Yong Nyuk Lin
Singapore
“Sir, it gives mc a chance to say again that the modified plan cannot be accepted at this stage. But it does give me the opportunity to answer another point which was raised by the Member for Ton Payoh and which I have missed in my answer, i.e, that the fringe area car parks would not be utilized at night.”
“I am sorry, Sir, for failing to answer all the questions raised by the Member for Sembawang. As regards the full implementation of the recommendations of the White Paper which was meant to be completed by the middle of 1973, I can only say that it was not a 100% implementation of all the recommendations.”
“He said that they threw the mail on the floor. Here again, unless a complaint is lodged, we can do little about it because all postmen and postwomen are being told how to behave and to extend courtesy, and what the correct procedure is and methods of delivery of mail.”
“" And if, God forbid, priority national needs should one day call for a limitation of circulation of automobiles or any other measure, no one would then regard it as an intolerable sacrifice. "For in a society where humanism regains fully its rights, the automobile should not constitute an end in itself," Mr Graber said.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is regrettably true that after many of the estimates for Paya Lebar Airport had been voted, revotes had to be asked for. The reason is that it has taken a long time to get all these development proposals started. They are development proposals really, Sir, and plans have got to be drawn and checked.”
“In these circumstances, I hope it will be appreciated that they are stretching themselves far and wide, and there is always a limit to what a human being can do I can assure him that we will continue to enforce the regulations as far as it is humanly possible before getting a complaint from the Member for Sembawang who says that our enfor…”
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“Because, believe it or not, there are some taxi drivers operating in Raffles Place who have made our citizens angry. They just cruise around looking for foreign tourists and refuse to take our own citizens who are prepared to pay for it. Now the people can stand at a taxi stop and jump into any taxi that comes along. I think it is time that taxi drivers who refuse to take fares and, instead, look for foreign visitors, should be pulled up and have their licences suspended. I have given strict instructions that this should be followed. So I think this pilot scheme should be allowed to operate. Of course, the usual story will be, "What about those who are sick?" Not every one is sick. We cannot take individual cases and put them up as examples. I have been assured by the Traffic Police that if it is a sick person who is being taken by a taxi to a dispensary, no action will be taken by them. Of course, they will probably take down the number of the taxi concerned, and if an explanation is given, the incident is forgotten. That assurance has been given to me. So I see no reason why, because of that, we must do away with taxi stops. We must think of the whole and not of the part. As regards confusion caused to foreign tourists, I do not think it is so. If they come from certain countries in Europe, this is their system. It is time that we learned that what is being done in Britain or in the United States need not be all right for Singapore. There are many things being done elsewhere, not in the English-speaking countries, where wonderful ideas can be picked up. We, in Singapore, should learn from others if it is a good point. Sir, on the point of legalised taxis, in case the owner of a taxi retires because of age, how shall we deal with his taxi licence?”
“I will look into this matter. I cannot see the logic of it. It is a good suggestion which I am prepared to follow up with the party concerned. In this respect, of course, it is true that the Car Parks Division is in a different Ministry, and I will have to seek their co-operation to agree to this. I will now answer the question why it is not in my Ministry as proposed by the Member for Sembawang. He said that the Traffic Police and the Car Parks Division should also come under the Ministry of Communications. That is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. I am only the Minister for Communications. The Member for Jalan Kayu asked about the progress of the N.T.U.C.'s Transport Co-operative. I think the Member for Moulmein has answered him adequately. Since the Member for Moulmein has spoken on it, I shall proceed with other matters. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Changi has raised the question of taxi stops. This is a pilot scheme and, like reorganisation, there are inconveniences arising from it. People are not accustomed to stopping at certain designated places. It is a little upsetting. Originally, it was intended to operate this scheme along four streets. This is stated in page 19, paragraph 6.11 of the White Paper: `(a) Cecil Street. (b) Raffles Place. (c) Robinson Road. (d) Shenton Way.' Since then the scheme has been extended to another three streets, i.e., Collyer Quay, Raffles Quay and Finlayson Green. There are, in all, 16 taxi stops in seven streets. It is a matter of opinion whether or not this scheme is a success. Those who are inconvenienced will say that it is not a success. But many people have said that it is a jolly good idea. They know where to get a taxi.”
