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.”
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“Such areas are extremely limited in Singapore and, if available, are normally heavily encumbered with existing farms. With regard to orchid growers, the Department is currently making available the buffer zones of the pig farming estates at Jalan Kayu for the resettlement of viable orchid growers”
“Well, in fact I have the answer here. There are a large number of single persons affected by resettlement schemes and that makes it necessary to suggest that they should pair up for allocation of one-room HDB flats. Our experience has shown that these single persons who seek rehousing are often quite old and are without children or relatives, Most of them merely occupy a bunk or sharing a cubicle or room with others It is therefore more humane and indeed practical to rehouse them with other persons so as to provide them with some form of companionship and respite from loneliness and also an opportunity to share rent and utility expenses. If they cannot, then the MP concerned can always write to us and, on sympathetic and hardship grounds, consideration can be given. As I have mentioned many times before, each case will be considered on its own merit. The Member's query on permanent residents affected by resettlement has been answered by my Minister. The Member for Nee Soon has queried that in the rural areas the orchid growers and tropical fish breeders affected by clearance could not find alternative sites. In Singapore, available land for agriculture is unfortunately limited. Although tropical fish breeders and orchid growers are earners of foreign exchange, priorities for alternative land is accorded to those agricultural activities which produce food such as pig, poultry and vegetable growing. The Primary Production Department has found it extremely difficult to provide alternative sites for aquarium fish breeders due to their special requirements. They require sites with good water supply and soil conditions which are able to retain water for proper fish breeding.”
“Is the Member referring to a single person who is a citizen and is affected by resettlement and that he has to combine with another single person to qualify for priority allocation?”
“The Member also went on to say that the Resettlement Department is very hardhearted and that they do not take into consideration the livelihood of affected elderly farmers who have been working in the field for many years. Here again, I can simply say that farmers who qualify for land allocation are given alternative land to continue their livelihood. But for those who do not opt for alternative land, they get enhanced compensation and a free flat, or cash in lieu is given. It is the present policy of the HDB to build flats in the rural centres. These centres are close to the farming areas where employment can be found in the larger farms which are, by the way, in short supply of farmers or workers. Such rural centres can be found in Jalan Kayu and Punggol. But if the Member can justify that he has a really big farming community in Changi, perhaps he can let us know that he may need such facilities. The point raised by the Member for Kampong Chai Chee has again been answered by my Minister.”
“He complained that the people were not properly compensated and even said that a resettlement officer actually made a commitment on the amount of compensation to be paid. If it was a verbal commitment, we are in no position to say whether it is right or wrong. But let me assure him that, as far as we are concerned, there can be no instance where, the actual compensation is different from the amount originally given in writing. If the Member is convinced that he has a case, we would be prepared to investigate. The Member also went on to complain about the unsympathetic, impatient and high-handed officials bullying illiterate rural folks by asking them to sign documents hurriedly. Here again, I can merely reiterate that resettlement officers have been instructed - and if he wants I can send him circulars to that effect - to provide all the necessary explanations and guidance to those affected by resettlement. Again, if the Member can bring to my attention any specific cases of rudeness and discourtesy, we will be happy to investigate. I think the Member should be happy with all these replies. The new MP has also brought up the question of inadequate compensation Here again, if he could bear with us and look up the Hansard of the last Budget session, when we spent a lot of time explaining the adequacy of the compensation. In fact, it touches on the resettlement of farmers who are allocated land and resettlement in housing for farmers who give up their land and who are not allowed to continue farming. So I would ask him to look up the Hansard on this matter.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as the Member has correctly pointed out, it is a matter of taste. And since the HDB has that authority, the taste is HDB's. Anyway, we will try to give as best a design as we can. The Member has also brought up the question of open air coffee shops. I would like to mention that coffee shops also involve the Ministry of the Environment. If more tables and chairs are allowed in the open areas, there is a possibility that they may need larger kitchens, perhaps bigger toilets, and this could lead to the problem of obstruction and to other complaints from residents or proprietors of adjacent shops. From experience, there have been such complaints in the past and even of incidents of fights, and the HDB therefore stringently observes the policy of not allowing extensions into open areas. Anyway, let me assure the Member that if any case merits consideration, it will be so given. Sir, the Member's observation on one-room flats has been ably explained by my Minister. The next lot of questions from Members is on resettlement. Here again. I am glad that the hon. Member for Jurong is not here because he is extremely persevering. He has brought up the question of bona fide farmer, every now and then. In fact. I just want to tell him that a bona fide farmer has been defined as one whose livelihood is entirely dependent on farming, and that subject has been brought up many times in the last Parliament where he had asked some questions and we had given him some replies. So I think there is no point `In labouring through all the various answers which run into three pages. The new Member for Changi has touched on the question of resettlement.”
