Tony Tan Keng Yam
Singapore
“One of the problems which they have in Britain is that, up to recently, they have no means to stop people coming into Britain and preaching in their mosques messages of hate, jihad and violence. Here, MUIS monitors our mosques very carefully, what is being preached at Friday prayers.”
“Sir, I am not going to enter into a debate about whether the war in Iraq is justified or not. That is another issue. But I would say, Sir, that with all the measures which have been taken over the last three years since 9/11, including the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, the arrest of the Al Qaeda leaders, the detention of the JI lea…”
“Sir, we are extending the CCTV coverage in our bus stations, MRT stations and other places in Singapore where people congregate. It is a part of life now. For example, at our MRT stations, all our CCTV cameras are those where the films are recorded and we can analyse them. Surveillance is one of the effective ways of deterring terrorism.”
“The Muslim community in the UK has contributed to the healing process and has worked hard with the other communities to strengthen the moderate voice of Islam.”
“I would say again, Sir, that what we should do is when you see something which is suspicious, if you see a bag which is left unattended, report to some authority. We will look into it. We have to. And I am glad that we are getting more reports today, be vigilant.”
“It could reach here. We have to live with it. We support the war in Iraq. We believe that it is good for us to join the coalition led by the US against terror. The fight against terror is worldwide. We cannot opt out by not taking part. We are in it. We must continue whatever the difficulties.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I now turn to FY 84 Budget. Our economic growth in the last two years has been sustained partly by the stimulation of domestic activities through Government spending. Now that the outlook is more favourable it is an opportune time to pass the initiative back to the private sector to spearhead the drive for further growth. The FY 1984 Budget is accordingly directed towards three objectives: (a) restraining the increase in Government spending; (b) encouraging greater efficiency and productivity in companies; and (c) rewarding individual enterprise and hard work. As compared to FY 83, the allocation for infrastructural, industrial and commercial development in the FY 84 Expenditure Budget is increased. A bigger provision is made for education and manpower training to expand the pool of skilled, technical and professional manpower required for upgrading the economy. More funds are provided to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to sustain its public housing construction programme. Total Government spending (excluding the transfer from the Consolidated Fund to the Development Fund) for FY 84 is estimated at $16,561 million. This exceeds the FY 83 figure by $1,889 million or 13%. This rate of increase is lower than the average annual growth of 24% in actual total expenditure over the period FY 78-82. Outlays on economic and manpower develop- ment and public housing together account for $9,624 million or about 58% of the total allocation. The total budgeted recurrent expenditure for FY 84 is $7,567 million. This is $684 million or 10% higher than the FY 83 figure. The rate of increase is much lower than the average annual growth of 24% in actual recurrent expenditure over the FY 78-82 period.”
“A crucial element is the course of American economic policy in the run-up to the Presidential elections. If the huge US federal budget deficits are not reduced, interest rates will remain high and this can stall the economic recovery. In Singapore we face a serious problem of labour shortage which can set a limit to our growth potential. The repatriation of unskilled and semi-skilled foreign workers from non-traditional sources must go on if we are to succeed in our economic restructuring. This means that future growth can only come from productivity improvement. Singaporeans must therefore work hard and be more productive if we want to continue to better our standard of living. If we do not slacken we can ensure that the growth we achieved in 1983 will continue into 1984. Mr Speaker, Sir, this concludes the first part of my Budget Statement.”
“Implementation of the MRT was timed so as to take advantage of low tender prices arising from the recession. A total of 10 contracts were awarded in 1983, at prices well below original estimated cost. Another gratifying factor was the extent of local participation. Of the 10 contracts awarded in 1983, five were joint ventures with local partners. This augurs well for the effective transfer of technology and specialist construction skills. The construction industry, like the other economic sectors, must thrive on free market competition. The Government's role has been and will continue to be a supportive one. Contractors should take advantage of Government incentives and assistance to venture into new building systems. They can best succeed if they also build up a permanent workforce of skilled Singaporeans. CONCLUDING REMARKS Mr Speaker,Sir, this time last year, I took a gloomy view of the world economy. I noted that protectionism was rising. The international financial system teetered on the brink of a breakdown. The US economy showed no signs of recovery. In the event we performed better than expected. However, notwithstanding the widespread optimism that seems to be the fashion in international financial circles today, I am not yet persuaded that we are out of the woods. Protectionist sentiment in the industrialised countries has not receded. The problem of a high level of international indebtedness still hangs over us although, fortunately the international monetary authorities and financial institutions have managed to contain the crisis so far. The unexpected strong turnaround of the US economy in 1983, brought about by a surge in consumer spending, has given the world a respite. There are, however, doubts over how long the recovery will last.”
“Many reputable overseas contractors have set up operations here to tender for public and private sector contracts. Apart from keeping tender prices low, their presence also benefits the industry through technology and knowledge transfer. The Government's call for mechanization received good response. Forty-five applications for investment allowance have been received involving capital expenditure amounting to $74 million. With increased mechanization, our construction workers were able to turn in a considerable productivity growth of 9% in 1983. The construction industry, however, has a long way to go to catch up with productivity in other sectors. The Government is therefore setting up the Construction Industry Development Board to upgrade the building industry. Apart from reviewing standards and building regulations to adapt them to industrialized building technologies, the Board will also encourage the private sector to set up factories to produce prefabricated and precast components. In this connection, I would like to reiterate that the Economic Development Board will provide tax incentives for supporting industries which manufacture construction components. Another major task is the training of construction workers. The Construction Industry Training Centre has received encouraging response from Singaporeans. Many employers have also agreed to provide on-the-job training. I the response and support continue to be good, the Government will consider setting up a second training centre to teach more specialized construction skills. Of special significance for the industry was the start of construction on the MRT project in October 1983, a mere 11/2 years from the time that the decision to proceed was taken.”
“Last year, I drew the House's attention to the relentless rise in our water consumption and the limited land that we have for water catchment. We experienced a dry spell in the first half of last year and domestic water consumption rose by 7% in 1983. The PUB held a Water Conservation Campaign in September to drive home the message that we need to be frugal in our water usage. The Board also mounted an exercise to encourage companies to use industrial water. Five companies with large water consumption have agreed to install facilities to receive industrial water. There are plans to extend the industrial water network to Tuas. The Government has further decided to grant a 50% Investment Allowance to commercial and industrial enterprises which install plant or equipment that can save water by a substantial margin. With economic growth and rising standards of living it will not be easy to moderate the growth in water consumption. However, we should not lose our resolve for conservation as, without large water resources of our own, we have no choice but to be frugal in water usage. CONSTRUCTION The construction industry continued to perform impressively. The public housing programme is proceeding according to plan. In 1983, HDB completed a record 40,000 flats. This year, it expects to deliver another 48,000 units. With work on the MRT coming on stream, major developments in and around Marina Centre and the accelerated public housing programme, the construction industry will be kept busy again this year. The industry was able to meet our expectations because of expanded and improved productivity. Building materials were in abundant supply and prices were kept down. Contractors were able to bring in more foreign workers to meet their labour needs.”
