Teong Eng Siong
Singapore
“Sir, on a point of order. (In Mandarin) Sir, just now the Minister said that by suggesting the granting of citizenship to these people I would be inviting competition because they would then be allowed to apply for hawker licence and HDB flats. I did not say that.”
“Only two? Mr Chua Sian Chin: Two out of 35 from the Land Divisions and 18 from the Radio Division. I think that is sufficient. If the Member is not aware, may I say that we have asked the Management Services Department of the Ministry of Finance to make a recent study into the adequacy of patrol cars on patrol at any one time.”
“Very often on pay days they crowd into the post office and pack up all the space, and the small number of staff would be kept very busy. According to my understanding, the small post office there will soon be receiving payments for PUB bills for the benefit of the people there. Of course, this will be convenient to the residents there.”
“Sir,I have also noticed that roads built under the gotong royong scheme are much better than those built by the contractors. Even after several years of use, these roads are still good.”
“Sir, in view of the Parliamentary Secretary's satisfactory explanation. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $159,839,000 for Head O ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $1,213,685,000 for Head O ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head P -”
“Another problem concerns the many HDB flats in certain areas which have not been taken up after allotment and have been left vacant for a long time. There are many such vacant flats in my constituency, for instance. Marsiling (a part of the Woodlands New Town), and I believe the same is true of other housing estates. Why?”
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“I am not moving, Sir. In the absence of Mr Cheong Yuen Chee, the following amendment, standing in his name, was not proceeded with - That the sum to be allocated for Head 51 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 403.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his very detailed explanation of the problems. I am glad to hear that his Ministry has sent two engineers abroad for this sort of training, and that he is paying close attention to the development of colour T.V. In view of this, I believe that very soon our people will be able to enjoy colour television. Although the Minister cannot say for certain when we can have colour television, what he has said augurs well for our people to know that very soon they will be able to enjoy colour television. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 51 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 101*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Sim Boon Woo) Sir, a sum of $190,000 has been provided for the T.V. Outside Broadcasting Equipment. Under this subhead, I would like to raise two queries to the Minister: (1) Can the Minister give this House a detailed information regarding this Equipment? (2) Is there any plan for the setting up of colour T. V, in Singapore? Many countries, including some South-east Asian countries, have introduced colour T.V. As an advanced country in this region, we should now give early consideration to the provision of colour T.V, so that our people can enjoy their programmes better.”
“Sir, in view of the satisfactory answer given by the Minister of State for Education, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $20,207,770 for Head 41 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 51 -”
“Sir, how many cooks can we train in a year?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 603. Sir, the provision for the Hotel and Catering Training Centre is $258,600. I would like to raise five questions: (1) What are the actual conditions of training at this Centre? (2) What are the courses offered by this Centre, and is there a course for the training of cooks? At present with so many hotels and restaurants being set up, there is an acute shortage of cooks. Many of the cooks working in our restaurants at present have come from abroad, and we have to spend a lot of foreign exchange on them. If we can train our local people to be cooks, we can reduce the foreign exchange spent on importing foreign cooks. (3) What are the qualifications required for admission to this Centre? (4) What are the fees charged by the Centre for each student? (5) What is the duration of each training course? Will it take six months or one year to complete a course?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to raise two questions under this subhead. The vote under this subhead is in respect of Capital Grants to Government-Aided Schools. This is a form of financial assistance to the aided schools for various expenditures. I understand that it is quite difficult to get approval for such grants. For instance, certain schools have applied for assistance to repair school equipment and furniture, such as chairs, but their applications have usually been turned down because of the tedious procedure involved. I hope the Minister of State will look into this matter to see whether there is any truth in such allegations. The provision of $1 million for the next financial year is quite a large sum of money. I wish to know whether any applications have already been made in this regard.