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 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.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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“Point of clarification, Sir. Even if a man lives in a rural area, he is entitled to an equally speedy service. Does it mean that those who live in the rural areas must accept a slower service?”
“Even in the estates of the Housing and Development Board, there are people to sweep the flats. Why does the Postmaster-General not employ one man to sweep and clean the common lavatory and the common staircase? This is very bad for the postmen who are living there. If you go to the personal quarters, it is very clean and decent, but outside, just because it is common property and used by everybody, nobody wants to take the trouble to clean it. You must have one man to look after it. Therefore, I ask the Minister, without any previous notice, to please visit the Maxwell Road postmen's quarters, and to take the necessary remedial action on this matter.”
“So because of reorganisation, I can accept the complaints. But today I do not think I can accept complaints of delayed delivery because some postmen are using motor cycles, which makes for fast delivery. Formerly you would get your letter at about 10 o'clock. But now when you get to your office at 8.30, you will get your letter at 9 o'clock. `this delivery service is going on very smoothly and efficiently. I must congratulate the Minister for Communications for taking such serious action to reorganise the Postal Department. But I have to ask the Minister now about the use of the warehouse in Nelson Road as a sorting section. What action has he taken to alleviate the very poor conditions that the workers are experiencing? On a hot day the heat is so great that it is like an oven. Could the ventilation system be improved with, say, the provision of some fans and make openings in parts of the warehouse as windows? The workers' health is in danger all this time, and the conditions are made worse by a film of dust settling around the warehouse. Around the Maxwell Road postmen's quarters, the common bathroom and lavatories are very filthy. I wonder whether the Postmaster-General will consider recruiting an attendant, as has been done previously, to maintain the toilets of these quarters. Sir, we are having campaigns against pollution and we are also talking about keeping Singapore clean. But yesterday when I went to the postmen's quarters, I saw that everything was very bad. The lavatory is very ugly, and in the bathroom some of the window panes are broken, and the chicks are worn out. At the backyard, nobody has been sweeping it, not like before when there was one attendant appointed to sweep the quarters.”
“Or is it because of traffic congestion which causes delay to postal delivery? If it is a question of traffic congestion, it is within the portfolio of the same Minister. I would, therefore, ask the Minister to explain and to find ways and means to remedy this situation. The next point I wish to raise is the matter of wrong delivery of mail. I have on several occasions received letters, or even Public Utilities Board bills, addressed to other people. So I have to perform the duty of a postman to return these mails and letters. I think this wrong delivery happened because the postmen are careless in their duty. 1 have come across postmen who are mostly young people. The Department concerned must urge these young postmen to be more careful in the delivery of letters, instead of sending Paul's letter to Peter. If it is an important letter that is wrongly delivered or a love letter sent to the wrong person, then it will create a lot of misunderstanding and difficulty on the part of the recipient. It may even cause the separation of a couple. I, therefore, hope that the Minister in charge will take immediate steps to remedy the situation and to reduce instances of wrong delivery of letters If this can be wiped out entirely, this will be all the better. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, before I raise the point of my amendment, I would like to touch on the criticisms of the Member for Sembawang regarding the delivery of letters by postmen. There is no doubt that I also have to draw the attention of the Minister for Communications to this matter. The Minister had taken very serious measures for the reorganisation of the Postal Department. It is most probable that during the reorganisation, deliveries were delayed, or letters wrongly delivered.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0705 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy) The total vote for Postal Services this year amounts to more than $22 million, showing an increase of over $400,000 as compared to last year. This means that an increase of population and the development of commercial and trade services have caused an increase of mail in Singapore, thereby increasing the workload of the Postal Department. Undeniably, the Postal Services Department in Singapore has all along enjoyed a reputation of high standards, it provides very good service to the people of Singapore and is a source of our pride. However, following the increase in population and of requirements and a shift in population, the degree of efficiency has been affected. As a result of this, I have received several complaints recently against delays in the delivery of domestic mail. It normally takes about two to three days to deliver a letter locally. This is quite true, because I have some personal experience. For example, a certain friend of mine rang me up one day and asked, "Have you received my invitation card?" I told him, "No". In reply, he said, "Strange! This invitation card was posted some three days ago." Sir, this is quite a frequent occurrence, and 1 believe that other Members of this House may have a similar experience. Since there are signs of a lowering of standards of efficiency, we must try to find a remedy. This cannot be dismissed as a small matter and allowed to deteriorate. It will be a wrong attitude to adopt. What has caused the low standard of our Postal Services recently? Is it because of shortage of staff or poor allocation of duties?”
“Mr Speaker, is it the opinion of the Minister for Communications that what I have said does not exist? In any case, if the Minister has the time, or his Parliamentary Secretary if he has no time, he should investigate into this complaint. If there is no truth, then it is all the better. But if there is some truth, then there must be some improvement to our services. It is my hope that our high standards will be maintained. However, in view of the explanation given, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Hwang Soo Jin- (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0703 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1009.”
