road, Ganges Avenue and Outram Road are being finalised. CHANGE OF USE OF PREMISES (Particulars) 18. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many applications for change of use of premises have been received between 1st January, 1977, and the latest convenient date; (b) how many applications have been approved; and (c) how many applications have been rejected and the reasons therefor.”
“Sir, plans are already underway to install traffic signals at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road/Tampines Way during the first quarter of the 1978 financial year. REDEVELOPMENT OF CLEARANCE SITES ALONG ZION AND HAVELOCK ROADS 17. Dr Ong Leong Boon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what plans there are for the redevelopment of the clearance sites along Zion Road and Havelock Road in Kim Seng Constituency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, both Serangoon Garden Way and Lorong Chuan are narrow two-lane two-way roads. Due to the narrow width of these roads, a three-phase signals system is required. No advantage in terms of travel time will be gained by installing traffic signals at the junction of Serangoon Garden Way and Lorong Chuan. There is, however, a proposal to extend Avenue 1, Ang Mo Kio, to Yio Chu Kang Road to meet this road at Plantation Avenue, as I have indicated earlier. This new road which will run parallel to Serangoon Garden Way will relieve traffic congestion along Serangoon Garden Way when it is implemented. UPPER SERANGOON ROAD/TAMPINES WAY (Installation of traffic lights) 16. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, in view of the increasing volume of traffic at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Tampines Way, whether a traffic light system will be installed at that junction.”
“Sir, peak hour congestion along Lorong Chuan, particularly the stretch between Avenue 1, Ang Mo Kio, and Braddell Road is caused primarily by traffic from Ang Mo Kio New Town and the many private housing estates off Lorong Chuan and Yio Chu Kang Road. This will be alleviated soon by: - (i) the extension of Avenue 1, Ang Mo Kio, from Lorong Chuan to Boundary Road and construction of a new link road from Upper Paya Lebar Road to Plantation Avenue. These two roads would provide an alternative more direct route for traffic from Yio Chu Kang Road and Ang Mo Kio New Town to Upper Paya Lebar Road. City-bound traffic can therefore be expected to be partly diverted to these new roads. The projects are expected to be completed by December 1979; (ii) The construction of the North-South Arterial Road between Thomson Road and Avenue 1, Ang Mo Kio, currently is scheduled to be completed by October 1979. When completed, an alternative high capacity road will be available linking Ang Mo Kio New Town with Thomson Road. Some of the traffic from Ang Mo Kio now using Lorong Chuan can be expected to divert to this new road. In view of the above, there are no proposals to widen Lorong Chuan. LORONG CHUAN/SERANGOON GARDEN WAY (Installation of traffic lights) 15. Dr Lau Teik Soon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether there is any plan to install traffic lights at the junction of Lorong Chuan and Serangoon Garden Way to allow for direct traffic movement to Yio Chu Kang without having to divert into Serangoon Garden Way.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already indicated that there are criteria but each case must be assessed on its own merits. Let me give Members a specific example. I have mentioned the availability of sites for religious organisations. That must be an indication to Members that there are difficulties in allocating sites for priority cases. If a site is available for religious bodies, then a non-resettlement case could tender for the site. The same system is also applicable to other social or cultural organisations. As to exactly when a particular case could be resettled or to be considered for priority consideration, the details must be made known to the relevant authority. While it is easy to suggest that there must be clearcut criteria, in pragmatic terms it is difficult to exercise clearcut criteria. What we have is a general overall policy with certain general criteria for consideration. Each particular case is assessed according to its own merit and it goes before the Allocations Committee. If the Hon. Member is unhappy over a particular case in Kampong Kembangan, he could easily refer the case to the Allocations Committee and it will be given due consideration, An hon. Member: Write to the Minister! WIDENING OF LORONG CHUAN 14. Dr Lau Teik Soon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if it is proposed to widen Lorong Chuan particularly from Braddell Road/Lorong Chuan junction to Lorong Kinchir in order to relieve the congestion along that stretch of road.”