“As regards the age limit for taxi drivers at 60 years, if the Member will refer to page 19, paragraph 6.10 of the White Paper, the recommendation of the Transport Advisory Board is to introduce an age limit for taxi drivers at 60 years with a grace period of three years, and this has been accepted by me. I think it is a bit hard for me to reject this recommendation. Members like me to accept what the Transport Advisory Board has suggested. This is one of the recommendations that it has suggested and now that I have accepted it, they say it is not good enough. I prefer to stick to what is in the White Paper. The Member for Sembawang has made the suggestion that taxis should be allowed to use car parks. I see no reason why they should not be allowed if the taxi drivers pay for it. Of course, a taxi driver cannot just go to a public car park, parks his taxi for free, and goes for his meal. But if he parks his taxi in the public car park and is prepared to pay the regular 20 or 40 cents, I personally think -”
“Let us say $25 for easier calculation, otherwise it might be a little bit difficult. If it is $25 a day, then for one year - let us say, instead of 365 days it is 350 days - it means that if my calculation is correct, it will be $8,750. In other words, the capital cost of a taxi is recovered in one year and the owner is allowed to use it for seven years. I do not think I need go any further on that. Moreover, it is just common sense that the older the vehicle, the more the repair bill, and it will not be worth while having an old taxi that will not be on the road earning money but in the workshop, and the owner has to pay $400 or $500 for the repair bill. It is cheaper to sell it and get a new vehicle and earn money. I am afraid Members have forgotten the economics of the proposition and have not checked the calculations. I move on now to the special tourist taxis. I believe the Member for Sembawang has suggested that the 200 taxis should not be farmed out but should go to the N.T.U.C.'s Transport Co-operative. The N.T.U.C, will have its hands full looking after 1,000 taxis. So it is better to allow the other 200 taxis to be let out on tender. May I say that the special tourist taxis will be of a more luxurious type, air-conditioned, bigger in size, with a 2,000 c.c, engine, and probably costing not less than $10,000 per taxi. Fifty of these taxis will cost half a million dollars and 200 taxis will be a cool $2 million investment, so much so that we are going to put them out to tender in four separate lots. I think it is not so easy to have half a million dollars invested in 50 taxis at one time. I think the allocation of 1,000 taxis to the N.T.U.C, is enough to keep them busy for some time.”
“As regards the economics of it, I will just give a simple arithmetical calculation to show whether the owners of taxis are really made to pay such a heavy price to replace their taxis after seven years. I believe it is generally accepted that a taxi is let out on hire for about $25 a day - one morning shift and one night shift.”
“A good many Members the Members for Sembawang, Paya Lebar, Anson, Punggol, and Katong - all say that this limit of seven years seems to be somewhat hard. They suggest, why not go back to 10 years as recommended by the Transport Advisory Board? As the Transport Advisory Board has done very good work and has assisted me in this very difficult task of trying to put the Ministry in good shape, I would be very hesitant not to accept its recommendation in this respect. But if the Members will be good enough to refer to page 8, paragraph 3.9 of the White Paper, I have given the reason why we have put the age limit at seven years, although the Transport Advisory Board did recommend ten years for the life of a taxi. The sub-paragraph reads as follows: `As TAB's [Transport Advisory Board's] recommendations were made one month before the Anti-pollution campaign was launched by the Prime Minister, it will be necessary to make adjustments to the recommendations of TAB in order to meet the higher standards of performance and maintenance demanded under the Anti-pollution campaign. It has therefore been decided that TAB's recommendations be accepted with.variations: --`. Why seven years? There was already a committee as far back as 1966 which recommended that the life of a taxi should be seven years. We are already in 1970. I think we should have the courage to accept the recommendation of four years ago that seven years is adequate. In fact, if we go back to 1959, no taxis which were more than five years old were allowed on the road. So there is already a concession made to taxi owners.”