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for giving me a detailed answer, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, subhead 306 refers to the New Sub terminal Building, and I have two questions to ask the Minister. Firstly, is the building in the process of construction and, if so, when will it be completed? Secondly, what facilities will be provided in this building, and whether the services will be better than what is offered at present? Sir, subhead 307 refers to the New Boeing 747 Hangar and a sum of $1.5 million has been provided. I wish to ask the Minister three questions: (1) When will this Hangar be completed? (2) What is the total area of this Hangar, and how many Boeing 747s can it accommodate? (3) What are the charges per day for each aircraft garaged in this Hangar?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 32 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 306. Sir, in moving this amendment, may I range over my next amendment* on subhead 307? * The amendment reads as follows: (4)That the sum to be allocated for Head 32 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 307.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for his detailed reply. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 3.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 32 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 303. The provision of $200,000 under this subhead is for the setting up of a new Air Freight Terminal. I have two simple questions to ask the Minister. First, has this new Air Freight Terminal been completed and, if not, when will it be completed? If it has been completed, then what is the purpose of this additional provision, which includes a revote of $50,000? What services will this terminal provide? All this money comes from the taxpayers, and we have to see that it is properly spent.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 32, be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 302. Sir, this provision of $999,000 relates to the re-development of the Passenger Terminal Building. I take it that this is another phase in the development of Paya Lebar Airport. I wish to ask the Minister two questions. First, when will development of this Passenger Terminal Building be completed? Second, what facilities will be provided in this Terminal Building? Will it provide better services to the passengers and tourists?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister concerned for expressing his wish that he is going to consider the cases for citizenship more sympathetically. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy - That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1751.”
“They have been law-abiding citizens and in the past they did not apply for citizenship earlier because they did not pay much attention to the question of citizenship. Another reason is that they now understand that Singapore is better than many other countries. They feel that they are in love with our country. They say that living in Singapore allows them to have a peaceful life and, therefore, they are eagerly awaiting their citizenship. Of course, I sympathise with them for the various reasons they have given. Another category of applicants wants to go overseas and with citizenship, it is more convenient to apply for a passport. Of course, we have issued Certificates of Identity to non-citizens but they feel that this is rather inconvenient. I also hope the Minister will give sympathetic consideration to this category of applicants.”
“Of course, I support this argument. But over the last year or so, there has been a great improvement in our economy and I think we can well afford to relax our policy on the granting of citizenship. We have, in fact, issued more than 60,000 work permits to non-citizens. Therefore, for those who have waited many years for their citizenship - some of them have their families, wives and children in Singapore and they have long regarded Singapore as their permanent residence or home - I think we should be more liberal and grant citizenship to them. Sir, following the rapid economic expansion experienced by our economy, the wage level of our workers has been increased. A semi-skilled worker can obtain an average income of around $200 to $300 per month. For a shopkeeper, the total income for a month is more than $400. Sir, these people can well afford to support their families. For those people who are economically independent, I think we should consider granting citizenship to them. Sir, another category of applicants may not require our support economically. Some of these applicants are rather old but they have a good and sound economic foundation. Some of them are well supported by their own children, and they have no problem at all in getting a livelihood. But why are they applying for citizenship? 1 have spoken to some of them in the past as I wanted to understand them better and to find out their reason for applying for citizenship. According to them, they are applying for citizenship because of the question of honour. They say that they have been living in Singapore for many years, several decades, in fact.