“ENERGY & WATER Oil prices did not rise in 1983. This was a welcome relief for consumer nations like Singapore. Under mounting pressure from the continuing glut in the market official oil prices were in fact reduced early last year. Singapore benefitted from the reduction. For the second time within a year, we were able to reduce electricity tariffs by as much as 9% for the lowest tariff block. 1984 should see another year of stable energy prices for consumer countries. This will provide favourable conditions for continuing economic growth and low inflation. Whilst the easing of oil price was a boon to our economy, it should not be allowed to dampen our drive for energy conserva- tion. Last year, whilst the economy grew by 7.9% compared with 6.3% in 1982, total electricity consumption rose by 10%, twice the rate of 1982. To a large extent, this was due to greater mechanization and automation, the installation of now plants, brisk construction activity and the opening of several commercial complexes. However, the trend is worrying as it will increase our dependence on oil and undermine our competitiveness if prices start to rise again. We must therefore continue to pursue energy conservation earnestly. In May this year, another Energy Conservation Campaign will be held to remind the public and firms of the need to conserve and to use energy efficiently. We will also have to see if there are measures similar to the OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) surcharge which can be adopted to induce energy efficiency. This measure has had notable success in enforcing energy considerations in the design of buildings. Of the 200 buildings that originally did not comply with standards, only nine were still paying the surcharge by the end of 1983.”
“Given our limited manpower resources and our intention to have a wholly Singaporean workforce by 1992, we must sustain the productivity gains if we are to continue to have good rates of economic growth. The National Productivity Board through its various activities, will help to mould workers' attitudes and instil in them the will to be more productive. In this respect, it is encouraging to note that a national survey on "Productivity Will" conducted in September 1983 revealed that most employees possessed positive work attitudes. The increased awareness of the importance of productivity was reflected by the four-fold increase to 1460 in the number of Quality Control Circles (QCC). Response to NPB courses and seminars on productivity was also encouraging. In view of the positive attitudes of our workers towards productivity improvement, it is up to employers to respond in kind by better management methods and investments in capital equipment and training. In respect of capital equipment, the Government will provide the necessary tax incentives and financial assistance. Companies will be failing in their duties if they do not take advantage of the incentives provided to upgrade productivity. In particular, companies in the commerce and retail sectors should make a special effort as productivity in the sector has lagged considerably behind the rest of the economy. To help them, I allowed expenditure on computers and office automation equipment to be written off in one year in the 1983 Budget Statement. This year, I propose to extend to all sectors the option of accelerated 3-year depreciation of equipment purchased which is presently enjoyed only by manufacturing enterprises. The details will be outlined in Part III of my Statement.”
“WAGES One of the fundamental requirements for success in our economic restructuring is to ensure that better work is rewarded with better pay. Wages should be determined as much as possible by market forces. Only then will we be able to allocate our scarce labour resources to the more productive industries. The National Wages Council (NWC) has served us well in the past in moderating wage increases at a stage of our development when we had to compete in the world market on the basis of low wages. As we have now to compete on the basis of a skilled, better paid and more productive workforce, we must allow market forces to determine our wage level. Hence, we started last year to move away from the tripartite collective wage negotiations conducted at the national level and instead to promote union-employer wage bargaining at the individual company level. Towards this direction, Government representatives on the NWC played a less active role in determining the wage guidelines. Nevertheless, while we believe in direct bargaining as a way to introduce more market considerations in wage determination, it would be dangerous to rush the process. Direct wage-bargaining will be allowed to evolve in accordance with the readiness of employers and unions. PRODUCTIVITY As reported earlier, our productivity performance last year was gratifying. While an increase in our productivity was expected as a result of the economic recovery, the final results nevertheless represented significant gains in efFiciency obtained through greater automation and mechanization. This was particularly so in manufacturing and transport and communications where the labour force actually shrank despite an increase in output.”
“Training must be a continuous pro- cess and is best provided at the workplace. No amount of training by public institutions can take the place of in-company training which is better tailored to the needs of the business. Consequently, the Skills Development Fund (SDF) has provided generous support to companies prepared to undertake training for their staff. Last year, employers were encouraged to formulate total, rather than ad hoc, training plans, which could be fully integrated with their development plans. SDF grants will be paid in advance to help them to carry out their plans. The SDF also continued to encourage industry groups to sat up their own permanent training centres. In this respect, the hotel industry training and education centre was successfully set up in 1983 and there are plans to got up and upgrade similar centres for banking, insurance, construction, trading and manufacturing. While our long-term aim is to train our people to their fullest potential, we should not close our doors to talented foreigners who can make an effective contribution to our economy. Over the years, we have benefitted from the influx of talented foreigners who have come to Singapore first to seek work and then to make this island their home. Given our small population and the more than abundant job opportunities in our growing economy, we should continue with this liberal open-door policy. In particular, we should welcome those foreign professionals and skilled workers who have cultural values compatible with our own and who can be easily assimilated into our society. Apart from adding to our talent pool, the presence of good quality foreign professionals will provide the necessary competition to spur our own population to greater heights of achievement.”
“The current shortage of professional, technical and skilled manpower will therefore ease in a few years. Apart from the increase in number, the realization of our training and education plans will bring about significant changes in the quality of our workforce. By 1985, output of "graduate" manpower will constitute about 15% of the total input into our labour force. Technicians and skilled workers will account for 65% of the now workers. We are now better equipped to pursue the restructuring of our economy. In the Seventies, we promoted investment on the basis of low wages. Henceforth, we will be able to attract better quality investment on the basis of a pool of well-trained and skilled manpower. The quality of the investments which we have attracted in the past few years will have considerable impact on the structure of our economy in future years. While placing emphasis on the training and education of professional, technical and skilled manpower, we have not overlooked the upgrading of our existing work force. Last year, we launched a pilot Basic Education for Skills Training (BEST) programme to enable workers who did not complete their primary schooling to attain basic standards in English and Mathematics. The rationale behind this programme is that workers who lack the basic numeracy and literacy skills will find it increasingly difficult to undergo retraining and adapt to more advanced technology. Response to the pilot BEST program was encouraging with a total enrol- ment of 23,000 in 1983. In view of the good response, the BEST programme will be expanded in 1984 to take in about 40,000 workers. The training of our workers should not be considered as having ended when they leave our training and educational institutions.”