“Both the Member for Punggol and I are laymen. I think we can leave it to the experts to suggest how we can implement the recommendations. What I wanted to say was that this point has not been forgotten. It is being considered, and when the report is available, it will be tabled for discussion, if necessary. The Member for Punggol then dwelt upon the necessity for the establishment of a road authority. He referred in this case to page 30, paragraph 13.3 (g) : `The Omnibus Services Licensing Authority Ordinance, 1956 is to be amended to give it additional and wider powers like a Road Transport Authority so that the reorganisation of our Public Transport service can be a success.' Work is going on in the Ministry to suggest various amendments to the legislation and a Bill will be forthcoming before this House. The Member enquired further whether a change of engine for a bus every five years as required in paragraph 3.9 (e) meant a new engine. The answer is, of course, yes. I believe that covers most of the points on the bus services. May I now come to taxis which seem to have been given considerable attention. The point that has generated considerable interest, as I can see, is the imposition of the age limit for taxis at seven years. First of all, I would like to reply to the comment by the Member for Whampoa when he said that it would be fair to pass the cost of paying close attention to air pollution to the public by raising taxi fares. I think we should be very hesitant about raising fares, because it will, in turn, mean a rise in the cost of living all round. We actually did that when we increased the taxi fare for the first mile from 40 to 60 cents on the 1st of July. I think that is about as far as we can go at the moment.”
“We do have to get the co-operation of the management, labour and members of the public, because in any change of system or reorganisation, there will be some upset here and there during the transition period, but with a little give and take, an understanding of the larger interests, and the ability to withstand certain inconveniences for a time, all will ultimately enjoy the benefits of a much improved public transport service. I now move on to the Member for Punggol's comment on the establishment of more bus termini in Singapore. May I draw his attention to page 11 of the White Paper, paragraph 4.5 Study to be conducted on co-ordination and rationalisation of bus routes. The White Paper has been tabled for one month now. There is a paragraph which says that a "transport consultant has been appointed . , with the following terms of reference: -". If he will look at sub-paragraph (f) , this is one of his terms of reference: `Determine locations and number of bus terminus reported;'. Mr Ng Kah Ting: On a point of clarification, Sir. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin resumed his seat.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am most grateful to my colleagues on the opposite Benches for their valuable comments on the Government's very controversial White Paper. As I have mentioned earlier this evening, any plan of reorganisation is somewhat disturbing because it upsets people in their usual way of life. But the business of government is to govern, not harshly but with firmness and reasonableness, and many Members have indicated that we should also be sympathetic. I see no reason why in the reorganisation consideration should not be given to problems which may arise therefrom or which may not have been foreseen in the White Paper. I think .a man must be a fool if he thinks he has the answers to all the problems. But it was necessary to table this White Paper to make it known to all and sundry that something at last is going to be done about road transport. Mr Speaker, Sir, I shall attempt, to the best of my ability, to cover all the points that have been raised today by no less than 11 Members. I shall follow the order in which the points have appeared in the White Paper, beginning with the bus service, and followed by a discussion of the other subjects. I think it is useful to touch, first, upon the point raised by the Member for Jalan Kayu when he said that he welcomed the proposed amalgamation of the 10 Chinese bus companies into three companies as a step in the right direction for merging smaller companies into larger units, and the importance of introducing modem management technique. He ended up with the hope that similar contributions would come from the workers, a hope to which the Member for Moulmein responded very well.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as there are quite a number of other Members who wish to speak on the White Paper, may I beg to move, That the proceedings on the business under consideration be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the proceedings on the business under consideration be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. REORGANISATION OF MOTOR TRANSPORT SERVICE OF SINGAPORE Debate resumed.”
“Furthermore, the Singapore School Transport Association has informed the Ministry of Communications that none of its members has the name of Ng Eng Lam; neither has Ng Eng Lam been authorised to represent its interests.' Sir, this is the time for Backbenchers to speak up on the contents of the White Paper. Sir, I therefore beg to move, That this Parliament approves the proposals of the Government on the Reorganisation of the Motor Transport Service of Singapore as set out in Paper Command 21 of 1970. Question proposed. 5.46 p.m.”