“Sir, it is obvious that criteria must be exercised in the selection of these registered organisations. Since the number of premises is limited in any housing estates, consideration for priority will be based on the need or the urgency of resettlement cases, or on the requirements in terms of greater and better usage to a particular housing estate. I am in no position to give the Hon. Member the different criteria exercised. But each case goes before the Allocations Committee and finally it has to get the approval of the HDB.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the work of our cultural, recreational, religious and other charitable bodies is important to HDB and non-HDB residents. In HDB estates, sites and premises are provided for such bodies to promote their activities. For example, sites are reserved for religious bodies to build their churches, mosques and temples and premises are offered at concessional rentals to associations affected by development programmes in the central area or elsewhere, to enable them to continue their work. Premises at concessional rentals are also offered to organisations of social value which are interested in extending their activities in HDB estates.”
“Sir, the HDB will only provide football fields and other recreational facilities in the large housing estates in order to make the most efficient use of land and benefit the largest number of people. The HDB will not provide a soccer field in the Thomson Constituency where there are only three predominantly non-residential estates, namely, Sin Ming Industrial Estate, Lakeview Shopping Centre and Upper Thomson Second Shopping Centre with relatively small populations. Residents in the Thomson Constituency can share the sports facilities which are provided in the neighbourhoods of Toa Payoh New Town and Ang Mo Kio New Town. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD ESTATES (Role of community service groups and integration thereof) 13. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for National Development and Communications, since more than 70 per cent of Singapore's population will eventually reside in Housing and Development Board estates, (a) whether Government considers existing social, cultural, recreational, religious and other private associations as having an important role to play in the future Singapore societies in HDB estates; (b) if so, whether the HDB will adopt policies to allow for an orderly integration of such associations into the communities in HDB estates; and (c) what these policies are and what criteria will be used to ensure orderly integration.”
“Sir, at the request of MPs, the Housing and Development Board will provide accommodation for social, educational or community services mainly on ground floors or void decks. One such facility is the provision of one community hall per constituency. As accommodation for one community hall has already been provided to the Hon. Member's constituency, the Haig Road Housing Estate, which falls within his constituency, is not entitled to another one. THOMSON CONSTITUENCY (Request for soccer field) 12. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will request the Housing and Development Board to provide a soccer field in the Thomson Constituency.”
“Sir, a multi-purpose court for sepak takraw and basketball will be built in the Haig Road Housing Estate in the near future. HAIG ROAD HOUSING ESTATE (Community hall) 11. Haji Rahmat bin Kenap asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if the Housing and Development Board will consider a request to rent a void deck in the Haig Road Housing Estate for use as a community hall in the absence of a proper playground and indoor sports facilities for the children and a recreation hall for the adults residing in the Estate.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, to help maintain the extended family system, the HDB introduced a scheme to allow parents who are already lessees of HDB flats to jointly ballot for flats adjoining their children's. There was no response to the scheme when it was first tried out at Ang Mo Kio recently. It is too early to say whether the scheme is a failure or not until it is tried out further in other housing estates. Based on feedback information, the scheme may be modified if necessary. HAIG ROAD HOUSING ESTATE (Construction of multi-purpose court) 10. Haji Rahmat bin Kenap asked the Minister for National Development 9nd Communications if the Housing and Development Board will consider the construction of a multi-purpose court for sepak takraw and basketball in the Haig Road Housing Estate.”
“Sir, in answer to (a), all the HDB flats in the Kampong Silat Estate have proper roofing. In answer to (b), the site where there are squatter huts was until recently intended for a school. As the Ministry of Education has now relinquished its interest, the HDB will consider clearing the site for redevelopment. In answer to (c), in the Kampong Silat Estate there are 10 blocks of Artisan Quarters/shops and 21 blocks of flats built during the Singapore Improvement Trust days. 214 units of 3-room and 4-room flats in 13 blocks will be offered for sale to the sitting tenants under the Home Ownership Scheme. The flats in Blocks 20 and 21 will not be sold as they are affected by road widening scheme. Eight blocks of single-storey Artisan Quarters and shops and six blocks of 3- and 4-storey flats will be demolished for redevelopment. The tenants will be rehoused in the new flats adjoining the Kampong Silat Estate which are scheduled to be completed in the middle of 1978. ANG MO KIO ESTATE (Pilot scheme for joint balloting) 9. Encik Sidek bin Saniff asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what is the latest development in the Housing and Development Board's pilot scheme for joint balloting at the Ang Mo Kio Estate; how far it is a fact that the scheme is a failure; and whether the scheme will be applied to housing estates in other constituencies.”