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1701*. (*The same amendment also stood in the names of Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi and Messrs Sim Boon Woo and P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, this amendment refers to the Singapore Citizenship Registry. The work of the Registry has increased quite a lot. We all know that the question of citizenship has, over the last few years, been debated enthusiastically by many Members in the House on behalf of the people in the various constituencies. At that time, the Minister for Home Affairs was a Backbencher and he was speaking On behalf of the people in his constituency. He asked the Minister for Labour to consider more sympathetically the situation faced by the people in his constituency. Allow me to quote the Member for Alexandra, who is now the Minister for Home Affairs, when he spoke in this House. This is in Hansard, Vol. 29, No. 12, col. 802, dated 20th March, 1970: `Mr Speaker, Sir, may I say how much I share the views of the Member for Toa Payoh on the question of eligibility of citizenship and the way by which citizenship is granted to applicants? Speaking on the basis of my own experience in my own constituency, I feel that, perhaps, there should be some relaxation and more compassionate ways in which applications for citizenship are considered.' Sir, the reason for quoting the Minister for Home Affairs' statement is to show that he was sympathetic towards the people without citizenship when he was a Backbencher. Now that he is the Minister for Home Affairs, I hope that he will consider the question of citizenship more sympathetically. Sir, the main reason why we impose a strict policy on citizenship is to reduce the economic burden of our country.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for his answers, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“(2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1004.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his not unsatisfactory reply. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“The authorities concerned have told us that this is due to the lack of liaison between the Public Utilities Board, the Singapore Telephone Board, the Public Works Department and others. As a result of all this, a Co-ordinating Committee was set up to co-ordinate the various departments concerned in this kind of work so as to avoid duplication of work. But it seems that there is still some dislocation in these projects. If the Minister could take a look into this matter, I shall be grateful. I would like to ask the Minister why there still is this phenomenon of duplication of work, and hope that he will be able to answer that. (2) I would like the Minister to consider this. Under the flyovers or overhead bridges, stores and shops can be erected. We have built quite a number of flyovers and overhead bridges, for example, in Toa Payoh and other places, which are all major projects. These overhead bridges have a lot of empty space underneath. We can make use of the space by putting up shops or stores and also to beautify them. In this way we will be able to provide more opportunities for our hawkers, at the same time, and this is more important, this will bring in more revenue for the Government.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1108 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ng Yeow Chong.) Sir, this vote is for the Director of Public Works. Undoubtedly the Public Works Department has done a lot towards the construction of public roads in Singapore so that our road network is expanded and convenient for traffic and they are safe also. This has given a good impression to the tourists. This year the vote for this department is $13.8 million. This is a large sum of money. It is because this Department will have to undertake more projects. In view of this, we should scrutinise the expenditure of every item so that its expenditure will pay off. In this respect I would like to raise two matters. I would like the Minister to look into them and take measures to rectify the situation. (1) I found that there was duplication of work in respect of certain projects, for instance, the one at MacPherson Road. Although it is not in my constituency, I have to travel along this road every day, and so I see that work is being carried out now. The road has been under excavation for two years continually. At a certain time I saw that a particular project was nearing completion, but after some time I noticed that certain workers came to dig into the road again. And still later, they were again levelled up. This has been going on many a time. This duplication of work not only causes traffic congestion there but also brings about inconvenience to members of the public. Also it constitutes a waste of public funds.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we can give the Minister some rest. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as the representative `of a rural constituency, I am most interested in the fall in the price of pigs. I am sure the Minister is equally interested. I am not objecting to the Minister's statement that prices of pigs are determined by the supply and demand. But I would like to ask what he is going to do about this problem. When the prices of pigs drop, what is the Primary Production Department going to do? Until now, has the Depart-went done anything to reverse the trend of falling prices?”
“Sir, it cannot be denied that everything is difficult at the beginning, but we must also believe in the proverb that man can move mountains. So with the Government's efforts and organisational help, coupled with the co-operation of the farmers, we will be able to overcome whatever difficulties there may be at the beginning. We are a dynamic Government. We have solved the serious problem of unemployment. We have succeeded in our industrialisation programme. We have also solved the acute shortage of housing. Similarly, Sit, with this dynamism, the Primary Production Department can give their attention to this problem and solve the difficulties. The farmers, the Department, and the animal feeds producers can come together and work out a way to stabilise the prices of pigs and other farm produce. In this way, the welfare of nearly 300,000 farmers will be well looked after.”