“Their appeal was dated 14th August, 1970, and I have agreed to meet their representatives in my office on Saturday, the 5th of September. I may add that the Association's premises are located in my constituency of Geylang West. Thirdly, the Taxi Transport Association. Their appeal was dated 20th August, 1970. Fourthly, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The letter, signed by the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was dated 1st September, 1970, and was received at my office at 5.00 p.m, yesterday. The appeal was stated to be on behalf of: (a) The Singapore School Transport Association; and, (b) The Pro-tern Working Committee for the protection of the livelihood of School Taxi-drivers. I have already said that the Singapore School Transport Association will be meeting me on Saturday. As for the so-called "Pro-tem Working Committee for the protection of the livelihood of School Taxi-drivers", may I refer to the press release issued by my Ministry yesterday, which was published in some newspapers this morning but not in all papers. May I, with your permission, Sir, read the first part of the press release which has relevance to this so-called Working Committee? I quote: `With reference to an undated open letter in Chinese purporting to be issued under the hand of a certain Ng Eng Lam, as spokesman of a "Committee for the Safeguard of School Taxi Drivers' Livelihood" whose identity is unknown, there is, however, on police records, one Ng Eng Lam (NRIC 0665851 B), whose last known address is Block 61, 270A Stirling Road, Singapore 3, has had three previous convictions for operating `pirate' taxis, and is currently wanted by the Police, under a warrant of arrest in respect of a road accident.”
“I should like to take this opportunity also to thank the Chinese press for their wholehearted co-operation in printing the Chinese version of the White Paper (in instalments) over a number of issues, namely, the Nanyang Siang Pau (11 issues), the Mm Pao Daily (nine), the Sin Chew lit Poh (seven) and the Shin Mm Daily News (four). This responsible action, of which I am most appreciative, on the part of the Chinese press has ensured that the large Chinese reading public are aware of the actual contents of the White Paper, and thus puts a stop to those who, for reasons of their own selfish interests, are opposed to the principles of the White Paper and are bent either on misinterpreting, confusing or frustrating the public outcry for a long-overdue reorganisation of the public transport service of Singapore. That reorganisation will proceed is clear. As to details of implementation, some adjustments can, of course, be made provided there are good reasons or any new information is brought to light, when it would be foolish and unreasonable not to accept them. Despite many press reports of supposed unhappiness over the implications of the White Paper, only four petitions have been received so far, and will be given due consideration: Firstly, the Singapore Lorry Owners Association of 1lB, New Bridge Road. In a letter dated 8th August, 1970, the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance, and now Minister of State for Finance, in his capacity as legal adviser, forwarded a petition from the Singapore Lorry Owners Association claiming that "70 per cent of the vehicles owned by the members are over 15 years old". Secondly, the Singapore School Transport Association of 40B Lorong 17, Geylang.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as a fairly lengthy Ministerial statement was made by me on 22nd July, 1970, consequent upon the presentation of the White Paper on the Reorganisation of the Motor Transport Service of Singapore, now on record in Hansard, Vol. 30, No. 4, it will therefore be superfluous to repeat what has already been said previously. It will, however, be pertinent for me to comment on certain important developments, since the White Paper was published six weeks ago. It would be a mild statement if I say that the White Paper had stirred some public interest and discussion. Reorganisation of any kind is disturbing, especially for those who will be affected by its recommendations and will be required to make a change or an adjustment to their former way of life. First of all, I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to my Parliamentary Secretary, the Member for Tampines, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture, the Member for Stamford, for their kind assistance in producing, at short notice, the Chinese translation of the White Paper, the official version of which was printed in English. It was thus possible for Members of Parliament, who are more conversant with the Chinese language, to be supplied with a proper Chinese translation of the contents of the White Paper, as well as to obviate the possibility of confusion in the Chinese press, which may occur through variations in the interpretation of the text by different translators.”