“However, Sir, I regret to say that recently I have received some complaints from members of the public to the effect that the staff at the Paya Lebar Airport were rather slow in rendering their services. For instance, air travellers have to take two or three minutes, and sometimes even up to five minutes, to be cleared at the Immigration counter. If there are 100 passengers arriving, how long will that take to clear? It may be that they are too busy. I have also received complaints that some of the staff on duty used to crack jokes among themselves. They are thus wasting their time and prolonging the waiting time of the passengers. This is uncalled for, and I would like the Minister to look into this matter and take measures to remedy the situation. There are also complaints about the shortage of porters. According to my information, there are only three porters to cope with more than 100 passengers. Obviously this number is not enough. If at times the porters are weak, the luggage will be thrown about because they cannot carry them. They are not able to cope with so many passengers. I have to bring all these complaints to the attention of the Minister because the number of tourists is increasing and our Government is spending a lot of money on civil aviation, particularly in the development of the airport. We should see to it that our civil servants there render a high international standard of service.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move. That the sum to be allocated for Head 0703 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, under this subhead, I would like to touch on two matters relating to the Paya Lebar Airport. I hope the Minister will pay special attention to them because of certain complaints I have received. The first complaint is that the officers of the Immigration Department at the Paya Lebar Airport are not very efficient. The number of porters at the Airport is also too small. There is a need for more porters. Being an international airport, the traffic has been increasing every year. At present the number of passengers is nearly two million a year. This shows that more and more travellers are coming from abroad. Therefore, we must extend the highest standard of service to them in order to impress them, so that they will spread our good reputation abroad. I understand that the Government has made provision for a few million dollars for the development of Paya Lebar Airport, which includes the extension of the runway and the building of a new hangar to accommodate the Boeing 747. This type of passenger air liner requires the redevelopment of the Passenger Terminal Building. In view of all this, we hope that our civil aviation services will reach international standards, which, I think, is the aim of the Government. We should maintain a reasonable standard of service. Therefore, all the staff at the Airport, including the staff of the Immigration Department, should provide an efficient service. They should be courteous to the tourists, so that those coming from abroad will have a better impression of Singapore.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2008. Sir, I would like to seek information on how this provision is to be used. Although this is a small sum of $170, it is part of the money from the taxpayer. I would also like to ask the Minister to tell this House what kind of equipment is to he purchased, and whether it is necessary.”
“Sir, as the Minister of State has given me a satisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting - (6) That the sum to be allocated for Head 060! be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2004.”
“Can the Minister tell this House how many work permits have been issued for the different categories of workers, for example, skilled and unskilled workers?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1351*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi,Messrs Hwang Soo Jin, Ng Kah Ting and P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, it is undeniable that over the past two years the policy of the Government on work permits has been very liberal. This is to enable more foreign workers to enter Singapore to seek employment in order to meet the labour needs of a highly industrialised society. But in certain circumstances there is room for improvement. For example, there are foreign workers who have worked in Singapore for many, many years, and have even married Singapore citizens and living with their families in Singapore. But these foreign workers have not been able to get work permits when they apply. This is a great blow to their livelihood. It is my hope that the Minister will consider their applications for work permits, in view of the fact that they are living in Singapore with children and wives who are Singapore citizens. Sir, we should understand that the present labour shortage in Singapore is not only felt in the industrial sector but also in the commercial sector, e.g, in the retail shops. We are still short of shop assistants, and even barbers and domestic servants. There is a shortage of similar categories of workers as well. Therefore, the civil servants in charge of the Work Permits Office should, when considering applications, understand the actual position and appreciate the needs of the various commercial houses so as to enable them to get the necessary workers. There are other questions which I wish to raise with the Minister. Firstly, how many work permits have been issued to-date?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister concerned for his very clear and detailed explanation. I believe that the Ministry concerned is now seriously taking appropriate and effective measures to prevent industrial accidents. It is also my hope that in the new financial year we will see a marked reduction in industrial accidents. With these remarks, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Low Yong Nguan- (2)That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101.”