“According to the estimates, their production increased by more than 100 per cent. But this high price has resulted in a surplus which, in turn, has caused a drop in price. The second factor is that the Monday-off for butchers has caused a drop in pork consumption. Sir, if there is any good harvest, it should be taken as a good sign. But because of an unlimited and unplanned increase in production and because of the lack of marketing facilities, the prices of farm produce have dropped. This is a very hard economic blow to the farmers. In order to look after the interests of these farmers, the best way is to set up a farmers association or a co-operative society. We have to make an estimate of the number of pigs required for consumption and for export in order to make sure that the forces of supply and demand are balanced. In order to make this plan succeed, all the farmers must co-operate. They must understand that this is for the common good and mutual benefit of all farmers. The proposed farmers co-operative society must ensure that middlemen will not be able to' continue to exploit the farmers or to manipulate the prices of farm produce. In this way, the prices of farm produce could be stabilised. The Primary Production Department has spent more than $40 million of public funds for the main purpose of helping our farmers to develop their agriculture and farming activities and to look after the interest of the farmers. The Department has experts as well as organisers in this field. They know their jobs and surely they can help the farmers to organise a co-operative society. Furthermore, the Minister for Social Affairs has said in this House yesterday that the Registry of Co-operative Societies would be prepared to help farmers organise co-operatives.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1107 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs J. F. Conceicao, Ho Kah Leong and P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, the total allocation for expenditure on the National Development Division under Head 1107 amounts to $14.59 million for this financial year, which is slightly less than the amount allocated for 1971-72 which was $15 million. The Primary Production Department is responsible for the planning and increasing the production of farm produce in Singapore. With the encouragement of the Primary Production Department, there has been considerable increase in farm produce in Singapore. The Department has also given various kinds of assistance to the farmers, which includes methods of improved production, inoculation of poultry and farm animals and technical or scientific aid to the farmers. The Department has also introduced better breeds of poultry and pigs to the farmers. As a result of such assistance, there is a considerable increase in the production of eggs, meat and pork, and there is also a surplus for export. Sir, because of this bumper harvest, poultry farmers and pig rearers have excess produce in hand. As a result, the' prices of their produce drop considerably. This affects the pig rearers adversely. I have tried to analyse the causes for the drop in the price of pigs and pork. 1 have exchanged views with my constituents and, according to them, the drop in the price of pigs and pork can be attributed to two factors. The first is because of the lack of planning in production. A year before last, the price of pigs reached a peak of more than $100 per picul. This resulted in increased production and a rise in income for the pig rearers.”
“Sir, I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for his detailed reply. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. In the absence of Mr J. F. Conceicao, the following amendment standing in his name was not proceeded with - (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101.”
“I hope the Minister will look into this matter and see whether there is a ruling on that. 7.15 p.m.”
“We should give them vocational training in the Boys' Homes to ensure that when they leave these-Homes they will be equipped with a skill to earn their own living. I would like to ask the Minister what kind of training facilities are available in the various Boys' Homes. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the Member for Sembawang regarding the increase in public assistance because the cost of living has gone up. So the amount paid to the poor people is not sufficient. The Minister will have to consider increasing public assistance to those who are unable to work, disabled persons, especially the medically unfit. I think this is a proper time to increase public assistance. Sir, I would like to bring a few points regarding the Woodlands Home for the Aged. The living conditions are bad. The old people are served with poorly cooked food, There are a lot of bugs in the beds. Toilet facilities are poor. Most of the toilets are dirty and damaged, and the flushing system is unsatisfactory. Despite the anti-mosquito campaign, there are a lot of mosquitoes and flies in the Home. Spot checks and investigations by the proper authorities should be carried no into the old people's complaints. We cannot treat these people as fourth-class citizens because of their age and neglect them completely. I was also informed that the inmates of the Home are each getting $4 as pocket money every month. But I was told they have reduced it to only $1. Whether it is true or not I am not sure, but the people are getting $1 each. That also should be checked. Now although we want to increase the pocket money from $4 to $6, we cannot do so because it has been reduced to SI. I do not know whether or not this is true.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, this head of expenditure concerns the allocation of funds for the Social Welfare Department. It amounts to-$7.04 million, which is slightly less than the allocation for last year. Probably this is a reflection of the economic prosperity and increased employment opportunities in Singapore, resulting in a decline in the number of poor people. Sir, a reduction in social welfare expenditure is a normal sign. If there is an increase, it can be taken as an indication of abnormality in our financial and economic position. Notwithstanding all these remarks, Sir, it is still our responsibility to look after the poor and the needy in our Republic. On this ground, I would like to request the Minister concerned to increase the funds for public assistance, so that we will be able to help these poor and needy people to subsist. This is because during the period of price fluctuations, the cost of living has gone up particularly in respect of daily necessities. So if public assistance is to be paid at the old rate to these poor and needy people, then it will be more difficult for them to live at the same rate of subsistence. Furthermore, Sir, since we are making considerable progress in our economic development we have enough funds to give more public assistance. I hope the Minister will seriously consider this. The next point I wish to raise with the Minister is the Boys' Homes. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am quite concerned about the Boys' Homes. We know that these boys, being of tender age, have been misled, and therefore kept in the Boys' Homes for rehabilitation and training.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the rental of $5 for the use of a football field is not going to promote sports. The Ministry of Social Affairs has adequate funds. It can raise funds by various means, for example, the selling of lucky draw tickets. He should consider the fact that many football teams are short of funds. It is not only $5 which they have to incur by way of expenses. The players have also to spend money on drinks and refreshments, laundry of jerseys and uniforms. After the practice session, some of the players have to spend money on transport. If we can allow these teams a free use of the football field, this will serve as an encouragement and more and more people will play football. The standard of soccer will improve in the long run.”