“LAND TITLES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Land Titles Ordinance, 1956 (No. 21 of 1956)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr E. W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL "to amend the Constitution of Singapore", presented by Mr E. W. Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Environmental Public Health Act, 1968 (No. 32 of 1968)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Health (Mr Chua Sian Chin); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CONSIDERATION OF MORE THAN ONE ITEM OF SUPPLY BUSINESS (Business Motion) Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure and the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1970, to 31st March, 1971, be taken today."-[Dr Goh Keng Swee]. SECOND SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1970, TO 31ST MARCH, 1971 (Paper Cmd. 19 of 1970) AND FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1970, TO 31ST MARCH, 1971 (Paper Cmd. 20 of 1970) 3.38 p.m. Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair]”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it will indeed be a great pleasure to have a debate in this House on this rather important aspect of transport, and notice of a motion will be given to the Clerk of Parliament for the next sitting. BILLS INTRODUCED 3.33 p.m. SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY (NO. 3) BILL "for making Supplementary Provision for the Public Service for the financial year 1st April, 1970, to 31st March, 1971", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. BANKING BILL "to provide for the licensing and regulation of the business of banking and to repeal the Banking Ordinance, 1958, of Malaysia (M. Ord. 62 of 1958) and the Banking (Amendment and Extension) Act, 1965, of Malaysia (M. Act 17 of 1965)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Dr Goh Keng Swee; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. MONETARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE BILL "to establish a corporation to be known as the Monetary Authority of Singapore and to provide for the transfer to the corporation of certain functions and assets of the Government and for matters incidental thereto and connected therewith", recommendation of President signified; presented by Dr Goh Keng Swee; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. TRUSTEES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Trustees Act, 1967 (No. 17 of 1967)", presented by the Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.”
“(b) Motor trade, especially the four local assembly plants. (c) The local banks, finance companies and the Development Bank of Singapore. It is hoped that all will come forward to co-operate and to make their valuable contributions, as part of a joint national effort to ensure that our Public Transport service will be placed on a proper footing, once for all and also assist in the creation of not less than 6,500 meaningful job opportunities for our citizens.' Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to ask whether an opportunity will be given to Members to discuss this White Paper in greater detail than is possible today, considering the short time given to Members to peruse it. Does the Minister not feel that since much time has gone into the composition of this White Paper, it should deserve correspondingly careful scrutiny? I also remember that the Minister did almost promise that there would be a debate on this White Paper.”
“(ii) An annual inspection will be required in respect of old vehicles to ensure that they are, in fact, in a fit and roadworthy condition; for motor cycles and scooters if over five years old; and for cars if over 10 years old. (j) Administration will be further strengthened and facilities improved (i) Pending strengthening of the staff in the Mechanical Section of the Registry of Vehicles, a list of authorised motor workshops or repairers will be drawn up whose certificates of inspection that vehicles are in order will be accepted by the Registrar of Vehicles. (ii) A new Enforcement Section will be established comprising 80 men which could be attached to the Traffic Police. This represents a 50 per cent increase on the present approved establishment for the Traffic Police. (iii) A new Vehicle Inspection Centre, estimated to cost nearly $800,000, is to be built at Sin Ming Road, off Upper Thomson Road in the Ang Mo Kio Industrial Estate. Approval for funds to proceed with this project is, in fact, being sought vide the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1st April, 1970, to 31st March, 1971, before this House. This then is our plan-comprehensive and all-embracing to cover almost every aspect of motorised transport which, in our opinion, can and should be improved upon. This plan can achieve the many targets set, given determination and sustained effort on the part of those responsible for its implementation. In concluding the statement, I can do no better than to quote the last paragraph 13.15 of the White Paper which states: `This plan is a challenge and a great opportunity tor those associated with: - (a) Motor Transport in Singapore -the workers, drivers, conductors, mechanics, fitters and management.”