“As regards employers who disregard implementing safety measures, steps should be taken to deal with them. The workers should make use of safety devices in order to safeguard their own lives. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister a few questions and I hope he can give me detailed answers. On the prevention of industrial accidents, we have been paying much attention to it in the past few years. I would like to know why there were more industrial accidents in 1971 than in 1970. Is the department paying heed only to theory and publicity about the prevention of industrial accidents, without actually taking effective measures to prevent them from happening? Are Factory Inspectors being recruited in order to send them out to inspect factories regularly and to find out whether factories are abiding by the safety regulations and, if not, to take enforcement measures against them? As regards the Jurong Shipyard accident, has the Minister set up a committee of inquiry to look into the causes of the accident, so that preventive measures may be taken to prevent similar occurrences?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs N. Govindasamy, Cheong Yuen Chee, P. Govindaswamy and Seah Mui Kok.) Sir, in moving this amendment, I would like to speak on industrial accidents. Since the present Minister for Labour took office, he is implementing two measures: (1) taking effective steps to reduce and prevent the occurrence of industrial accidents; (2) making certain wage adjustments and raising the standard of living of lower income workers. I very much appreciate the two measures which the Minister is implementing vigorously. About the prevention of industrial accidents, I am glad to see that the Ministry of Labour is carrying out an island-wide industrial safety campaign - as can be seen from the publicity in the newspapers, over radio and T.V, in order to ensure that workers can work in safety. Unfortunately, while the national industrial safety and health campaign is being carried out, the number of industrial accidents occurring continues to increase. This is really an irony. These industrial accidents include one which took place in Jurong Shipyard recently, resulting in the death of a few workers. Of course, an occurrence of this kind of industrial accident is regrettable. There are many causes of industrial accidents, e.g., the machinery is faulty, or the employers and workers have been negligent. All these factors contribute to industrial accidents. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of industrial accidents, the parties concerned should work in close co-operation. I hope the Ministry of Labour can take up a leading role in encouraging management and labour to take industrial safety precautions.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister very much for his detailed reply to me. So 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 4X50l be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs J. F. Conceicao, Low Yong Nguan and P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, the allocation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is $11,366,250. This is only a slight increase over the provision for the last financial year. It shows that the Ministry has increased its activities, and we have got quite a good reputation in the field of international diplomacy and foreign affairs. We have been able to acquire more international friends. Of course, the main aim of our foreign policy is based on our national interest. Under this grand ideal and principle, we will try to resort to all practical measures to maintain good relationship with as many countries as possible and to establish trade relations with them. Of course, this is Beneficial to our country. Sir, I believe that Members will agree with me when I say that we can be successful in our foreign policy because we have not only a good foreign policy but also a capable Minister for Foreign Affairs, which is also an important factor. However, I have four questions to ask of the Minister: 4.30 p.m. (1) Up to-date, in how many countries have we set up embassies or high commissions? (2) Is there any plan to set up any new `consular corps in any country this year? (3) In the past one year, what benefits have we derived from the ASEAN organisation? (4) How many creditable measures in this year's ASEAN Regional Programme can help us to promote our tourism and trade, and in other fields? I wonder whether the Minister will be good enough to answer all these questions.”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed explanation. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“The training courses do not inculcate a sense of national identity and consciousness in our national servicemen. This is a very important factor. We are a very young nation. Therefore, in the course of our nation building, we have to instil a sense of national identity in our young people. They should be inculcated with a sense of national consciousness and patriotism so that our national servicemen will love our country. Only then, will they identify themselves with the country and be given an opportunity to serve. In order to achieve that objective, the Ministry of Defence should strengthen its educational and cultural division. More cultural and educational officers should be employed to promote national consciousness among our national servicemen youths. I have also received complaints from our national servicemen. Having reached national service age, they registered themselves with the Manpower Division, and underwent medical examination. But some of these youths have not as yet been enlisted in the army. What is the reason for the delay? They are very willing to serve their country, and we should help them to realise their aspirations. There is another problem. These youths have to undergo national service training. However, in looking for jobs they encounter certain difficulties because the Government has decided that unless they receive a certificate for employment from the Manpower Division, they cannot look for a job in either the private or public sector. Therefore, I urge the Minister to take note of this situation and to take appropriate measures to remedy such shortcomings.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1004. Sir, the Ministry of Defence has been allocated a provision of about $442 million. This takes first place in the national expenditure. This is 38.9 per cent of our total expenditure; 16.5 per cent more than the estimate for last year. I understand that this increased expenditure is necessary to meet the effects of the final rundown of British military expenditure and that our Government now has to shoulder the entire responsibility for our internal security. In view of this, we have to increase our expenditure to build up our own armed forces. At the same time, we have to examine whether expected and desirable results can be achieved. Next, I touch on the problem of National Service. The National Service Act has been in force for the last few years. With the support of the people and the efficient enforcement of the law, it has achieved certain desirable results. Our citizens now realise that as an independent nation, we must have our own defence forces to safeguard our national and territorial rights. They have also realised that national service has brought about many benefits to our country. For example, our youths can be mobilised for training to become the stalwarts of our defence forces. National service also enhances the quality and discipline of our youths, and thus promotes a better organisation of our society. 4.00 p.m. Although we have achieved much from national service, there are certain shortcomings. They are, however, technical in nature. In other words, they relate to the training courses. If the officers in charge of training can remedy these faults, then the position will be all right.”