“The first batch of 50 students from the Japan-Singapore Institute of Software Technology graduated in February 1984. The Institute of Systems Science has already produced two batches of about 75 Systems Analysts each with a third batch graduating in August this year. The Institute's new building will be completed by July to enable it to implement its expansion plans. The Centre for Computer Studies in Ngee Ann Polytechnic will graduate its first batch of about 110 students in September this year. Computerization in the private sector continued to grow. The NCB estimated that there are now about 2,600 firms using computers as compared with 2,000 in 1982. Computer utilisation is expected to increase as more companies take advantage of the incentive announced last year which enables capital expenditure on computers and office automation equipment to be written off in one year. MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT In my past Budget Statements, I have repeatedly emphasised the importance of manpower development. This is because our economic growth depends crucially on how fully we maximize the potential of our population through training and educaion. I am pleased to report that we are beginning to see an increasing number of trained young men and women coming out from our educational and training institutes. By 1985 the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological Institute, Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic will be producing twice as many graduates when compared to 1980. Once these graduates have acquired the necessary working experience, they will provide the managerial, supervisory and technical expertise for the new industries. Skilled workers will also be available in greater numbers from the VITB and the EDB training centres.”
“It will have to find ways to maintain Singapore as a reasonably priced tourist destination which gives good value for money. Hard work done now will bear fruit in future years. Hotel room rates are beginning to ease and this should help tourist promotion. I am pleased to note that hoteliers and travel agents are intensifying their overseas marketing activities. In addition, the quality of the work force in the industry will improve with the establishment of the Singapore Hotel Association's training school. The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board will on its part cooperate closely with the tourist industry in promotional and other efforts both abroad and in Singapore. The Board will intensify its promotional activities in the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Two new overseas offices will be opened in Osaka and Taipei this year. COMPUTERIZATION The Civil Service Computerization Programme is making good progress. We have significantly increased the pool of computer expertise in the public sector. Ministries and departments are beginning to benefit from the programme. The National Computer Board (NCB), the System and Computer Organization of the Ministry of Defence and the Institute of Systems Science are carrying out joint research in software engineering. The work will not only help computer professionals in the Civil Service to improve their productivity but will also set the pace for applied research in the local software industry. Our institutions are progressing well in the training of computer professionals. The curriculum of the Computer Science Department at NUS has been revised to provide students with more practical skills required by the industry.”
“To further develop Singapore as an international futures market, the number of futures contracts available for trading could be extended to other commodities. A possible area would be in oil futures. Singapore has large storage and efficient oil handling facilities, and the trading of oil futures contract would be a logical extension of our oil trading activities. On the domestic front, greater automation and computerisation by banks are being encouraged to promote efficiency and productivity. More Automated Taller Machines (ATMs) are in use while computerized cash management/terminals for corporate clients have been introduced. An off-line Electronic Funds Transfer System is being planned for implementation in the middle of this year. This system will simplify, among other things, the payment of bills and salaries by electronic means. Two other systems are being studied and should be implemented before the year-end. One is the Automated Interbank Payment System and the other is the Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale terminals. The latter is the next major step towards a cashless society. TOURISM The sector that has yet to recover from the world economic recession is tourism. In 1983, visitor arrivals fell by 4%. The average length of stay also dropped marginally to 3.7 days. Earnings from tourism, however, increased slightly by 3%. On the brighter side, the growth of our convention and exhibition business was sustained. Last year Singapore was the venue for 350 meetings, 57 exhibitions and 520 incentive groups, The total of 927 "convention-type" events represented an increase of over 50% as compared to 1982. In view of the overall poor performance last year, the tourist industry will have to work doubly hard to sell their services.”
“In September 1983, a tax exemption scheme was introduced for non-resident investors who have their funds managed by approved Asian Currency Units (ACUs) in Singapore. The scheme exempts all income earned by non-residents from tax provided that their funds are managed by approved ACUs and the income is derived from offshore investment, Management fees of the fund managers will be taxed at the concessionary rate of 10%. Since the introduction; 3 ACUs have been approved under the scheme and five more applications are being processed. The potential for growth in this area over the next few years is good. A US-led world economic recovery should increase opportunities for investments, especially in the Asia-Pacific region where Singapore is well placed to play an intermediary role. To further this objective, efforts will be made to seek more foreign shares and securities to be listed in Singapore. The latest was the listing in the Stock Exchange of Singapore of securities guaranteed by the US Government National Mortgage Association under its Mortgage-backed Securities Scheme. Financial futures will be making a formal entry into the Singapore financial scene this year. The link between the Singapore International Monetary Exchange and the International Monetary Markets of Chicago Mercantile Exchange is the first of its kind, providing close to 24 hours trading in financial futures. Because it is a new area of financial activity, various tax incentives will be given to help the futures market develop in the initial years. Since these are foreign currency transactions, the tax incentives will be in line with those given to promote the offshore markets.”
“Keeping a stable exchange rate was not an easy task, given the volatility in currency markets which also saw a few competitive devaluations. There was even speculation in April last year that the Singapore dollar was to be devalued i As it turned out, the Singapore dollar actually firmed against the currencies of our major trading partners and, in particular, was remarkably steady vis-a-vis the US dollar. The strength of the Singapore dollar is a reflection of the Government's prudent financial policy and the soundness of our economy. FINANCIAL SERVICES In the last Budget Statement, I announced a tax exemption scheme for the promotion of loan syndication. All income earned by participants of offshore loans syndicated out of Singapore are now exempted from tax. The scheme has met with encouraging support. The Ministry of Finance has received more than 20 applications under this scheme since it started in April 1983 despite the worldwide slowdown in syndication activities. In view of the good response, I have decided to give further encouragement to similar types of financial activities. The tax exemption scheme will now be extended to cover the syndication of guarantees, performance bonds and certain underwriting activities such as underwriting of floating rate notes and revolving underwriting facilities. To facilitate the growth of loan syndication activities, the Government has continued to be liberal in its admission of foreign law firms to service the legal documentation of loans. Eight more have been admitted since March 1983 bringing the total to 23. It is hoped that all these measures will assist in the development of Singapore into a full fledged syndication centre. Another area for promotion is offshore fund management.”