“It suffices for me merely to mention that his concern is well placed, and that the HDB is helping these needy tenants in various ways: for example, giving them special consideration for hawker stalls, by informing the various CCCs and MCs and also the Social Welfare Department on their need for financial assistance. The hon. Member for Whampoa has mentioned that the HDB should be careful in selecting proper sites for hawkers. That observation is noted and I can say that that is actually being followed. Another observation made by the Member for Whampoa is on the question of designing window grilles. Here, the Board must explain that it is obviously undesirable to give a free hand in the decoration of flats to the whims and fancies of each occupier. As far as the internal surfacing is concerned, they have a free choice. But for external presentation, a certain conformity is required. If there is lack of such control in some blocks of private flats, the result is a chaotic presentation of exteriors of buildings which becomes an eyesore.”
“A common example is the removal of the wall tiles and also the construction of a raised platform on the floor. The HDB has to take stringent action on this as it has resulted in overloading of the floor which in turn gives rise to a reduction of the height between the floor and the ceiling of the flat. Sir, the Member has also mentioned the concession shops at Changi. Perhaps he may want to know that out of a total of 46 shops in Changi Village which were let out solely to resettlement cases in January 1976, the rising rental is only $277 to $555. Out of the 46 shops let out, only one is left vacant. This vacant shop was open for public tender and the public tender was $750 per month. It is therefore unreasonable to suggest that the concession rentals are the cause of poor business. However, the Ministry will keep monitoring the situation. The Member for Anson brought up the question of HDB maintenance charges. I am surprised that he has raised this question because he actually spends part of his time at the HDB and he should know about the maintenance charges. Since he is not here now, I do not think I shall answer his question because I think he knows what it is all about. Sir, the next observation made by the Member for Telok Blangah as well as the Member for Punggol is on better timing of bus services to new housing estates. I think that is a valid observation. The HDB is equally concerned and, therefore, the Board has instituted a number of formal channels together with the SBS in order to plan a proper time schedule for buses serving new estates. Assistance for financially needy tenants was mentioned by the hon. Member for Ang Mo Kio.”
“One important point perhaps he should bear in mind is that in 1976 the Housing and Development Board completed a total of 30,024 units of flats and shops. This is almost twice the number of 16.147 units of flats and shops completed by the Board in 1971. In terms of volume, this is four times the amount of building space put in. Perhaps I can just summarise for him, in general headings, what the HDB has done to prevent this complaint of poor workmanship; starting from apprenticeship schemes with the Industrial Training Board. He may have heard that the HDB has introduced a merit star incentive scheme for contractors. There is also an experimental scheme with different types of construction, such as the Danish industrial method of construction, the Australian progressive strength method of construction, and a scheme called the mental formwork. So if he really wants to know all the details, could he please refer to the Hansard. Sir, another complaint by the hon Member for Changi is that the HDB does not give clear instructions regarding regulations governing renovation of flats. This is also a general complaint made by a few other MPs. Let me state categorically that the regulations governing renovation work in HDB flats are extremely clear The procedure following the balloting of flats is that the successful applicants are given a resident handbook providing all the necessary information concerning application for permits for renovation. It also gives a list of contractors who are licensed to carry out such renovation. The majority of the purchasers of the flats have no difficulty at all in following these regulations However, there is a minority of flat owners who disregard the regulations, and therefore run into difficulties with the Board.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of National Development appears to be extremely popular, as I have here a whole list of observations and complaints made by various Members of this House. However, I shall try to be as brief as I can and go through the more important observations or complaints made by hon. Members. To those Members whose queries or observations are not covered in my answers (they are actually here) they can see me if they really want the answers. Sir, let me start off with the most popular theme. and this is the Housing and Development Board. To start the ball rolling, the hon Member for Kuo Chuan questioned the transfer of tenancy of HDB flats from a deceased tenant Let me say that the hon. Member has been misinformed that, under the current policy of the Board, transfers of tenancy or leases to the next-of-kin in the event of the demise of the tenant or the lessee are not allowed. The true situation is that in such a circumstance, the HDB would effect an immediate transfer to the next-of-kin of the tenant in the case of rental or the lessee in the case of purchase. The immediate family who are non-citizens but are permanent residents also qualify. This policy also applies to applicants on the waiting list for HDB flats. Sir, my Minister has replied to a number of queries on the lack of recreational facilities as brought up by the Member for Aljunied. Perhaps for the new Member for Changi who complained vigorously on the poor workmanship in the construction of HDB flats, may I. for brevity, say that these observations and complaints were made at the last Budget session. Could I, therefore, indulge upon him to look up the Hansard where all the reasons have been enunciated.”