“This will encourage everybody to play football and the standard of soccer will improve. I do not know what the Minister thinks about this idea.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to take this opportunity to talk about the progress of sports in Singapore. In recent years sports have been promoted by the able leadership of the Social Affairs Ministry and great progress has been made. The standard of the various kinds of sports has improved. There is no doubt that sports play a very important role in nation building. It is through organised activities such as sports that we build a rugged society. Sports make our people physically strong and cultivate good moral virtues. Therefore, sports deserve our close attention. I am sure we all agree that the Ministry of Social Affairs has done a great deal in the promotion of sports. The Sports Promotion Division has organised an inter-constituency soccer competition in order to popularise sports. In order to support this competition the Prime Minister has donated a Challenge Trophy. The Sports Promotion Division has done a great deal in the promotion of sports. The object is that more people will participate in sports. However, what I cannot understand is that it sometimes does something which obstructs the promotion of sports, especially when it attempts to raise funds for the setting up of soccer fields. There is a soccer field in my constituency which was handed over by the British Armed Forces. Previously it was free for any football team to practise there, but now there is a charge of $5 per day for the use of this field. This has caused a financial burden on the football teams which intend to practise there. I know that in some football fields a charge of $2 is levied. In any case, why is it that for the Naval Base football field $5 is levied for each day? I hope the Minister will reduce this fee, or better still, make it free of charge.”
“Sir, since that is the position, I hope this scheme will not be implemented. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Therefore, I am of the opinion that we should not implement this system of film classification. According to my information, the film classification system now being implemented in our neighbouring country has aroused certain disturbances there. I hope the Minister concerned will take note of what has happened in our neighbouring country in respect of film classification before he makes his decision on this matter. 6.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1751. Sir, as we all know, films are a popular form of public amusement. Because of the advances in film techniques, we can see the performances with realistic detail on the screen. This is a common everyday form of amusement indulged by the people. Therefore, because of its extensive influence over cinema-goers, we should exercise strict censorship on them, so that those decadent, erotic, fantastic or undesirable films shall not adversely influence our children and youths. Sir, although we have all along censored films, however, some films being exhibited in the cinemas consist of merely cruelty, violence and other undesirable themes, which will have adverse effects on our young people. So we must adopt more stringent measures in the censoring of films. On the other hand, we should allow more films of artistic taste and educational content to be imported into Singapore, in order to provide our people with more healthy and cultural films. My second point is that the Ministry of Culture has set up a film classification committee. As 1 understand it, the committee has already given its recommendation to the Minister. I would like to ask the Minister whether any decision has been made on film classification. I personally do not agree to film classification because, in my opinion, our people would all like to see healthy and educational films. If certain films are not suitable for screening to youths and children, then they belong to the bad category of films, in which case, even adults should not see them. What the people want is the kind of films that can be enjoyed by the whole family.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary may not have answered the questions of other Members but he has given me a satisfactory answer. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for answering my questions. But there is one point which he has overlooked. He only quoted what I have said. I suggested that the cultural mission should perform in the various community centres. But he did not indicate whether or not he agreed to this proposal.”