“The Board is drawing up a plan to increase its overseas representation over the next few years. ASEAN Economic Cooperation Regional trade cooperation under the ASEAN Preferential Trading Arrangements (PTA) continued to strengthen. By the end of 1983, the number of items under PTA had increased to over 12,000 items. Several measures were taken to enhance the contribution of PTA to intra-ASEAN trade. These included deepening the margin of preference of items already under the PTA and in future exchanges from the existing 25% to a maximum of 50%. The ASEAN countries are making headway in the area of industrial cooperation. Under the ASEAN Industrial Project (AIP) Scheme, the Indonesian urea project recently came on stream while a similar Malaysian project is under construction. Details of the Thai and Filipino projects are being worked out. In the case of Singapore, we have identified the production of Hepatitis B Vaccine as a suitable AIP. When formally accepted by the other countries, ASEAN will have its first set of five AlPs. To further increase cooperation, the ASEAN countries recently signed a Basic Agreement on Industrial Joint Ventures which aims to stimulate private investments in the region. MONETARY AND EXCHANGE RATE POLICIES Our exchange rate policy has to balance the twin objectives of minimizing imported inflation and safeguarding export competitiveness. Another major consideration is to ensure that international confidence in our economy is maintained. Faced with the uncertainties in the world economy and in the international financial system, the Monetary Authority sought to maintain a stable and strong Singapore dollar.”
“The Government will endeavour through closer bilateral relations with other countries, to mitigate the problem faced by our firms threatened with protectionist actions. However, the best way to counter protectionism is to improve our productivity. We should also seek out new markets and activities where protectionism is less likely. The Trade Development Board commenced operations last year. To ensure that its policies and services reflect the needs of the business community, the Board is tapping the expertise of the private sector in its work. Five advisory committees comprising representatives from a number of industries were formed to advise the Board on trading and marketing. New services have been launched, for example, a centralised trade enquiry service which provides traders with general market information, documentation procedures and customs regulations of foreign markets. The Board also introduced an incentive scheme to encourage manufacturers to produce brochures of an international standard for overseas promotion. To date 12 companies have made use of the scheme. With the assistance of the Board, Singapore companies continued to participate aggressively in overseas promotion activities such as fairs and exhibitions. In addition, 11 marketing seminars and work- shops were organized to disseminate information useful to our manufacturers and exporters, The Trade Development Board will undertake more of such activities in the coming year. The Board has expanded its network of overseas offices. Two new ones were set up in Brussels and Dubai while honorary representatives were appointed in Sydney, Seoul and Dusseldorf. Efforts to explore opportunities in non-traditional markets were also intensified.”
“There are, however, new types of internationally tradeable services which can make use of our modern telecommunication and other infrastructural facilities. EDB has started to promote investment in such services. So far, it has concentrated on manufacturing related technical and engineering services. These included process control instrumentation, oilfield services, aircraft maintenance and servicing, and engineering consultancy. The scope of services to be developed will be broadened to include all types of international services where Singapore has a comparative advantage. TRADE DEVELOPMENT Although the world economy has started to recover, and trade has begun to grow again, protectionist sentiment has not abated. Our exports of refrigeration compressors to the United States were subject to a countervailing duty petition. Charges of dumping were levelled against our exports of ballbearings to the European Community and dextrose monohydrate, a sugar substitute, to Australia. Some of the benefits which we received under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for exports of developing countries were removed or restricted. Our exports of office machine components for example now face higher duties for entry into the US. In Europe a quota was set on the volume of our exports of electric capacitors which could enjoy preferential duty. As a nation committed to free-trade we are naturally concerned about the effects of protectionism on our exports. There is unfortunately little reason to hope that protectionism can be rolled back until the developed countries, particularly Europe, have resolved the problem of structural unemployment in their economies.”
“The industry will have to face growing competition as a result of increasing automation in developed countries. With large-scale automation, companies in the advanced countries which do not already have plants overseas will have little interest to invest in new offshore capacity. At the same time, increasing protectionism has accelerated the trend towards investing in the markets rather than in lower cost offshore production centres. A "reindustrialization" movement is taking place in developed countries and concerted programmes are being mounted to promote investments in the new technologies. Hence the environment for attracting foreign investments to Singapore will become more difficult. However, so long as our workers are productive and our business environment is conducive to private enterprise, there will always be niches in manufacturing where Singapore will continue to be competitive. These include specialized industries which cannot be totally mechanized as well as industries which are unlikely to go into full automation in the initial years. Our existing base of manufacturing companies is another potential source of new investments as the companies expand and upgrade their operations. We should also examine new opportunities outside manufacturing. One area of activities which has come into prominence is that of internationally tradeable services. Services are not new to Singapore. They account for over 70% of our GDP and over 60% of total employment. Net export earnings from services have increased from $892 million in 1970 to $12 billion in 1982. These are mainly in tourism, port services, air transportation, shipping and warehousing.”
“Where there are significant labour savings, the EDB will recommend to the Income Tax Department that the company should be allowed to write off the cost of the robots purchased in one year. Training facilities in the skills required for the operation and maintenance of automated equipment are also being expanded and upgraded. Our efforts to encourage Research and Development (R&D) are proceeding as planned. More companies today are placing emphasis on R&D. Twenty-one local companies have so far been awarded grants totalling $1.9 million under the Product Development Assistance Scheme (PDAS), while grants totalling $18.6 million have been given under the R&D Block Vote to fund 23 research projects. To further encourage private sector initiative in research and development, the scope of the R&D Block Vote was liberalized. Previously, private companies were required to team up with public bodies such as the National University of Singapore before they could receive financial assistance for their R&D projects. Under the revised scheme, deserving projects can be considered for grants even without the participation of a public sector organization. The first phase of the Science Park was completed at the end of 1983. Twelve standard units of research laboratories were made available for leasing to companies. The DNV Marine Technology Centre, a major tenant in the Park, commenced operations in September 1983, several months ahead of schedule. Companies involved in the development of industrial and educational robots and low-cost microcomputers and related peripherals will take up occupation in the Park this year. Prospects Ahead To remain internationally competitive, our manufacturing industry will have no choice but to become more technology and skill-intensive.”