“(g) Goods vehicles As Members of the House are already aware, a pilot scheme (proposed by the Traffic Police) is already in operation as from 1st June to relieve congestion on our roads by restricting loading and unloading of goods during peak hours along nine selected streets of the central business district. Although the pilot scheme has been in operation for only seven weeks, there is no doubt that it is already a distinct success, and when the time comes for a review of the scheme to take place at the end of the year, it is most likely that it will be extended to other parts of the city by next year. (h) Motor cycles/scooters Members of this House will be pleased to know that although he wearing of crash helmets has been made compulsory for `L' riders only (which represent only 10 per cent of the total number of licensed riders in the Republic) as from February this year, more and more are voluntarily wearing crash helmets before it becomes compulsory for all to do so in January next year. This fact has been confirmed by statistics of accident figures kept by the Emergency Unit of the Outram Road General Hospital. For the five-month period February/June 1969 there were 1,462 cases of accidents involving motor cyclists or scooterists without crash helmets, whereas for the same period this year the number of cases fell to 919, a sharp fall of 543, or 40 per cent. When compulsory wearing of crash helmets for all scooterists, motor cyclists and their pillion-riders becomes effective as from January next year, we should have less head injuries in scooter and motor cycle accidents. (i) Private vehicles Lastly, it has been decided to subject all private vehicles to inspection, in respect of the following: (i) On transfer of ownership.”
“(e) `Pirate' taxis Strong, step-by-step measures which clearly express Government's determination to put a stop to the illegal activities of `pirate' taxi operators will be as follows: (i) Since the large majority of private diesel vehicles are being used as `pirate' taxis, it is therefore proposed to increase by 100 per cent the present rate of diesel tax for private cars. The increase will, however, take effect in two phases. The first phase of 50 per cent increase will take effect as from 1st December, 1970 (four months from now), and the second phase of a further 50 per cent will take effect as from 1st of July. 1971 (11 months from now). (ii) Seized `pirate' taxis which are in poor mechanical condition will no longer be auctioned for re-use as `pirate' taxis again but will be condemned and sold as scrap. (iii) The driving licence of the `pirate' taxi driver will be suspended for one year, in the first instance, and a jail sentence for the second offence. (iv) `Pirate' taxi operations will be made a seizable offence by legislation. This means that the `pirate' taxi operator can be arrested on the spot, detained at the police station and produced in court and charged the next day. (f) School (SCH) taxis (i) As school (SCH) taxis are now paying the diesel tax rate for private cars, these SCH taxis will be liable to pay the 50 per cent increase in diesel tax as from 1st December, 1970. (ii) With the proposed rapid expansion of the school bus service to include mini school buses as well, it has been decided that school (SCH) taxis will be phased out as soon as school buses and mini buses are ready to replace them in 11 months' time.”
“(iii) The proposal of the National Trades Union Congress to establish a Workers Transport Co-operative not only for taxis but also to provide a mini school bus service will receive every encouragement and support from my Ministry. (d) Taxis (i) With the proposed increase in taxi licences from the present 3.800 by 1,200 or 35 per cent to 5,000, it has been decided that 1,000 of the new taxi licences will be allotted to the NTUC Transport Co-operative when it is formed. (ii) With the introduction of the age limit for taxis at seven years, at least 30 per cent of the present fleet of taxis or 1.200 are liable to he de-licensed because of over age, unless the present registered owners are able to substitute these over-aged taxis with new taxis. It has been further decided that over the next three years all de-licensed taxis will he offered to the NTUC Transport Co-operative. (iii) Of the remaining 20() new taxi licences to be issued, it has been decided that these be reserved for Special Tourist Taxis, as suggested by the Tourist Promotion Board. These special taxis will be air-conditioned of not less than 2,000 cc, capacity and they will be entitled to charge a higher fare of 80 cents for the first mile and 30 cents for every subsequent half-mile or part thereof. Members of this House are aware that the current rate for ordinary taxis is 60 cents for the first mile and 20 cents for every subsequent half-mile or part thereof. Special taxis will have parking lots reserved for them to operate from six selected sites, and concessions will be let out on tender soon.”