“I remember that, during the last Budget debate, the Minister of State concerned agreed that it was a good idea and he would consider it. One year has passed, and I would like to ask the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary concerned what decision has been arrived at regarding the organisation of cultural festivals in Singapore. May I have his views on this matter? Thirdly, I wish to propose the setting up of a Cultural Fund. I remember this proposal was also made last year and the Minister in charge had agreed that a Cultural Fund be set up so that this would give an incentive to our local talent. I do not know whether or not the scheme for the setting up of the Cultural Fund has-been implemented. Mr Speaker, Sir, if we set up a Cultural Fund in Singapore, it will contribute greatly to the promotion of cultural activities. From this Cultural Fund we can also finance various cultural activities and even produce publications. Local talent will thus be encouraged and assisted. I hope the Minister will give serious consideration to these proposals.”
“In order that our people, in general, will be able to enjoy such cultural shows by the mission, I would like to propose to the Minister concerned to allow the mission to perform in the rural areas to promote healthy cultural activities. These shows can be held regularly at parks or community centres, and I am sure that the people of Singapore will give them a good reception. As you know, Sir, culture and art play an important role in nation building because they help to strengthen the morale of our people an-d also inculcate national consciousness and patriotism. Therefore the Ministry of Culture must actively shoulder this role. On the other hand, it is also my hope that the cultural workers in Singapore will similarly match the efforts of the Ministry of Culture. 4.45 p.m. Here I would like to suggest several proposals for the consideration of the Minister. Sir, to encourage more local artistes or cultural workers, the Ministry of Culture should send cultural missions overseas more often, like the one we sent to Adelaide in Australia. As a matter of fact, Sir, sending cultural missions overseas have many advantages. On the one hand, we can publicise our fine culture and art and, on the other hand, we can strengthen our friendly ties with other countries. We can kill two birds with one stone. In view of this, Sir, I would like to ask whether this year the Ministry of Culture has any plans to send any cultural mission abroad. Secondly, Sir, in order to propagate our culture and art, I propose that the Ministry of Culture should hold a massive cultural festival every year. In fact, 1 have made this proposal many times over the past few years.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead l00l*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Yeo Choo Kok, Ho Kah Leong, Low Yong Nguan, and P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, over the past year, the Ministry of Culture has undoubtedly contributed tremendously to the promotion of healthy cultural activities. It has a creditable record of achievement, by organising cultural nights, concerts, solos, and monthly art exhibitions in the various community centres in Singapore. The Ministry of Culture has, so to speak, brought art and culture to the grass-root level. Sir, it has also recently organised a cultural mission to participate in the arts festival in Adelaide, South Australia. Through this cultural mission, it has publicised the fine cultural traditions of Singapore. The mission was very well received and applauded by the people of Australia. This is indeed a great encouragement to the cultural workers and artistes of Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, the cultural mission has a very high standard of performance. I attended a dress rehearsal of this cultural group at the Victoria Theatre on the eve of their departure. They put up a very good and tight programme consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian traditional dances, including a lion dance and ballet. All the artistes who took part in the show had high standards and put up a spectacular performance. It is no wonder, therefore, that they received such a tremendous applause in South Australia. Sir, the splendid performance by our cultural mission has rebutted the wrong conception that local artistes are not up to standard and has strengthened the confidence of local artistes and cultural workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for answering all my three questions. He has given a very comprehensive and adequate answer. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Therefore, I think he should take adequate measures to control prices to ensure a better standard of living for everyone. 2.45 p.m.”