“Sir, the long term plans have not really been drawn up yet at this stage. It is merely a plan to resite the existing fish market, and this is likely to take place in or after 1980. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Debate on the Address (Fourth Day) Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [14th February, 1977]. `That the following Address in reply to the Speech of the President be agreed to:- "We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore, express our thanks to the President for the Speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session Of this Parliament.".'-[Dr Chiang Hai Ding]. Question again proposed. 2.35 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the expansion and development plan of the Kangkar Fish Market is affected by a proposal to widen and lengthen Upper Serangoon Road across Sungei Serangoon to link up with the realigned Tampines Road. Because of this, the Primary Production Department is considering long term plans to resite the fish market to another locality in Punggol.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, otter trawling is one of the methods of fishing used by our fishermen. The Primary Production Department is also encouraging the fishermen to use other methods of fishing. However, the expansion of otter trawling is limited due to the lack of fishing ground and the lack of interest among our youths to take up fishing as they do not like the difficult life at sea. The Primary Production Department used to run a Fisheries Training School with UNDP assistance. From a survey conducted on more than 100 trainees who have completed a one-year training course, only 8% were found to be employed on board fishing vessels. The Training School has been discontinued since June 1976. The Primary Production Department maintains close liaison with the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Marine Police on the protection of our fishing vessels against piracy. Naval vessels have been deployed to conduct anti-piracy patrols in the vicinity of Horsburgh Lighthouse. This has resulted in a reduction in the number of piracy incidents in the area. In 1975, there were 25 reported harassment cases. In 1976, only seven cases were reported. KANGKAR FISH MARKET (Expansion of) 3. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what are the plans for the expansion of the Kangkar fish market.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes. In fact, a new 2-storey addition to the existing veterinary centre costing $409,000 with a built-up area of 702 sq. m. is under construction and will be completed by the end of this year. This new building will have a laboratory complex, a post-mortem room, offices, a library and a meeting room. Three veterinary surgeons and other supporting staff will be posted to the Centre to provide more efficient diagnostic, treatment and advisory services to the farms. ADJOURNMENT TO A LATER DATE (Business Motion) Resolved, `That, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 4, at its rising today Parliament do stand adjourned to Monday. 21st February, 1977" - [Mr E. W. Barker]. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Debate on the Address (Third Day) Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [14th February, 1977], `That the following Address in reply to the Speech of the President be agreed to:- "We, the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore. express our thanks to the President for the Speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session of this Parliament.".'. - [Dr Chiang Hai Ding]. Question again proposed. 2.37 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have categorically stated that pig farming is likely to continue there for the next 15 years. The very fact that we have given leases of 30 years, we can even speculate that it is very likely that pig farming will be there for 15 to 30 years. PUNGGOL VETERINARY EXTENSION CENTRE 3. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if it is planned to expand the Punggol veterinary extension centre to meet the increasing demand for veterinary services with the rapid expansion of the pig farming industry in Punggol.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the pig farmers have been resettled in Punggol because it is a non-water catchment area where pig waste does not create the same serious pollution problems as in a water catchment area. The Government has so far developed 507 hectares (1,252 acres) of land in Punggol at considerable expense for pig farming as part of our policy to be self-sufficient in protein food. Also 30-year leases are given to large commercial pig farms. Therefore, as far as I can see, pig farming is likely to continue there for the next 15 years.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That the clause be read a Second time." Sir, in order to effectively conduct an investigation or hold an inquiry into any complaint against a registered architect, the Investigation Committee or the Board, as the case may be, is empowered to examine persons on oath and to require the attendance of witnesses and the .production of documents. Failure to comply with the Board's or Committee's requirement without lawful excuse is made punishable. Question put, and agreed to. Clause read a Second time and added to the Bill.”