“There is an increase of about $700,000. This is, in fact, good news for the people in the rural areas. I am sure rural development from now on will continue to improve. Sir, I am very happy to note that the Minister for Finance has emphasised in his Budget Statement the need for defence and national security. There is a need for administrative skills in matters of national defence, and the training of personnel in all the various fields can play an important part in raising the educational level of our Armed Forces. These measures are important for the strengthening of our armed forces. In addition, I think that there is also a need to inculcate a sense of patriotism and national consciousness in our youths, so that in times of crisis they will be prepared to make sacrifices for the country and for their homes. Sir, all in all, the Budget for the next financial year certainly meets the approval of all the people in Singapore. Let me express my full support for the Minister and for his words of praise for the workers of Singapore. Because of the spirit of dedication of our workers, our country has survived the various international crises, and our economy is stable and prosperous. Finally, I would like to call upon all the people in our country, irrespective of colour or class, to come together and, in a united effort, take part in nation-building and to strive for yet greater achievements in the next financial year. Sir, I support the Finance Minister's Budget proposals. 4.07 p.m.”
“On the Ministry of Health, I would like to put forward two points. First, I hope that the Minister for Health will consider providing in the hospitals beds for parents whose children are hospitalised so that they can look after their children. Secondly, I hope the Minister will consider increasing the number of surgeons in our hospitals so that cases which require surgery can be dealt with speedily. Sir, our policy is to build more hawker centres for the benefit of the hawkers, so that their standard of living will be gradually improved. Sir, I would like to touch on the question of rural development. We know that our Government has been working hard to provide facilities for the people in the rural areas. A good example is Sembawang constituency. Through the efforts of the Urban and Rural Services Committee, the Government has provided more than a million dollars for the Sembawang area for various public services, such as road construction, drainage, rural electrification (Street lighting and domestic electricity) and water supply. All these projects have improved the appearance of Sembawang constituency. Of course, the Government has been working not only to benefit constituents in Sembawang but also those in the other rural constituencies. The Government has taken these measures to improve the lot of the people in the rural areas. It goes to show that the Government believes in the fundamental tenets of democratic socialism. It is also trying to reduce the gap in the standard of living between the people in the city and the people in the rural areas, so that everyone can enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. For the next financial year, the provision for urban and rural services is $3.25 million, as compared to 52.5 million for last year.”
“As a result, the purchasing power of our people has also increased. This is an important factor in our prosperity. Mr Speaker, Sir, the success of our industrialisation programme is dependent on good leadership and planning on the part of our Government. The departments concerned have been playing a leading role in this respect. However, our workers have also put in their efforts. The co-operation between employers and employees has also contributed to our success. Many of our factories have increased their production. Industrial disputes have been reduced to the minimum. In fact, the number of strikes has been minimal. Because of all this, our Gross Domestic Product has increased substantially and the standing of our country is very high in the international scene. We have attracted more and more investors from overseas. This, in turn, will lead to a higher level of industrialisation and economic expansion. We know that this success is the result of the combined effort of all our people. We must ensure the qualities of perseverance and industry try of our people are maintained, so that in the coming years we can achieve yet greater objectives. Sir, I would like to touch on the need for public health. As everybody knows, the medical care in our country has enjoyed a very good reputation. Following the rapid economic expansion of our country and population growth, the Ministry of Health has a greater and more important role to play. At the moment, we have three big hospitals. We have taken over the Sembawang and Alexandra Hospitals from the British Armed Forces. These two hospitals will contribute greatly to the well-being of our people. Although we have achieved a great deal, there are certain areas for improvement.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the people of Sembawang, may I express my support for this Budget for the next financial year which was presented by the Minister for Finance on the 7th of this month. His Budget Statement contained very good news. For example, not only will there be no new taxes, but there will also be no increases in the rates of existing taxes. On the contrary, six items of tax reliefs are granted; thus the benefits to the people are increased. Mr Speaker, Sir, these measures are for the welfare of our people. The good start that we have at the beginning of this year is, I am sure, conducive to economic expansion. It will be a stimulus to our plans for further industrialisation. Sir, the Minister for Finance has made a detailed statement on the international monetary situation, and touched on, for example, the upward revaluation of the German Mark, the devaluation of the American Dollar, and the 10 per cent surcharge on all U.S. imports levied by the American Government in 1971. The effects of these measures on the rest of the world, more particularly South-east Asia, are severe. They have led to a recession in trade. However, a comforting thought is that, despite the international trade recession, we have been able to survive economically, and above that we have been able to achieve a growth rate of 14 per cent. This is a rare achievement. It goes to show that the economy of our country is strong, and that in spite of these difficulties and recurrent problems we have been able to achieve this high growth rate. We are thus able to enjoy the prosperity of our stringent economy. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has also mentioned that our per capita Gross National Product has increased from $2,960 in 1970 to $3,317 in 1971.”
“May I ask the Minister how many Factory Inspectors have been recruited this year? Also, how do they go about inspecting the factories in order to understand the conditions and the safety arrangements therein?”