“The Minister himself has mentioned that the increase in revenue is due to the rapid development of our commerce and industry, and these Economic Services are beneficial to economic expansion and industrial and commercial development. Therefore, we should have adequate provision for Economic Services. If we compare Economic Services to the goose that lays the golden egg, then we should provide adequate nutrition for this goose. It is only by providing adequate nutrition that this goose can be expected to lay a great quantity of golden eggs, so that we can have better results in our economic expansion. Otherwise, this goose, suffering from malnutrition, will be sickly and contract a lot of diseases. If this is the case, I believe we will not be able to get any eggs from this goose. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is for this reason that I believe the provision for Economic Services is inadequate and, therefore, should be increased. In addition, I would like to ask the Minister to explain the details related to Economic Services. The second point I would like to raise is in regard to external trade. Last year, our trade deficit has increased to the phenomenal amount of $3,000 million. The Minister for Finance explained to us last year that we do not have to worry unduly about trade deficit because this can be offset by incomes received from other sources, such as ship repairing, port services, and tourism. I would like to know whether the $3,000 million trade deficit last year has been sufficiently set off by the incomes from other sources. Can the Minister please explain to this House? The third point I would like to mention is in regard to the stability of price levels. The Minister has already acknowledged that there is an increase in the general level of prices.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, last week when I took part in the debate on the Budget presented by the Minister, I mentioned that it was a progressive Budget, which would benefit the development of our commerce and industry. Today, I still hold this point of view, and that is, that the Minister for Finance has prepared a healthy and progressive Budget. What I would like to raise here is the question of the various provisions and whether they are adequately allocated. On 7th March, when the Minister presented the Budget in this House, he emphasised that the main reason why it has not been necessary to increase taxes over the last three years was because of the rapid development of our commerce and industry leading to an increase in revenue. Sir, I would like to touch upon the provisions for the various departments. I think there are certain areas which we need to discuss and examine. The total provision amounted to the figure of $1,448,692,350. In terms of the various departments, the allocation for Defence and Internal Security is 38.9 per cent. This is necessary in order to strengthen our defence and to maintain our internal security. Social Services accounted for 26.6 per cent, Statutory Expenditure accounted for 15.1 per cent, and Economic Services accounted for only 7.8 per cent. What I would like to raise here is in regard to Economic Services. 7.8 per cent appears to me as rather low.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for having answered not only my question, but also those of all the other Members. So, with their agreement, I would like to thank the Minister on their behalf for such a wonderful answer. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,367,030 for Head 0706 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0801 -”
“All this has caused much dissatisfaction among taxi drivers. If the inspector could only tell the driver once for all what parts of the taxi are faulty and need repair, which perhaps can be done in one day, then it will be convenient to the taxi drivers and also avoid another day's loss of earnings. Mr Speaker, Sir, if the allegation is true, then it shows that the inspector's approach is not correct. I hope the Minister will carry out a detailed investigation to see whether there is any truth in such an allegation. Taxi drivers have also complained that there is always a long queue at the R.O.V, whenever they send their taxis there for inspection. Certain officers are very discourteous in their attitude towards taxi drivers, although our Ministers have always told our civil servants to be courteous. I hope the civil servants will take note of what the Ministers have said and maintain their services at a high standard. I would urge the Minister to look into these complaints.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0706 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Ng Yeow Chong, J. F Conceicao, Ch'ng Jit Koon, Low Yong Nguan and P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, this head of expenditure relates to the provision for the Registry of Vehicles amounting to $2.3 million. As we all know, Singapore has a large number of vehicles. According to statistics there are about 140,000 motor cars alone. In addition, there are buses, motor-cycles, scooters, trucks and bicycles. The total number of vehicles is about half a million. We can imagine the workload of the Registry of Vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to ask two questions. I have received some complaints from the public, and it is my duty to convey them to the Minister concerned. I would urge him to investigate these complaints and to remedy any shortcomings, so that the department can carry out its work efficiently. Firstly, some taxi drivers have complained against certain R.O.V, officials who carry out routine inspection of taxis. These inspectors are trying to make things difficult for the taxi drivers. For example, on inspection of a taxi, the inspector will tell the taxi driver that a certain part of his taxi is defective, and that it should be corrected before it can be passed. The taxi driver will then have it repaired. The next day he will drive his taxi to the R.O.V, for a further inspection, of course, thinking that this time his taxi will pass the test. But the same inspector will take a hammer and knock the taxi here and there, saying, "No, no. This part is also faulty." And he might also say that the engine is noisy and that it should be repaired.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, with regard to the delay and wrong delivery of mail, perhaps certain Members have not encountered such difficulties. I would like the Minister to look into this aspect of the postal services. I have said that on the whole our Postal Services are very good. However, because of the increase in population recently, there is bound to be a certain amount of delay and wrong delivery of mail. But I would still like the Minister to take steps to remedy these shortcomings. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”