“(2) Every person who without lawful excuse refuses or fails to attend and give evidence when required to do so by the Investigation Committee or the Board or to answer truly and fully any question put to him by a member of the Investigation Committee or the Board or to produce to the Committee or the Board any book, document or paper required of him, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars.".- [Dr Tan Eng Liang]. Brought up, and read the First time.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 10, line 18, to leave out the full-stop and insert - "; but, without limiting the provisions of the Interpretation Act, such repeal shall, not affect any document or any thing whatsoever done under any provision of the repealed Act, and every such document or thing so far as it is subsisting or in force at the time of the repeal shall continue and have effect as if it had been made or done under the corresponding provision of this Act and as if that provision had been in force when the document was made or the thing was done." This amendment is part of the transitional provisions and is intended to keep legalised, when necessary, all documents issued and of acts done under the authority of the repealed Act. Amendment agreed to, Clause 26, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. 4.00 p.m. New Clause - (1) For the purposes of any "Powers of investigation by the Investigation the Board Committee or any hearing under and Inves- section 12 by the Board, the tigation Investigation Committee or the Board Committee may - to require (a) require evidence to be given attendance on oath and for that purpose of witnesses, the Chairman of the etc. Investigation Committee or the President or other member of the Board presiding at the hearing may administer an oath; and (b) require any person to attend and give evidence before it and to produce all books, documents and papers in that person's custody or under his control relating to the subject matter of the investigation or hearing.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 10, line 14, to leave out from "Act" to the end of line 17 and insert - "-- (a) if such person is at the same time registered as a professional engineer under the Professional Engineers Act; or (b) if such person, though not registered under the Professional Engineers Act, is entitled to be registered under this Act under paragraph (dl of subsection Ill of section 8 by virtue of possessing one of the engineering qualifications set Out in the First and Second Schedules to the Architects Act repealed by this Act.". The reasons for the amendment are similar to the above amendment. Amendment agreed to. Clause 25, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 26 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 10, line 12, after "shall", to insert ", without the approval of the Minister.". Sir, the reason for this amendment is that, at the expiry of three years from the commencement of this Act, a person shall not, without the approval of the Minister:- (a) be simultaneously registered under both the Architects Act and the Professional Engineers Act; and (b) be registered under this Act even if he was registered under the old Act by virtue of his engineering qualifications. Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 9, line 14, at end, to add - "(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Board may appoint an Investigation Committee, consisting of such number of members which may include members of the Board as the Board may determine, for the purpose of investigating into any complaint against a registered architect. (3) The Investigation Committee shall after investigating into any complaint report to the Board on the matter. (4) Subject to any rules made under section 21, the Investigation Committee shall have power to regulate its procedure.". Sir, the reason for these sub-clauses is to provide for the appointment of an Investigation Committee with the power to regulate its own procedure of investigation into complaints against any registered architect and to report the results of such investigation to the Board, Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 8, line 17, to leave out "has not been" and insert "is not". The reason is that only a currently registered architect can be employed as an architect. Amendment agreed to, Clause 18, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 19 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 20 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 8, to leave Out lines 1 to 3 inclusive. The purpose is to avoid penalising any owner or tenant of premises who does his own drawings or alterations or repairs of a minor nature in respect of such premises. Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 6, line 35, after "suspension", to insert "or any imposition of penalty". This amendment is to give the registered architect the right of appeal against any imposition of penalty. Amendment agreed to. Clause 13, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 14 to 16 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 17 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 6, line 33, at end: to add - "(4) Every penalty imposed by the Board under subsection (2) shall be recoverable as a debt due to the Board.". The purpose of this new sub-clause (4) is to enable the Board to recover the penalty if not paid by the offending registered architect. Amendment agreed to, Clause 12, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 13 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 6, line 26, after "(1)", to insert "or (2)". The reason for the amendment is the same as that given above. Amendment agreed to, Further amendment made: In page 6, lines 32 and 33, to leave Out "make the order" and insert "exercise its powers".-[Dr Tan Eng Liang].”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 6, line 25, to leave Out "make any order" and insert "exercise its powers". This amendment is necessary for its change of wording, and the purpose is to cover new sub-clause 2 (b) where no order is made. Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 6, line 21, at end, to add - "(f) if it appears to the Board that he has contravened any provision of the code of professional conduct and ethics prescribed under section 21; and". The purpose of this amendment is to give additional and specific details of the circumstances under which the Board may take disciplinary action against a registered architect. Amendment agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 5, lines 9 and 10, to leave Out "Board may with the approval of the Minister exempt" and insert "Minister may after consultation with the Board exempt subject to such conditions as he thinks fit". The purpose of this amendment is to empower the Minister to grant exemption in respect of fulfilling certain conditions for registration after consultation with the Board of Architects. Amendment agreed to. Clause 8, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 9 to 11 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 12 -”