“I shall, however, enumerate the more important objectives as follows: (a) Anti-pollution campaign (i) We shall first tackle the smoky exhausts of 20,000 diesel vehicles which represent just over 10 per cent of the total registered motor vehicle population of today. (ii) Next we shall institute an age limit for public service vehicles (both diesel and petrol)- (b) Bus services (i) The first priority in any meaningful reorganisation of our public passenger transport service is to increase the present public bus fleet from 1,400 by another 600 or over 40 per cent to 2,000 within the next three years. (ii) It is proposed to introduce suitable amending legislation to the Omnibus Services Licensing Authority Ordinance so as to give the Authority additional and wider powers to perform the functions of a proper Road Transport Authority. (iii) As from January next year, it is proposed to issue only four licences to bus companies to operate bus services in Singapore. This pre-supposes that the 10 Chinese bus companies would have voluntarily amalgamated themselves into three regional companies and that the Singapore Traction Company will also take "strong steps to reorganise itself" or else my "Ministry will have no alternative but to intervene". (iv) A transport consultant is already at work to co-ordinate and to rationalise for maximum efficiency the present 117 bus routes which have already been allotted to the 11 bus companies. (c) School buses (i) Every encouragement will be given to the rapid expansion of the school bus service by extending the 30 per cent reduction in road taxes for general application. (ii) It is estimated that the present school bus fleet of 150 will be increased by at least another 450 or 300 per cent to 600, within the next three years.”
“As this decision will have wide social and economic repercussions affecting the livelihood of a few thousand, I wish to assure Members of this House that great care and thought have been given to this matter so that hardship, if any, will be reduced to the barest minimum possible. Our plan proposes a two-way approach towards the resolution of this tenacious problem: (i) By creating not less than 6,500 job opportunities over the next three years under the plan (for details see para. 7.7 of White Paper): Job Opportunities 1st year of plan 4,150 2nd year of plan 1,300 3rd year of plan 1,050 ----- Total 6,500 ===== Should the present `pirate' taxi drivers be reluctant to change their occupation as drivers, there is an honourable way out for them to earn a decent livelihood and to become respectable members of the community by fitting themselves into the many jobs that will be made available under this reorganisation plan. (ii) Once Government has decided to crack down on the illegal activities of `pirate' taxis and having given them more than reasonable notice of nearly one year to start a new chapter in their lives, to be consonant with our "Republic's aim of building a law-abiding, disciplined, tightly knit and organised society for Singapore", a series of stem measures will be taken against such `pirate' taxi operators, to be enumerated later, which will make it clear that continuance of such activities will no longer be tolerated nor worth while. What then are the main targets to be achieved under this plan (for details, see para. 13 of White Paper)?”
“Most of its recommendations have been accepted and implemented or in process of implementation. Although the Transport Advisory Board has not been able to come to any definite conclusions regarding the most important aspect of public transport, namely, bus services, enough material and information are available to my Ministry for it to draw up a blue-print, as it were, of a bold three-year reorganisation plan for the motor transport service of Singapore. In the wake of an all-out anti-pollution drive, this is indeed the opportune time, not for dilly-dallying but for decision-making. Hence the White Paper which is now in the hands of Members. In tabling the White Paper, may I be permitted to explain, in brief, the guiding principles under which it was drawn up? (a) First and foremost, it would have to be a simple yet workable plan and capable of immediate implementation. (b) That although Government does not propose to nationalise the existing 11 bus companies, it will not hesitate to exercise its powers to direct and control the way in which bus companies and taxis are expected to provide a reasonably satisfactory standard of service for a public utility for which the public is paying no less than $120 million in fares per annum. (c) Any proper reorganisation of the public passenger transport service must require a decisive and firm resolve to phase out the illegal `pirate' taxis and the abolishment of the School (SCH) taxis and the deadline has been fixed for 1st July, 1971, or 11 months from now.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak on the subject of the reorganisation of the motor transport service of Singapore consequent upon the presentation of the White Paper to Parliament yesterday. Hon. Members of this House will recall that on the 31st of March this year, the Prime Minister officially launched an all-out anti-pollution campaign for Singapore. Besides focusing attention on the need for the early eradication of smoky exhausts from motor vehicles, he also commented on some important aspects of road transport which needed improvement, namely. Firstly, that the 11 existing bus companies should be amalgamated into fewer but larger companies, and the necessity to streamline present bus routes for better bus services. Secondly, since the employment situation has improved considerably and there are now many job opportunities available, pirate taxis would have to be phased out. Thirdly, that the diesel tax on private cars would have to be raised. Lastly, that taxi licences now limited to 3,800 would be increased to 5,000, and so on. It was thus a matter of time before Government's intentions on these subjects would be spelt out in greater detail. Soon after assuming the portfolio of the Ministry of Communications two years ago, I came to the conclusion that something drastic would have to be done to overhaul and to improve the public passenger transport service of Singapore. To this end, I appointed a 15-member Transport Advisory Board in August 1968, and its first term of reference was `To study ways and means how to improve the present public transport service (bus, taxi, etc.)'. Much valuable work has been accomplished by the Transport Advisory Board over the last two years, and up to date it has submitted two interim reports.”