“In the last Budget Statement, I informed the House that some local companies have ventured into non-traditional areas such as computer equipment and robotics. Such non-traditional or "venture capital" investments, as they are sometimes called, are inherently risky. The risk of failure is high. To assist enterprising local companies which are prepared to enter these new fields, I am pleased to announce that local companies which invest in approved venture capital projects in new technology industries will now be able to write off up to 50% of the equity invested in such projects if the projects incur losses. Companies that are interested in this area should approach the EDB. Through its international network of offices, the EDB can assist them in locating suitable foreign partners with a view to setting up joint venture projects in Singapore. If we are to reduce our dependence on foreign workers without sacrificing high economic growth, we have no choice but to speed up the pace of automation and mechanization. The potential for doing this is greatest in manufacturing. I am therefore pleased to report that in 1983 the Skills Development Fund has approved grants for 220 manufacturing projects under its Interest Grant for Mechanization Scheme. These grants will help companies to acquire about $87 million worth of new automated equipment. More robots are being used in industry. To give a further boost to robotisation, a robot leasing company has been established to provide consulting services as well as lease industrial robots and accessories. Companies wishing to automate and robotize their operations should consult the EDB on the range of tax incentives that are available to them.”
“Substantial investment was committed in the petroleum industry for process upgrading and energy conservation. A major portion of other commitments was for the manufacture of computer-related equipment and components, construction materials, food and chemicals. Nearly half of the total investment commitments were new and diversification projects, a substantial improvement over recent years. This is a welcome trend as it is such investments which bring the new technology that is needed for our industrial upgrading. I am also encouraged by the fact that local manufacturing companies continued to commit substantial investments, amounting to $520 million in 1983. They accounted for 29% of total investment commitments. Besides the traditional fields, local investments increased in modern supporting industries such as those producing precision metal products and engineering plastic components. To promote the growth of local companies, the Small Industries Finance Scheme (SIFS) provided $92 million in concessionary loans to 265 cases in 1983. The qualifying level of the SIFS Scheme has been modified so that companies with fixed assets not exceeding $3 million can now apply for assistance under the Scheme. Many small local companies may not be aware of the range of services that statutory bodies such as EDB, SISIR and TDB can provide for them. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has therefore asked these bodies to pool their resources so as to address the technical, promotional, financial and manpower problems faced by small industries in a more comprehensive way. If local companies are to do well in the longer term, they must look for business opportunities in the newer technologies.”
“Consequently, productivity improved significantly, growing by 5% compared with 1% in 1982. We continued to have full employment. Inflation was low throughout 1983. Consumer prices rose by 1.2% for 1983 as a whole, one of the lowest rates in the world. Because of the lowering of oil prices and the strong Singapore dollar, imported consumer products were generally cheaper. Our inflation was therefore largely due to domestic factors, a trend which we will have to watch closely. Last year, I warned the House that we must be prepared for no growth in real incomes if the world economy were to deteriorate further. Fortunately, as a result of our strong economic performance in 1983, Singaporeans were able to enjoy a bigger increase in real income. As measured by GDP per capita real incomes rose by 7.6% considerably higher than the 5.1% increase in 1982. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT I shall now elaborate on specific areas of our economic policy. Although our manufacturing industry is now recovering from the setbacks that it suffered as a result of the world recession it will be some time before industrial production returns to the level of 1981. Industries producing electronic components, electrical and electronic consumer products as well as computer related equipment such as disk drives were behind the recovery of the manufacturing sector in 1983. As some of these products are in the forefront of new technological developments, this augurs well for the upgrading of the manufacturing industry. Our economic restructuring policies have stood us in good stead. Investors continued to place their confidence in Singapore as an attractive location for investment. New investment commitments were $1.8 billion in 1983, slightly higher than in the previous year.”
“The international financial system continued to be plagued by the debt problems of a number of the developing countries. Although timely intervention by international authorities prevented a major financial crisis from erupting, the debt problem remains a threat to sustained world economic expansion. In addition, protectionist sentiments were widespread in spite of the upturn in economic growth. As an open economy Singapore benefitted from the world economic recovery. Our economy expanded by a commendable 7.9% compared with 6.3% in 1982. There was a resurgence in foreign demand for our goods and services. Led by the marked recovery in output of the electrical and electronics industry, the manufacturing sector picked up from its decline of 6% in 1982 to grow by 2%. As a result of our good manufacturing performance and the recovery in world trade, our re-exports and non-oil domestic exports grew significantly. The financial and business services sector grew by 16% and was the largest contributor to our GDP growth. Construction remained the fastest growing sector. The main thrust to the sector's expansion came from the accelerated public housing programme. Transport and communications, however, slowed down to grow by 8%, the first single digit growth since 1975. The tourist trade was adversely affected by the 4% drop in the number of tourist arrivals, the first decline in 20 years. Despite the faster economic growth in 1983, our workforce rose by only 2.6% compared with 5.2% in 1982. Our efforts in urging industries to use labour more productively are showing encouraging results. There was a marked reduction in the number of workers in the manufacturing and transport sectors because of automation and mechanization.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April 1984 to 31st March 1985." As in previous years I shall first review the progress of the Singapore economy in 1983 and the main points of our economic policy before proceeding to deal with the Expenditure and Revenue Estimates for the financial year 1984 and the tax changes to be introduced to meet our social and economic objectives. THE ECONOMY IN 1983 We have done well in 1983. Our economy is in robust health. Investments expanded. Our currency is strong. Real incomes have risen. Inflation was minimal. This happy state of affairs is due in no small part to the past efforts of my predecessor as Minister for Finance, the late Mr Hon Sui Sen. The economic policies, which he laid down, established a sound foundation which enabled our economy to weather the 1980-82 recession and emerge fitter for the experience. He has left us a solid base to build on. In 1983 the United States economy experienced a sharp upswing and the world took its first steps towards economic recovery. The total gross national product of the countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rose by 2 1/4%, reversing its decline of 0.3% in 1982. The rest of the world benefitted. World trade recovered to grow by 1% in volume terms. Partly because of the reduction in oil prices, world inflation eased further. In June 1983, the inflation rate in the OECD countries went down to 4.9%, the lowest annual rate of increase since 1972. However, the path to recovery was hampered by old obstacles. Unemployment remained high especially in Europe.”