“The Member has also made a valid point on the use of services of engineers as against architects in engineering type of works. As things stand, building plans can only be submitted by persons registered under the Architects Act. Consequently, in the present context an engineer cannot submit building plans unless he is registered under the Architects Act. The Institution of Engineers Singapore, and the Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore, together with the Singapore Institute of Architects, have made representations to the Ministry. The question of permitting engineers to submit building plans for certain types of projects, for example, prefabricated works, as brought up by the Member, is being discussed between these interested parties. We will incorporate the necessary recommendations in the Schedule to the Building Regulations when these issues are mutually settled. Finally, I would like to assure Members of this House that both the Singapore Institute of Architects and the present Board of Architects have been consulted throughout the whole period of the drafting of this Bill. I have also indicated earlier that even at the last moment representations made by these organisations were accepted and incorporated in amendments which will be introduced at the Committee stage, and they have fully supported this Bill. 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] 3.45 p.m. Clauses 1 to 7 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 8 -”
“The amendments proposed also seek to strengthen the authority of the Minister vis-avis the Board of Architects and also to give the Board of Architects more flexibility in meting out punishment for lesser offences which do not warrant suspension or deregistration as required under the existing unamended Bill. On the other point raised by the Hon. Member for Jalan Kayu on minor works, let me say that for alterations and additions to HDB flats and other private residences a submission of building plans by architects is not required. However, where there are major additions and alterations or where additions and alterations entail structural works involving safety standards, architect's plans are required. Recently, the Building Control Division issued guidelines as to the type of building works which do not require submission of building plans by architects, and this information is available at the Building Control Division, if required. As to the Member's comment on the erection of temporary dwellings in the rural areas, the BCD makes available six standard-type plans so that applicants need not engage the services of an architect. The services of an architect are only required where erections do not conform to any of these six standard-type plans, and this is obviously to ensure that the plans comply with all the necessary building requirements. The Member also suggested looking into and updating the existing regulations under the Local Government (Building) Regulations. We are looking into this at this juncture, and appropriate amendments will be made when we are ready for it. I would also like to inform the Member that the change of roofing from attap to corrugated iron sheets or other light-weight materials such as asbestos does not require architect's plans.”
“cases of malpractice or conduct which is infamous in the professional aspect can be brought to the attention of the Board. Hon. Members of Parliament may wish to know that previously, under the Architects Ordinance of 1941, the Board of Architects was empowered to fix a scale of fees charged. However, this was removed by an amendment in the Ordinance in 1957 as it was felt that the Government should not interfere in the fees charged, which should be left to market forces. However, I would like to assure the Hon. Member that should a situation at any time warrant the architect's fees to be fixed, amendments could accordingly be considered. The Member for Jalan Kayu made a correct observation in that the term "architectural work" is not defined in the Bill. The Ministry is aware of this and to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation (and this is one of the reasons in answer to the Hon. Member for Telok Blangah) an amendment will be introduced at the Committee stage to delete clause 17 (1)(c). Certain other minor amendments to the Bill will also be moved at the Committee stage and the reasons are to make the Bill more explicit. Perhaps I can say that the reasons for the amendments are both of a drafting nature as well as the result of representations and observations made by some MPs and the Singapore Institute of Architects. Generally, architects do not build houses without amendment to the plans. So at the last moment the Singapore Institute of Architects made further representations to the Ministry, and to show that we are open to suggestions we have therefore incorporated a few of the suggestions or recommen dations made by them.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, by "consumer protection" I presume the Hon. Member for Potong Pasir implies architect's fees and those matters relating to work done. I shall take my reply together with the Hon. Member for Jalan Kayu. On the question of architect's fees raised by the Hon. Member for Jalan Kayu, the fee for new works done is 7½% of the cost of the executed works as currently shown in the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) "Scale of Professional Charges". For repetitive work, the fee is on a declining scale from 6% down to 4%. I understand and it is also understood that these rates are non-mandatory guides for SIA members and that in actual practice, the fees are negotiable between the client and the architect. It is also my understanding that the total cost of works may be based on the tender price or on a fixed lump sum, in which case the question of inflation affecting architect's fees does not arise. However, should the total cost of work be based on the final settlement of the accounts, then the basis of arriving at the final cost of works is negotiable between the architect and the client. Any increase in fees due to inflationary elements is again a matter of mutual settlement. Since architects' fees are negotiable, there is no necessity to make provisions in this Bill to stipulate the scale of fees. However, it may be pertinent to point out that clause 5 of this Bill provides that one of the functions of the Board of Architects is to determine