“I remember some members of our national teams were not given the opportunity to take part in international or regional sports meets because of lack of funds. Therefore, we must try to get enough money for the sports fund so as to be able to develop sports in our country. I hope the Corporation will pay special attention to the question of raising funds to supplement the National Stadium Fund, whether from Government or other sources. With adequate funds, we will be able to train our sportsmen and sportswomen so that they can compete in the international and regional sports arena and also raise our standard of sports. The second point is that the Corporation should also pay attention to the provision of engaging capable sports coaches in all fields and have regular periods of training for our national teams. Only with planned and regulated training programmes can our national teams hope to win any laurels or prizes in international or regional competitions and to bring glory to our country. I hope the Minister will pay attention to these two points. 6.43 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I express my full support for this Bill. The setting up of the National Sports Complex will provide perfect facilities for sports in our country. The National Stadium Corporation is given the main task of managing and administering the Sports Complex. This is a very important task. Undoubtedly, the setting up of the National Stadium symbolises the fact that sports in Singapore have entered a new era and have marched a step forward. It is a milestone in our sports history. According to the Minister, a sum of $60 million will be involved in the setting up of the National Sports Complex. This is a huge sum of money. Since we have mobilised such a large amount of money and have put out efforts to build a sports complex, I hope we will have better means of raising the standard of our sports and also of popularising sports among our people so that they may be stronger and more healthy and so serve our country better. The Bill sets out the functions of the National Stadium Corporation, one of which is to raise the standard of sports in our country. In this respect, I am of the view that we should pay particular attention to the following two tasks. The first is about the setting up of a sports fund. As we all know, in the past few years we have been very active in sports. We have tried our best to take part in various regional and international sports tournaments. However, the common problem faced by people in sports circles is the raising of funds. Therefore, whenever a tournament is to be held on a large scale, it is necessary for people in sports circles to try their best to raise funds to meet the expenditure.”
“However, in respect of the detailed workings of the lucky draw, I feel that there is room for improvement. This lucky draw has been so organised that a depositor must personally collect the coupon from the Post Office Savings Bank. In my view, this will cause considerable inconvenience to the depositors, particularly those who are absent-minded or who are too busy to go and collect the coupon. I would, therefore, like to suggest to the Minister to organise a better system for the lucky draw, if at all a lucky draw is to be held next year. That is to say, let those with $500 or more in the savings bank be given a coupon automatically to take part in the lucky draw instead of their having to collect it personally. In this way, all those who are eligible will be able to participate in the lucky draw. By having coupons sent to them by post, they will thus have the opportunity to take part in a lucky draw. If Members of Parliament do take part in this lucky draw, they will have an opportunity to win a prize! 6.18 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome the amendment Bill. The Post Office Savings Bank of Singapore has played a great part in mobilising domestic savings among the public, particularly in promoting the saving habit among the school children in Singapore. As a result of the various incentives offered by the Post Office Savings Bank, considerable interest among our students has been stimulated. The number of students participating in the Savings Bank programme has increased over the years. Cultivating the saving habit among our children and young citizens is a great step forward. In this connection, I would like to mention a case in point. Last year a competition for the highest number of new depositors with the Post Office Savings Bank was held among our school children. The Mm Chung School (Naval Base Public Chinese School), which is a primary school in my constituency, has a small school enrolment but it won the competition. This is, of course, a credit to Sembawang constituency. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has stated just now that the aim of this Bill is to make the Post Office Savings Bank financially viable and autonomous and this move to convert it into a statutory body will make it more effective and efficient. It is also my hope that after its conversion into a corporation, the Post Office Savings Bank will be capable of better performance, particularly in promoting domestic savings. Over the past few years, the Post Office Savings Bank has been giving encouragement to depositors by way of allowing those with $500 or more in the savings bank to take part in lucky draws. Mr Speaker, Sir, in principle this is a good way to encourage saving among members of the public so that they will put more money into the Post Office Savings Bank.”