“Resolved, "That this Parliament, pursuant to section 7 of the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 52), resolves that the Schedule to the said Act be varied by deleting the figures "$409,000", "$16,000", "$1,960,700", "$380,900" and "$40,000" in the second column and substituting the figures "$407,000", "$36,400", "$1,868,400", "$354,900" and "$39,900" respectively." ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT 3.40 pm. Section I”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in my name under item No. 7* in the Order Paper. *The motion reads as follows: "That this Parliament, pursuant to section 7 of the Civil List and Pension Act (Chapter 52), resolves that the Schedule to the said Act be varied by deleting the figures "$409,000", "$16,000", "$1,960,700", "$380,900" and "$40,000" in the second column and substituting the figures "$407,000", "$36,400", "$1,868,400", "$354,900" and "$39,900" respectively." Sir, it is proposed to alter the provisions for the Privy Purse and Salaries of personal staff to $407,000 and $1,868,400 respectively. The proposed provisions represent marginal decreases from the current allocations but will be adequate to meet the expenditure on manpower in the new financial year. The allocation for Entertainment .is increased by $20,400 because of the National Day Reception, expenditure on which was previously charged to the Ministry of Defence's Head of Expenditure. A sum of $354,900 is required under Expenses of the Istana household to meet costs of public utilities, other services, stores and maintenance. This provision is reduced by $26,000 as funds are not required in the new financial year for the refurbishing of vehicles. A sum of $39,900 has been provided under Special services mainly for the replacement of gardening and office equipment. It is, therefore, necessary to vary the provisions in the Schedule to the Civil List as follows:- for "The Privy Purse" from $409,000 to $407,000; for "Entertainment allowance" from $16,000 to $36,400; for "Salaries of personal staff" from $1,960,700 to $1,868,400; for "Expenses of household" from $380,900 to $354,900; and for "Special services" from $40,000 to $39,900. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“Resolved, That the Resolution possed by this Parliament on 30th August, 1983 authorising the increase of the total subscription of Singapore to the authorised capital stock of the Asian Development Bank be amended by deleting the words "to a sum not exceeding thirty-four million United States dollars" and substituting therefor the following "by a sum not exceeding thirty-four million United States dollars". CIVIL LIST 3.38 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the Resolution passed by this Parliament on 30th August, 1983 authorising the increase of the total subscription of Singapore to the authorised capital stock of the Asian Development Bank be amended by deleting the words "to a sum not exceeding thirty-four million United States dollars" and substituting therefor the following "by a sum not exceeding thirty-four million United States dollars". Sir, I would like to amend the Resolution of the House passed on 30th August, 1983 in the name of the late Minister for Finance, Mr Hon Sui Sen. The present subscription of Singapore to the authorized capital of the Asian Development Bank is US$32.4 million. Under the third general capital increase of the Bank, we have been allotted a further US$34 million. In moving the Resolution, the late Minister had used the words "to increase on behalf of the Government, the total subscription of Singapore to the authorised capital stock of the Asian Development Bank by a sum not exceeding US$34 million." However, the notice of the Motion and, therefore, the actual Motion passed by Parliament used the phrase "to a sum not exceeding US$34 million." The Resolution was, therefore, defective in that it incorrectly represented that Singapore's proposed total subscription to the Asian Development Bank to be US$34 million when the correct amount should be US$66.4 million. Parliament is requested to approve the amendment to increase the total subscription of Singapore to the authorized capital stock of the Asian Development Bank by a sum not exceeding US$34 million. Sir, I beg to move, Question put and agreed to.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament doth agree with the Committee on the said resolution." Question put and agreed to. Resolution accordingly agreed to. INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 2.43 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to a certain resolution. Resolution reported - "That the sum of $328,400 shall be supplied to the Government under the head of expenditure for the public services shown in the First Supplementary Main Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1983 to 31st March, 1984, contained in Paper Cmd 4 of 1984."”
“There are many voluntary organisations like the Residents' Committees which are dedicated to community service. It would be invidious to reduce public utilities' tariffs for one organisation and not extend the same concession to the others. The domestic tariff rates are applicable only to domestic premises which are used exclusively as the consumer's place of residence. I regret that the tariffs for public utilities for Residents' Committee Centres cannot be reduced. SENIOR CITIZENS AND PARENTS (Improved programmes and better creches) 17. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs what measures are being undertaken and planned to improve programmes for Senior Citizens and for the parents who will benefit from more and better creches or child-care systems in factories and housing estates.”
“It is not the policy of the Government to keep convicted persons out of employment in the public sector. Generally, an enlightened policy is adopted towards convicted persons who apply for jobs. However, each case has to be considered on its individual merits. In considering for employment an applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offence, the Public Service Commission will, in consultation with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, take into account the seriousness and nature of the offence as well as the likelihood of recidivism. This is necessary because civil servants, especially those in the higher Divisions, have access to sensitive information. USE OF FOREIGN-REGISTERED VEHICLES IN SINGAPORE 8. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Acting Minister for Communications if he will give the number of foreign-registered motor vehicles allowed for use in Singapore for more than a day and does the government intend to restrict the number of such vehicles and if so how do the recent increases for Singapore-registered vehicles achieve this end for foreign vehicles.”
“The additional revenue from the increases in road tax and registration fees is expected to be $26 million for FY 83 and $59 million for FY 84. The additional revenue from the increase in the tax on petrol is expected to be $57 million for FY 83 and $113 million for FY 84. The additional revenue will be paid into the Consolidated Fund and used to finance overall Government expenditure for the provision of services as well as basic infrastructure and development projects. EMPLOYMENT OF CONVICTED PERSONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR 7. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry whether it is the policy of the government that convicted persons should be kept out of employment in the public sector (Government and statutory boards) regardless of the time that has intervened between the conviction and application for employment and, if there is a time after which they will be considered, what is the time.”
“As at 15th December 1983, Singapore's investment in the petrochemical project was S$498 million. This comprised S$233 million in equity and S$265 million in shareholders' loans. The petrochemical complex is a long-gestation project. It will take a number of years for the full complement of downstream projects to come to full production. Losses must be expected in the initial years of operation. However, over the 20-year life-span of the plants, I expect the rate of return to be satisfactory. REVENUE INCREASES FROM MOTOR VEHICLES 6. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry how much revenue he expects to raise from the increases in registration and licence fees for motor vehicles and in the tax on petrol before and after the income substitution effects take place and how the government intends to spend the extra revenue raised.”
“E. 'O' LEVEL RESULTS 2. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education (a) if he will release the number of students who obtained passes in the G.C.E. 'O' level examinations conducted for schools in 1980, 1981 and 1982 expressed as a percentage of the total number of students sitting in the following subjects: (i) English; (ii) English and Maths; and (iii) English, Maths and Second Language; and (b) if he will direct his Ministry to release for publication in the press the information requested in (a) for the 1983 G.C.E. 'O' level results when received.”