and regulate the professional conduct and ethics of the architectural profession, as well as to hear and determine disputes relating to the professional conduct or ethics of registered architects. Within this context, therefore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Bill seeks to replace the Architects Act of 1941 which has been outmoded by the establishment of the School of Architecture in the University of Singapore and by other developments affecting the architectural profession. The Bill provides for a Board of Architects consisting of a President to be appointed by the Minister and eight members from the University, the private sector and the Government. The functions of the Board include the maintenance of a register of architects, the regulation of the conduct and ethics of the architectural profession and other associated functions. The Board is also empowered to cancel the registration or suspend a registered architect under certain circumstances. An important change is that under this Bill members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will cease to enjoy the privilege of automatic recognition which will instead be accorded to graduates of the Singapore University School of Architecture and to holders of the Diploma in Architecture from the Singapore Polytechnic. Other persons holding approved qualifications will also be entitled to register. Persons who are registered under the present Architects Act shall be deemed to be registered under the new Act. But a professional engineer who is registered as an architect will after three years cease to be entitled to be so registered if he continues to practise as an engineer, unless otherwise approved by the Minister. This is because the registration of engineers has been provided under the Professional Engineers Act enacted in 1970. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“000 telephone subscribers, as well as Members of Parliament, members of Citizens Consultative Committees, Permanent Secretaries of Ministries, heads of Government departments and statutory boards. The total monthly cost is less than $14,000 including postage. As a large public authority providing an important service, the TAS considers it desirable that the people it serves should be kept informed of its varied activities. The Telecoms monthly calendar is only one of the ways through which this objective is carried out. The project was implemented in April 1976 and twelve issues of the calendar will have been sent out by March next year. Its objective is to communicate information on Telecoms to its recipients. So far, Telecoms has received several letters from subscribers complimenting the approach and the attractive presentation of the calendars. There were others who offered constructive suggestions on how to encourage the use of these calendars. Telecoms will continue to monitor the usefulness of such calendars. It is too early to decide now that they do not serve a useful purpose.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the former Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) pre-war flats in Tiong Bahru were sold without restrictions and owners are free to rent or sell their flats at a profit to anyone. The Housing and Development Board is only acting as agent to provide services and conservancy. The Board is prepared to install secondary roofs to these flats to reduce excessive heat, provided the owners agree to bear the cost. A survey will be conducted to ascertain from the owners of the top-most flats whether they are willing to bear the cost in proportion to the size of their flats. The owners will be allowed to pay the cost in instalments over a period of, say, three years. If the majority are not prepared to pay for the improvements, the Board will permit those owners who wish to carry out the improvements to do so individually. However, they must first submit their plans to the Board for approval before carrying Out the work in accordance with the directions of the HDB engineers. TELECOMS MONTHLY CALENDAR (Objective) 6. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore what has been the expenditure per month for the printing, postage, etc. of the monthly note-books/diaries sent out by the Authority and if the Authority will consider discontinuing the issue of such notebooks/diaries if they do not serve a useful purpose. The Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, Telecoms monthly calendars are sent to 65.000 of its 250.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the records of sale, of flats of the Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) show that:- (a) 329 or 18.76% of the purchasers have a family income of less than $1,500 per month. (b) 515 or 29.36% of the purchasers have a family income of between $1,501 to $2,000 per month. (c) 910 or 51.88% of the purchasers have a family income above $2,000 per month. These records show that it is unnecessary for the Housing and Development Board to raise the total family income ceiling of $1,500 per month, as the higher income groups can apply for HUDC flats. The present position is fair and workable between HDB and HUDC. However, the situation will be watched and if there are cases of inability to buy HUDC flats, consideration will be given to changing the total family income ceiling for the purchase of HDB flats. SIT FLATS IN TIONG BAHRU (Improvements to roofs) 5. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board (a) whether the Board proposes to carry out Improvements to the roofs of the former SIT flats in the Tiong Bahru Pre-War Estate to reduce excessive heat; or (b) alternatively, whether the Board will grant permission to those lessees who wish to carry out the improvements themselves.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the making up of Jalan Ulu Sembawang from Hua Mien School to the 3rd km. Jalan Ulu Sembawang community centre will be tendered out today. 3rd September, 1976, and work will commence in October 1976. The estimated cost of the work is $29,055. The track off Andrews Avenue is on private land and it is necessary to obtain the owner's consent to enter into the land to make the track. As soon as the owner's written consent is obtained, the proposal will be submitted to the Urban and Rural Services Committee for approval. The estimated cost of the work is about $29,220. PURCHASE OF HOUSING BOARD FLATS (Raising of income ceiling) 4. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider raising the ceiling of total family income of $1,500 per month, in proportion to the four National Wages Council wage increase recommendations, for applicants who are financially unable to purchase Housing and Urban Development Company flats and who wish to purchase Housing and Development Board flats.”