“So if we can safeguard the lives of our own workers, we will he contributing not only to their welfare hut also to our country's welfare. This reminds me of our contract system. As we know, many large contractors have subcontractors working under them. If there is no adequate provision in our laws regulating the relationship among the contractors, the subcontractors and the workers, then once an industrial accident happens to a worker, it would be difficult for him to get any adequate compensation unless we implement a scheme whereby all contractors are registered to ensure that victims of industrial accidents are adequately compensated. Sir, I hope the Minister will look into this suggestion. 5.31 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully agree with the amendment Bill which undoubtedly is a progressive piece of legislation. This is a Government measure to ensure the safety of the workers. In this respect, it is necessary. Many of my colleagues in this House and I have all along been paying much attention to the problem of industrial accidents. Over the past few years we have urged the Government to adopt more effective measures to reduce the number of industrial accidents. One of the main provisions in the Bill is the provision to increase the rate of compensation. This will be an added benefit to the victims and the members of their families. They can henceforth be better looked after. However, what is more important is that we should try to devise methods by which industrial accidents can be prevented. That is to say, we should urge all employers to provide adequate safety precautions either in the factories or at the building sites. There should also be an adequate number of inspectors to go round and inspect the sites. If they find that the safety precautions there are inadequate or if anything is amiss, they should then instruct the employer concerned to take measures to remedy the situation so that the lives of the workers will be safeguarded and tragedy is thereby prevented. Sir, when a worker dies as a result of an industrial accident, it will be a tragedy not only to his family -causing members of his family to be derelicts - but it will also be a loss tX our country. At the present stage of our industrialisation programme, we need young and capable workers who can make their contributions. At the moment we are short of labour. We are now allowing thousands of labourers from neighbouring countries to enter Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask a few questions relating to the first Ministerial statement. Firstly, can the Minister for Law and National Development elaborate on the delineation of the electoral boundaries, and what are the basic principles and other considerations governing the subdivisions? Secondly, after the readjustments to the electoral boundaries have been made what will be the land area, the size of the population and the number of the electorate in each division? Will they be evenly spread out on a pan-island basis? Will these readjustments serve the people better? Thirdly, I notice that there has not been much change in the electoral boundaries in the rural areas. In future, will there be any subdivision of electoral divisions in the rural areas? I hope the Minister will answer all these questions.”
“For instance, because of the announcement of the British military withdrawal, we are faced with the problem of more unemployment. All these problems in the past have been troubling and bothering us. But through the effective planning of the various government departments, the rapid building up of our armed forces, and the implementation of industrialisation and tourist measures, we have already overcome the problems one by one. We can now enjoy a better and more stable environment, In view of the reasons which I have just mentioned, I believe that although we will be faced with many new problems, we shall, with the unity and support of the masses of the people, and with their close co-operation with the Government, be able to implement the various tasks and plans (if construction and nation building successfully, so as to consolidate our future for the good of our future generations. Sir, this session has given us great tasks and responsibilities, in fact, a mission. To order to live up to the expectations of the people, we should try our best to help, so that our country may march forward to a better and more prosperous future. Sir, I support the President's speech and the motion. 3.27 p.m.”
“As a Member representing a rural constituency, I would like, in order to be fair, to say that since the P.A.P, came to power, much attention has been given to the rural areas such as the making of roads, bridges, and canals, and the installation of lights and other facilities. The Government has done much, but because of the size of the rural areas, there are still many areas which need to be developed. Therefore, I would urge the Minister concerned to pay particular attention to the rural areas and to allocate more money in the new financial year for the amenities and facilities of the rural people. To sum up, Sir, the Government's policy speech has brought about a new mission in our task of nation-building. It also presents us with new challenges--the strengthening of our defence capability, the raising of our educational level, the development of our industries, the construction and rebuilding of our city area, and the development of our island to make it a beautiful garden city. Undoubtedly, these are necessary for the progress of the country, providing a good future and better living conditions for the people. But these objectives must have the support of the people. Though the tasks are difficult, I think there is nothing that we cannot achieve with the concerted effort and co-operation of the people, in fact, in the past six years, we have in the field of nation-building achieved many things. Of course, these are not easily achieved. With careful planning by the Government, coupled with the support and hard work of the people, particularly the workers, we have attained our present position. In addition to this, in the past years we have also been faced with serious problems.”
“(2) In the addendum to the President's speech, mention has been made of foreign policy. It is stated that we should pay more attention to events taking place outside Singapore. This is correct. In addition to this, we should also establish closer and better relations with our neighbouring countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, including the British Commonwealth countries, as this is mutually beneficial. To achieve this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should work out a programme whereby Members of Parliament, or leaders of the countries concerned. could exchange visits. (3) Regarding the control or curbing of prices of goods, the Ministry of Finance should do more work in this respect, apart from investigating the prices of certain goods. The Ministry should also take additional effective measures to safeguard the interests of the tax-payers to ensure that opportunities will not be given to speculators to increase the prices of their goods. (4) The Ministry of Culture should shoulder more responsibilities and duties. Culture and the arts are an important part of the spiritual life of Our people. The concepts of virtue and national loyalty are also important factors to our people. The Ministry of Culture should encourage development and promotion of healthy cultural activities. The cultural programmes over Radio and Television Singapore should also be improved, so that decadent and bad culture will not be further propagated. In addition, the Ministry should try to inculcate in the people a sense of national consciousness and the idea of harmonious living in a multi-racial society. (5) There is no mention in the addendum to the President's speech of matters relating to the rural areas.”