“The following is a list of MPs employed in statutory boards/Government companies: Name and Place of Employed Constituency Employment Designation Since MP Since ----------------------------------------------------------------- S. Chandra Das Intraco Managing 1976 (Joined 13 Dec 80 (Chong Boon) Director as Manager in 1968) Lim Chee Onn Keppel Managing 1 Sep 83 23 Jul 77 (Bukit Merah) Shipyard Director Limited M.K.A. Jabbar Keppel Chargehand 1 Apr 52 23 Dec 80 (Radin Mas) Shipyard Limited Saidi Haji Neptune Training 12 Dec 80 23 Dec 80 Shariff Orient Executive (Kaki Bukit) Lines Ltd Dr Lau Teik National Associate 1972 23 Dec 76 Soon University Professor (Serangoon of of Political Gardens) Singapore Science Dr Koh Lip Lin National Associate Sep 64 to 31 Jan 79 (Nee Soon) University Professor May 80 of of (Nanyang Singapore Chemistry University) and Dean of Since Jun 80 Faculty of (NUS) Science Dr Augustine National Associate May 68 8 Apr 70 H.H. Tan University Professor (Whampoa) of of Singapore Economics Dr Ang Kok National Professor 1951 2 Sep 72 Peng, B.B.M. University of (formerly (Buona Vista) of Chemistry University Singapore of Malaya) (As Professor from 1977) Dr Ow Chin National Senior Feb 1972 Hock University Lecturer (Parliamentary 1976 (Leng Kee) of of Secretary Singapore Economics 1 Oct 77 - 1 May 81) Name and Place of Employed Constituency Employment Designation Since MP Since ----------------------------------------------------------------- Yeo Choo Kok Nanyang Director First 8 Apr 70 (Delta) Techno- (Student appointed logical Affairs/ lecturer, Institute Special Nanyang Duties) University, 1968. Transferred to NTI in Aug 1981 They are all in full-time employment. Their remuneration is a matter between them and their respective employers. PUBLICATION OF G.C.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the purpose of this Bill is to give legislative authority to the concessions which have already been approved in the 1983 Budget Statement. The purpose of this debate today is not on those concessions itself. They have already been passed. I do not propose to waste Members' time by repeating the arguments again. If the Member for Anson is sincere in not wanting to repeat what he has said in the Budget Statement, he should not have stood up. Question put, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."”
“This will enable full tax exemption to be granted in those cases where the double taxation arrangement only provides for a reduced rate of tax. The amendment to section 19A of the Act has been enlarged to enable the Minister to approve enhanced depreciation allowances for any balance of expenditure incurred on such equipment by a taxpayer, notwithstanding that he had previously claimed normal depreciation allowances in respect of that expenditure. These are provided in clause 6. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“In order to make the amendment effective, it is now necessary to include the use of other SZ cars by his employees as an employer's own use in computing the 183day limit for the purpose of claiming expenses on the use of SZ cars. Similarly, the use of SZ cars by his employer or co-employees would be taken into account in determining the employee's claim for deductions on the use of such cars. These are provided in clause 5. Clause 6 amends section 19A of the Act to provide for 100% depreciation allowance in the first year to be claimed on expenditure incurred on any computer or office automation equipment from Year of Assessment 1984. Residual allowance in respect of such equipment will also be available for full set-off. With effect from Year of Assessment 1983, the earned income relief will be increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for persons above 55 but below 60 years of age and from $3,000 to $4,000 for persons aged 60 years and above. Clause 7 provides for this as well as to allow handicapped persons of 55 years and above to claim earned income relief of $2,000 by virtue of his handicap in addition to the earned income relief of $3,000 or $4,000, depending on his age. The enhanced child relief for the specially qualified married woman is now the normal child relief plus 5% of the woman's annual earned income for each of her first three eligible children. Clause 9 amends the fifth Schedule to the Act to provide for this to take effect from Year of Assessment 1983. I now move on to two other amendments to the existing legislation. Clause 3 amends section 13 of the Act to extend the Minister's power to exempt from tax remittances of income from abroad to cover remittances from countries which have double taxation arrangements with Singapore.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The purpose of this Income Tax (Amendment No. 2) Bill is to give legislative authority to the income tax concessions announced in the 1983 Budget Statement, Opportunity has also been taken to include two other amendments to the existing legislation. It was announced in the 1983 Budget Statement that with effect from Year of Assessment 1984, the chargeable income of any author or composer would be not more than 10% of the gross royalties and other payments received from local publishers for the right to use the copyright in any literary, dramatic or artistic work. Any company wholly owned by such authors or composers would also be able to enjoy this concession. Clause 2 of the Bill provides for this. Another Budget concession is the exemption from tax on income derived from syndicated offshore loans, where the syndication work is carried out in Singapore, for the next five years beginning 1st April 1983, and for such further period as the Minister may approve. Clauses 3 and 8 amend sections 13 and 43A of the Act to empower the Minister to make regulations to provide for this. Clause 4 amends section 13B of the Act to allow dividends declared from the exempt income of such syndicated offshore loans to be also exempt from tax in the hands of shareholders. With effect from 1st April 1983, if the periods of use of private hire (SZ) cars by any company or business enterprise exceed in aggregate 183 days, the whole amount of the rentals and other expenses incurred will be disallowed for purposes of tax deduction. If the rental periods overlap, the overlapping periods will be counted once only for the purpose of determining the 183-day limit.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." In the Budget statement on the 4th of March this year, it was announced that stamp duty on cheques was to be abolished from the 1st of April 1983. The collection of stamp duty on cheques, including travellers cheques, besides imposing an additional cost to banks and tourists alike is anachronistic, particularly when other methods of payment by credit cards and Giro do not attract stamp duty. The abolition of duty has already been affected by notification in the Gazette. The Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill, 1983, seeks to make consequential amendments. The amendments consist mainly of deleting the word "cheque" whenever it appears and those provisions, namely, sections 9, 44 and 45 relating to cheques in the Stamp Duties Act. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. INCOME TAX (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.00 pm”
“To avoid disruption to the trade and inconvenience to consumers, existing suppliers and dealers of LPG will be given a three-month grace period from 5 September 1983 to apply for their licences. The Domestic Trade Section of my Ministry will administer and enforce the Regulations. LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (Conditions of a Licence) (a) A supplier will be required to: (i) maintain an orderly and honest dealership and eliminate sub-dealers. Supplier must notify the licensing authority of dealers who are suspected of decanting or indulging in other malpractices; (ii) draw up proper conditions and terms of service of dealers under the suppliers control; (iii) sell LPG only to licensed dealers and contract customers; (iv) implement security valve sealing for LPG cylinders; (v) adopt cylinder refurbishing scheme; (vi) comply with the regulations on the storage and transportation of LPG; (vii) comply with the standards and codes of practice governing LPG cylinders, valves, regulators and hoses set (or to be set) by SISIR; and (viii) train dealers on appropriate handling and installation of LPG cylinders. (b) A dealer will be required to: (i) sell only one brand of LPG in the original form issued by his supplier; (ii) comply with the terms and conditions of service set by the supplier; (iii) comply with the regulations on the storage and transportation of LPG; and (iv) possess adequate knowledge on the proper handling and installation of LPG cylinders. Community Geriatric Services, Community Nurses (Cols. 115 - 116) Appendix III - Expenditure on hospitals and primary health care, Number of new posts in primary care (P) and hospital services (H) between 1975 and 1979 (Cols. 117 - 118)”
“I am grateful to the Member for Thomson for raising this question. I can assure him that my Ministry is as concerned as he is about the possible dangers that can arise from the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPG is a highly inflammable fuel and approximately 60 per cent of households in Singapore use it for their domestic cooking. There have been reports of unscrupulous operators decanting LPG from large industrial cylinders into small cylinders using improvised equipment without paying attention to safety. The danger arises when the valves of the cylinders are tampered with during the improper decanting. Gas leakages arising from tampered valves can cause serious accidents endangering not only the operators but also innocent consumers. My Ministry takes a serious view of these dangerous practices. We have consulted the oil companies and relevant Government bodies on ways to eradicate improper decanting of LPG and protect the safety of the public. My Ministry has decided that it is in the public's interest that the LPG trade be regulated through licensing of all suppliers and dealers of LPG in Singapore. The licensing will compel suppliers and dealers to run a clean and honest operation and comply with certain safety standards including the use of security-valve sealing. The requirements for suppliers and dealers to be licensed are set out below. My Ministry will be enacting a set of Regulations governing the sale of LPG in Singapore under the Restrictions on the Supply, Distribution and Use of Petroleum and Electricity Act, 1973. Anyone who contravenes the Regulations will face a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years or both such fine and imprisonment. It is proposed to bring the Sale of LPG Regulations into effect on 5 September 1983.”