“Sir, actually the Hon. Member has made this request to the Parks and Recreation Department previously. However, it will be considered and, if found appropriate, a track could be incorporated. JALAN ULU SEMBAWANG (Repairs) 3. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for National Development and Communications when the repairs to Jalan Ulu Sembawang 3 km, and the track off Andrews Avenue will start and what is the estimated cost of the works.”
“Sir, I am really in no position to give the Member an answer now, because I really do not know the details. But I will be happy to supply him with the information tomorrow morning if he wants to. when I can hand him a note.”
“But his observation on some maintenance problems in regard to mosquito breeding, unsatisfactory environment, and so on and so forth, will be brought to the attention of the particular Area Office concerned, and perhaps I would be able to let him know of the situation at a later date.”
“Thank you, Sir. Let me first take the suggestions made by the Member for Serangoon Gardens. As regards his suggestion whether the HDB has any objection to incorporate some form of workshop or work space in the community centres, the H DB has no objection to this provision for whatever mec hanical activities he has in mind, provided they do not generate noise or cause any other environmental problems in the housing estates. But, as he has correctly pointed out, I do not know whether the People's Association will agree to incorporate these activities in their community centres and it will be up to the People's Association board to decide. As to his other general observation on the HDB making homes more homely, administratively, on our own, we are trying to provide that by giving better houses, better finishes and perhaps better designed housing estates incorporating better social and recreational amenities. In fact, my Minister has reminded me that we have produced this magazine called Home which gives an indication of the sort of activities which the HDB is attempting to provide. Sir, let me quickly switch over to the Hon. Member for Kampong Kembangan. The budget provided for the HDB for FY 76 is mainly to be used for the construction of three-room and four-room new generation flats and five-room improved flats. These flats will have better finishing compared to the old ones and they will have glazed wall tiles, mosaic floor tiles, pedestal squat pans and so on. As regards his query on Kampong Kembangan, I am sorry I do not know what is the progress as far as this particular project is concerned.”
“These factors are fairly technical in nature. Sometimes, owing to settlement problems there will be unevenness in road surfaces. But normally, given time they will be rectified. Once the earth below the surface is allowed to settle, the PWD will resurface the road. That means it will keep on filling until the surface comes up to the original level again. What I am trying to say is that this is not due to poor supervision or poor workmanship, but rather the nature of the technical requirement in constructing roads. Mr Conceicao: Sir, I am very satisfied with the answer. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“He has also asked why there is so much delay in the completion of some projects, for example, the one in Mandai Road. There are numerous factors affecting the early completion of road projects. They could generally be summarised as follows. Land acquisition is one of the problems. Then there is the problem of clearing the squatters, the laying of new utility services and the resiting of existing services. Finally, as has been correctly observed, there are certain contractors who do give poor performance and, therefore, progress has been slow. In the case of Mandai Road, the slow progress is due mainly to the difficulty in its construction work. To alleviate flooding, the new road has to be constructed at a higher level than the existing one. The new road also overlaps part of the old road. The other factor is the heavy traffic especially during the morning and evening peak hours. The contracted date for completion is supposed to be 15th April, 1976. But owing to the above reasons it would be delayed by a month. Completion is expected in May 1976. Let me briefly reply to his query with regard to the road surfaces and the implication that work is perhaps not up to standard. Resurfacing of roads is normally done every five or six years. Whenever there is an additional surface laid, there are different degrees of settlement. I do not wish to get involved in too much technical detail. I would merely say that once a road is dug up for laying certain services, the surface is affected by subsequent settlement of the soil back-fill. That means, as the road is filled, there are different degrees of settlement and this gives rise to the different colours. The settlement may be fresh or fresh bitumen may have been mixed with the older soil, and so on.”