“Sir, the addendum has also touched upon Government's policy in regard to a review of the present wage policy which it intends to carry out early next year. Undoubtedly this is good news to the workers who have contributed much to our economic development and nation-building. Because of their cooperation, commerce and industry has flourished. So it is reasonable that we should give them a better deal and higher wages. I fully support the measure. I would say that it is a very judicious policy to re-examine the wage policy. Sir, in addition to making my general comments on the various measures which I have just touched upon, I would like also to deal with the other aspects outlined in the addendum to the President's speech which relate to defence, economy, education, culture and others. If we can follow these policies, then we will achieve more in these fields. In order to help in this matter and to benefit all the people, I would like to offer five suggestions for the consideration of the Government: (1) The national service policy should always be examined, so as to have the welfare of certain categories of national service personnel in mind. For instance, consideration should be given to allow the only sons of parents who are breadwinners of the family to do part-time national service, or exempt them from national service altogether. As regards professional personnel who are required by commerce and industry, we should give them certain facilities to enable them to have more time to serve our society, because in the President's speech mention has been made of the shortage of such personnel-managers, engineers, and architects. We should encourage them and allow them to do part-time national service so that they can contribute more to nation-building.”
“To this regard, I remember that when we were debating the Finance Minister's budget statement in this House some four months ago, I put forward some suggestions to the Minister for Finance to enable the occupiers of Housing and Development Board shop premises to buy their shop premises on hire-purchase terms. The Finance Minister replied that he would have to look into the matter, before he could give an answer. Four months have now passed. Can the Minister please give his answer to this House? Another question I would like to ask concerns the building construction industry. Recently we have heard some news about the acute shortage of cement. This shortage will seriously affect the Housing and Development Board and the private developers who are engaged in building houses. Therefore. I would ask the Minister to pay special attention to the problem of the shortage of cement, and to adopt adequate measures to remedy the situation. In the addendum relating to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there is mention of the reorganisation of the Police Force in order to raise its efficiency, provide a better service to the public, and maintain law and order in our complex and urbanised society. No doubt, this is very important as a result of the increase in the number of satellite towns and our urbanisation programme. The problems of social stability, security, and the maintenance of law and order will then be more complex. In order to maintain law and order, we have to raise the standard of efficiency of the police, but to achieve its full effect, the co-operation of the people with the police is needed. The addendum has touched upon the improvement of salaries to the Police Force. I would say this is reasonable.”
“They have to hawk under the hot sun and in heavy rain. In the past, they have been neglected. However, ever since the People's Action Party came to power, they have been better looked after. In the past few years, many new market and hawker centres have been built in Housing and Development Board estates for hawkers to do their business. Now that the Government is allotting a sum of $5 million to improve the hawker sites, more benefit and business will come to them. Therefore, it is a wise and judicious measure. It is also a concrete example that the Government has done something for the good of the hawkers. Sir, in the addendum regarding the Ministry of Law and National Development, it is mentioned that the Housing and Development Board plans to build 100,000 housing units for the period 1971 to 1975. This will double the target it has achieved in the past. In spite of this rapid building plan, however, we are still short of housing accommodation. The measures taken by the Government have solved some of the acute housing problems. The hire-purchase ownership plan of the Government has solved the problem of housing to a great extent. This plan has been well received by the people. However. I would like to ask whether the Government can also extend this sort of hire-purchase terms to renters of H.D.B, shop premises. I agree fully with what the Member for Thomson has said in this House the other day about giving the occupiers of Housing and Development Board shop premises certain hire-purchase facilities to buy shop premises.”
“Only in a stable environment can we have more investment, thereby creating more opportunities `if employment and raising the standard of living of our people. Sir, in the President's policy speech, mention has been made of higher rates, of compensation for those people affected by resettlement. This is a very correct measure. We know that the Government's urban renewal scheme is in the long-term interest of our country. Therefore, it needs the full support of all the people. On the other hand, we must also give sympathetic consideration to people affected by resettlement so that they may not suffer any great loss. So the Government's decision to increase the rates of compensation and ex gratia payments is a measure that we all should praise and support. I will now go through the various topics in the addendum to the President's speech. Mention has been made of the allocation of $5 million to resettle the hawkers in various parts of the island. The plan involves the building of market centres to accommodate the hawkers. This is undoubtedly a good plan because it will provide fixed localities for them to carry on their business, and also to enable members of the public to enjoy their food in a more congenial environment. I am sure this plan will meet with the approval of all the people, particularly the hawkers. In fact, the hawker centres around Farrer Road Circus and Newton Circus have given members of the public a very good impression because of their modern facilities and healthy surroundings. Thus more customers patronise them and, in this way, their business is improved. As a result, more hawker complexes will be built by the Government. This will be good news to the hawkers. We all know that lots of them lead a difficult life.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion expressing our thanks to the President's speech. The President made a policy speech in this House on the 21st of last month and this has added a new page in our nation-building history. In his policy speech, the President has painted a beautiful picture of our achievements. He has also laid down correct directives in regard to our future task of nation-building. He has also laid stress on the importance of strengthening our defence capability in order to ensure our security and stability. Undeniably, this is what we should do to ensure our independence and sovereignty. When we gained our independences, some six years ago. I remember there were people who expressed doubts about our ability to maintain our security and sovereignty. However, after these six years of independence, we have achieved great progress in our defence capability. This is due to the concerted efforts of our people in co-operating with the Government. As the President has pointed out in his speech, we must be viable in our defence. Through the Commonwealth Five-Power defence arrangements, security and stability are assured for several, years ahead. We must make use of this time to consolidate our defence capability. It is true that in this task we should exert great efforts. Our national service youths have put up an excellent performance in our National Day celebrations. Everyone of them is well-disciplined. Therefore, I believe our youth will be able to take up the task of defending our country. Besides the defence of our country, the maintenance of stability and the' development of our economy is also very important.”