“(c) Supply Status There is adequate supply to meet present demand and, provided that there is no severe drought or major disruption to any of our current water development projects, PUB expects to be able to meet future water demand. (d) Avoiding Water Shortage in a Prolonged Drought Nevertheless, there is no ground for us to be complacent in regard to water supply. Because we have limited land to set aside for water catchment, water is a very precious commodity in Singapore. We can ride over short periods of dry weather or temporary interruptions to supply through the construction of more reservoirs. This we have done. However, in a prolonged dry spell, water stocks in reservoirs will evaporate rapidly and, in the final resort, there is no choice but to enforce water rationing. Knowing the inconvenience this will cause to our population and to industry, PUB will try to avoid water rationing for as long as possible. Consumers can help by reducing their water usage to enable the stocks in the reservoirs to last until the rain comes. To avoid water shortage, consumers should learn to conserve water even during normal times. PUB has been encouraging and will continue to help consumers to practise water conservation until it becomes second nature with everyone in the Republic. LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS 22. Dr Chau Sik Ting asked the Minister for Trade and Industry, in view of the widespread use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and the possible dangers associated with its use, what steps are being taken to protect the public to curb improper decanting by unscrupulous traders.”
“(a) Improvements to-date PUB has been constantly seeking new water sources and improving its storage and distribution facilities to ensure there is adequate water supply for Singapore. To date, there are 15 water reservoirs, 3 river sources, 8 treatment plants and more than 3,480 kilometres of water transmission and distribution pipelines in the water supply system. During 1980-1982 alone, 4 new impounding reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 31.4 million cubic metres and related works were completed at a total cost of $66.9 million. These are Sarimbun, Murai, Poyan and Tengeh reservoirs. The storage capacities at the existing Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs were also increased by 6 million cubic metres at a cost of $2.3 million. Over the same period, 303 kilometres of water mains were laid to improve the transmission and distribution network. New service reservoirs with a combined capacity of 306,000 cubic metres were also constructed at Kent Ridge, Nanyang and Bukit Kallang to regulate supply to Lim Chu Kang/Jurong, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun and the North Eastern part of the island. (b) Further Improvements To cope with the increasing demand for water, PUB plans to spend some $666 million over the next 5 years on water development projects. These projects will enlarge the reservoir storage capacity and extend and improve the transmission and distribution network. Amongst the projects in hand are the Sungei Seletar/Bedok Water Scheme, which will be completed in 1984 and the service reservoirs at Bukit Kallang, Jalan Petua and Jalan Mariam, which will be completed by 1986.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This is a very simple Bill which seeks to repeal the National Statistical Commission of Singapore Act, 1971. The National Statistical Commission (NSC) was set up in January 1972 as an independent central coordinating agency to foster the development of statistical work in Singapore. Much has been achieved in the past ten years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past and present members and staff of the NSC for their hard work. There is today a well developed decentralized statistical system of independent statistical units in Singapore. Each unit reports to its own Ministry and there is close liaison between the Ministries. The Department of Statistics provides the necessary coordination, advisory and training functions. Sir, the mission of the NSC has been fulfilled and the NSC has worked itself out of a job. The continued existence of the Commission is, therefore, no longer necessary. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. SUBSCRIPTION TO ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AUTHORISED CAPITAL STOCK 3.50 p.m.”
“Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam). Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. NATIONAL STATISTICAL COMMISSION OF SINGAPORE (REPEAL) BILL 1 Order for Second Reading read. 3.48 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Public Utilities Act was last amended in 1978. The present Bill seeks to amend the Act to give the Board flexibility in changing the designation of its departmental heads, to increase the penalties prescribed for offences under the Act, and to update and tidy up the Act. The present Bill proposes to amend section 13 of the principal Act to empower the Board to change the designation of the departmental heads of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Electrical Engineer, Chief Water Engineer and Chief Gas Engineer. These existing titles imply that only persons with the respective professional qualifications can head the departments. At this level, however, managerial and leadership qualities are as important as professional qualifications. The proposed amendments will enable the Board to change the designations of heads of departments to suit organizational needs. This flexibility will enhance the development of management personnel in the PUB. The present Bill also seeks to increase the penalties for offences under the Act. Such offences include illegal tapping of electricity, gas or water, and tampering or damaging the Board's property, including electrical cables and meters, water pipes and gas mains. These offences have caused interruption to supplies and considerable inconvenience to the public. As the penalties were last reviewed in 1974, they are no longer a deterrent. The proposed maximum penalties are generally in line with those of other statutory boards. There are other minor amendments for the purpose of updating and tidying up several provisions in the Act. These are detailed in the Explanatory Statement to the Bill. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time." Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed. INCOME TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.40 p.m.”