“Mr Speaker, SIr, the Public Works Department does suffer from a shortage of technical staff. The Minister for Finance has indicated in his Budget Statement that there is an excessive usage of technical staff in certain Government departments. If the Member could persuade the Minister for Finance, we may perhaps be able to get the required staff. With regard to the Member's question about the Pan-Island Express Way, let me assure him that, as far as the organisation of roadworks is concerned, a project is first thoroughly examined before it is implemented, and there is a purpose in tackling each segment of the roadworks separately. I can give him that assurance. The completed stretch of the roadwork from Adam Road to Jalan Anak Bukit is the only segment of the Pan-Island Express Way which is not open to traffic. This particular stretch is being constructed in three phases. The stretch completed in Phase I is, to use the technical term, Chainage 335 metres from Adam Road to Chainage 3,350 metres. adjacent to the Singapore Turf Club. The construction works under Phases II and III are now in progress. These two slip roads connecting Adam Road to the Pan-Island Express Way are under construction and they are expected to be completed by the end of April 1976. In order to open to traffic the segment of the road constructed under Phase I, the only connection to Dunearn Road would be through Hillcrest Road which would not be appropriate as this would give rise to a great deal of traffic through a very quiet residential area. Phase II covers a stretch of road from the Singapore Turf Club to Jalan Anak Bukit and the road work is due for completion in August 1976. The whole stretch of the Pan-Island Express Way would, therefore, be open to traffic in August 1976.”
“Sir, I have indicated that Members of Parliament are being informed of the cut-off date. I have also indicated just now the cut-off dates in respect of two situations. There is no reason why M Ps could not be informed of the cut-off date. After all, it is not confidential.”
“The shopkeepers affected by the widening of Sembawang Road will be offered shop premises in Ang Mo Kio New Town, which are expected to be completed by about the middle of this year. The Housing Board will also build a shopping centre at Sembawang Road. 19th Km., for the relocation of some of these affected shopkeepers. This shopping centre is expected to be ready in the second quarter of 1977 and will comprise 40 shops and five eating houses. His third question is: how many shops are affected? The answer is: 41 shops are currently affected by the widening of Sembawang Road, stretching from Sembawang Hill Circus to Jalan Sembawang Kechil. In the Sembawang Road widening scheme, of the 333 cases affected, 37 families have been offered flats at Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh New Towns and another 23 families will be balloting for flats at Ang Mo Kio at the end of this month. Lastly, the Member for Sembawang asked whether the Resettlement Department will give priority for allocation of HDB accommodation to squatters affected by clearance. If at the time of census the squatters were there. I have indicated just now that they will be offered alternative accommodation.”
“Sir, let me first explain why there is a need to issue this notice. We have initiated an arrangement whereby if a person does not want to go to court, he signs a warranty to say that he is giving up the piece of land. This is being implemented, and I think the Member for Jalan Kayu can vouch that this is being done. If there is any difficulty in that direction, I will be very happy to help out. To come back to the Members for Jalan Kayu and Punggol. I have indicated that there is a set of criteria -. 25 pigs and 1.000 head of poultry, and so on. I have also indicated that in borderline cases a combination of factors is used to help define the position of a particular farmer. But again, like anything else, when discretions are exercised, the computation must be within reason. For example, a person may depend on two pigs and 10 layers to supplement his income by selling the eggs to his neighbours, but the Primary Production Department cannot take that into consideration. So I am trying to impress upon Members that there are limits to exercising discretion. I have already given Members the other two extremes. If a person keeps 23 pigs and some chickens, we may say that he is a farmer. But a person who keeps four pigs and 20 chickens, we say that that is incidental; it is not a farming activity. But we do not penalise him. We still give him compensation and priority for a three-room flat. My Minister has also indicated yesterday that two rural centres will be set up in the midst of intensive pig farming activi:ies. If a person is deprived of a livelihood, he can always get a job because it is a fact that labour for farming is extremely hard to get. I think it is only fair that I answer the Member for Sembawang who has queried some activities of resettlement in Sembawang.”
“I hope all this has helped to clarify the doubt as to whether or not one is or is not a bona fide farmer. The best is to find out whether one is a farmer or not. If one qualifies under all the definitions that I have given Members, then one is a farmer. If one is a farmer then one is entitled to choose the type of compensation: land allocation or monetary compensation. But whichever one chooses, in addition to land allocation, one gets a monetary compensation based on either the revised higher rate or the ordinary lower rate. To give some figures, this Resettlement Panel has since 1971 made the following decisions. 5.00 p.m. In 1974, 18% or 49 cases of farmers were allocated land. 142 cases or 52% of farmers were not allocated land, and only 29.7% did not qualify as farming cases. The total number of cases for 1974 is 272 to make it 100%. In 1975, 21% of the farmers were allocated land. 49.5% of the farmers were not allocated land, and there were 29.6% of non-farmers. If you add up, the total number of farmers in 1974 and 1975 comes within the region of almost 80%. So it is not true to say that the Primary Production Department uses its whims and fancies to decide on cases. There are proper procedures and these are being followed and, in fact, there are proper channels of assessment. I would like to assure Members from the rural areas that if they want more information on this I could supply them.”