“In 1976, the PWD reviewed the existing asphalt concrete mix design used and experimented with various mix designs with the aim of improving on the asphalt concrete mix that will be used for future road surfacing. Since the beginning of the current fiscal year, an improved mix has been in use. A stiffer grade of bitumen has also been specified. The PWD is in correspondence with various research and highway authorities in other countries, obtaining useful information on how the problem can be solved. The Department has, in addition, initiated systematic scientific studies to determine precisely the factors affecting road surface deterioration. KAMPONG SILAT (Development of slum areas) 8.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, damage to road pavements occur mainly in bus lanes, bus stops, intersections and tight bends. Observations indicate that oil spillage over a period softens and dissolves the asphalt in road pavements resulting in loss of its binding quality. With heavy rainfall, water easily penetrates the asphalt film surrounding the stone aggregate, stripping them from the road pavement thus aggravating the damage. In tight bends, the pavement surfaces are highly stressed by turning vehicles and tend to deteriorate faster than straight road sections. In all instances, heavy vehicles and high traffic volumes tend to hasten the deterioration of road pavements. The Public Works Department exercises rigid quality control over the materials used for road surfacing and also undertakes strict supervision of the laying of the premixed asphalt concrete. Samples of materials used at every site are taken and sent to the PWD's engineering laboratory for testing. Sub-standard materials are rejected. Financial penalties are imposed for minor departures from the qualities specified. During road resurfacing works, PWD officers maintain standing supervision to ensure that compaction is adequate and the hot mix asphalt concrete has cooled down sufficiently before the road is opened to traffic. Premature opening to traffic will result in some loosening of the surface materials and subsequent deterioration of the road surface. For the period April to October 1977, the average monthly expenditure on road patching was approximately $85,000. For November 1977, this rose to $113,000 and could be attributed to the heavy rainfall at that time.”
“Sir, I really do not know how the level of $1,000 is arrived at. But as the existing Act does not provide for such penalty, I think the existing Board have felt the need and have recommended that the penalty of a maximum fine of $1,000 would be sufficient deterrent to an engineer. I really do not know whether the Member's comment that $1,000 is too lenient will be acceptable to the Professional Engineers Board.”
“The Act empowers the Professional Engineers Board to cancel the registration of a professional engineer or suspend him from practice under certain circumstances. The Bill seeks to give the Board additional powers to impose a penalty not exceeding $1,000 on a professional engineer or censure him where the Board is of the opinion that no cause of sufficient gravity exists to impose the penalty of cancellation or suspension. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill.- [Dr Tan Eng Liang]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 4.07 p.m. Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to wand part of the Bill. Clause 3 - Question proposed, "That clause 3 stands part of the Bill."”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Under the Professional Engineers Act, 1970, University of Singapore graduates must have two years' practical experience for registration as professional engineers. However, corporate members of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore, and other professional bodies approved by the Professional Engineers Board are automatically entitled to registration. The Bill removes the discriminatory provisions and provides that the following persons will be entitled to registration as professional engineers: (a) any person holding the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Singapore or the Professional Diploma in Engineering from the Singapore Polytechnic; (b) any person holding any other degree, diploma or qualification which the Minister may, after consultation with the Board, approve for registration; (c) any person who satisfies the Board that he is otherwise qualified by having proper and recognised training in engineering and who passes such examinations as the Minister may, in consultation with the Board, require. To maintain high standards, all persons must have had at least two years' practical experience in engineering work at professional level after qualifying and must pass a professional practice examination. However, the Minister may, after consultation with the Board, exempt any person from these requirements. The Bill also provides that a person is entitled to registration as a professional engineer if, immediately before the date of commencement of the Professional Engineers (Amendment) Act, 1977, he is a registered professional engineer and his registration has not been cancelled.”