“Sir, can the Minister for Health assure the House that when a children's ward is set up in any Government hospital, this 24-hour visit system will be implemented?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I know that the 24-hour visit system is implemented in the Outram Road General Hospital. But I would like to know whether this system is also implemented in the other hospitals.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“I do not quite agree with what the Minister has said just now in connection with the sale of shop premises belonging to the Housing and Development Board, that the response to a survey which his officials carried out was not very good. I do not know when they carried out the survey. In my opinion, many renters of shop premises are very interested in buying over the shop premises because they can pay on hire purchase terms, and after some time they can own the shop premises. This will reduce their burden. If the Minister is interested in giving it a trial, I suggest that he carry out another survey to see whether the response from the shop renters is good.”
“Very often the traders cannot cover the rental from the proceeds of their trade. I hope the Minister will give consideration to the two suggestions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 91 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 003*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ng Yeow Chong.) Sir, this subhead relates to a loan to the Housing and Development Board amounting to $100,000,000. Since its inception, the Housing and Development Board has been providing cheap flats for our people. It has achieved a lot in this respect. In recent years the Housing and Development Board has introduced the Home Ownership Scheme to provide low-cost housing for the poorer people. The workers can now make use of their Central Provident Fund money to make a down-payment for the flats. I have received quite a number of complaints about the high rentals charged by the Housing and Development Board. The complaints come especially from people who are affected by the urban renewal projects and who have to move to the Housing and Development Board flats which are rented out at high rates. Ordinary shops are rented out at $300-$400 a month, whereas coffee shops and eating houses are rented out at between $1,500 and $2,000 a month. These high rentals will put them in great difficulties. Therefore, I have two suggestions to make to the Minister and I hope he will consider them. Their implementation will remedy the situation to some extent. (1) Can the Minister consider the sale of shop premises in the same way as the Government is selling Housing Board flats to people on hire purchase? In this way, the Government need not ask for loans. (2) The Government can thus use the proceeds of the sales to supplement further construction of such shop premises so that they do not need to increase the rents. This will reduce the burden of the renters of the shop premises.”
“Sir, since the Parliamentary Secretary has given me a satisfactory answer, 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 75 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 206. Sir, the sum allocated for item 001 of subhead 206 is $50,000 for the improvement of Sembawang Road from 10 m.s. to 13 m.s., which includes Nee Soon. Because of the widening of the road in this area, some shops are to be demolished. For example, in the Sembawang area, more than 100 shops are affected by the widening of the road. As the Member of Parliament for that area, I am very concerned with this plan. This also includes the Nee Soon area. I have some questions to ask the Parliamentary Secretary concerned. Firstly, when will the road-widening project be expected to commence? About 100 shops are affected in the Sembawang area, to say nothing of the Thomson and Nee Soon areas. Are there any plans to resettle those who are affected? I would like to suggest to the Parliamentary Secretary that before the project is started, it is better to build some shophouses for resettling those who are affected by the project, which will reduce their sufferings and difficulties.”
“Sir, I am not prepared to withdraw my amendment, because the Parliamentary Secretary has entirely ignored my question. Question on the amendment put, and negatived. The sum of $1,927,570 for Head 73 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 74 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting (1) That the sum to be allocated for Head 74 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 103. Mr Ng Kah Ting: I am not moving, Sir.”
“The Member for Punggol has raised the point that the price of eggs is too cheap, and the Minister has said that when the price of eggs goes up, some Members complain, and that when it goes down, other people complain also. He complains about the difficulties involved. Of course, when there is a greater demand for certain items, the price should be better, It is my hope, however, that our farmers will get a better deal so that they may enjoy and have a share in our minor boom, or shall I say mini-prosperity. So if the price of eggs is too low, I would like to ask whether the Minister in charge can consider a campaign to help raise the price of eggs by holding a "Eat More Eggs Week" campaign, because eggs are very nourishing as they contain vitamins and protein. I think it will be very good for our people in building a rugged physique. I hope the Minister can think of some ways to help our farmers to remedy the situation and not just sit down and shake his leg. 4.45 p.m.”