“We should not be too critical of the planning forecast of the Singapore Telephone Board. In the past, their Five-Year Plan had a target of 12 per cent rate of growth, and the actual achievement turned out to be 14 per cent. So they put up the next Five-Year Plan on the basis of 14 per cent rate of growth per annum, and the actual result came to 16 per cent. So it goes on. I think the credit for all this should be attributed to the political and economic stability of Singapore. There has been tremendous industrial progress, and therefore the demand for telephones has exceeded anticipation. We have to continue to try to keep pace with progress up to a point. If we ask the S.T.B, to forecast the annual growth rate at 20 per cent, and the result turns out to be just 16 per cent, then we are going to overdevelop one aspect of the economic sector, the money for which could very well be used for other sectors. I have said that the faults are not all due to human error. But most of them are. It is true that poor maintenance has something to do with it. I did not say that it was not entirely a maintenance fault. JALAN KAYU (Police post or station) 5. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider establishing either a police station or police post at Jalan Kayu in the Jalan Kayu Constituency.”
“In respect of the second complaint that there "appears to be an increasing number of erroneous calls being put through", as we are operating an automatic telephone exchange, such errors can largely be caused by the person who dials the telephone. Therefore, it is the human error rather than the fault of the automatic exchange. It is true that some new applications for telephones have to wait for months before their requirements can be met. Sometimes the Singapore Telephone Board will not even be able to meet the request for telephones, because the applicant happens to live in an area which is rather inaccessible and where it would be just uneconomic to provide such a service. It would cost $30,000 just to fix one line for that particular person. However, the S.T.B, does make every effort to reduce the waiting time for applicants. Members of this House will be pleased to note that whereas in June last year, there were as many as 3,140 waiters or 3.7 per cent of total working direct exchange lines, the position as at June this year was only 1,850 or 1.8 per cent of direct exchange lines. Therefore, there has been a marked improvement with waiters being reduced by one-half over that of last year.”
“I think it is a jolly good idea. TELEPHONE SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS FOR TELEPHONES 4. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Communications (a) if he is aware that of late the standard of telephone services in the city area has generally deteriorated; it is increasingly more difficult to get through to a number at the first attempt and there appears to be an increasing number of erroneous calls being put through; and what steps are being taken by the Singapore Telephone Board to improve upon the situation; and (b) what steps are being taken to shorten the waiting period for new applications for telephones which in certain areas can be as long as six months. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the complaints over telephone services raised by the Member for Jalan Kayu may be explained as follows: The increasing difficulty in getting through to a telephone number at the first attempt is possible during peak periods, especially between the hours of 10.30 a.m, and 12 noon and again between 2.30 and 4 p.m. If a line is engaged, naturally the second caller cannot get through until the first conversation is over. Yet another reason is the capacity of the automatic exchange. The present demand for telephone facilities has far exceeded planning forecasts. Although the Singapore Telephone Board received the World Bank's approval in December 1969 (only six months ago) of a loan of $33 million (US$11 million) for its $163 million Development Plan for six years (1970-75) with a planned target of 14 per cent per annum rate of growth, this has now been found to be inadequate and the revised 1971 Development Budget which was originally fixed at $29.4 million has just been raised by 30 per cent to $38.3 million.”
“Sir, the Omnibus Services Licensing Authority will look into the matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Traction Company now runs seven services serving the area bordering Kallang Basin Industrial Estate. The Omnibus Services Licensing Authority will request the S.T.C, to run services through the Estate itself. At present, the bridge over Kallang River and a stretch of Bendemeer Road are under construction. It is understood that the bridge should be completed by January next year. By then, the Kallang Basin Industrial Estate will be better served by buses.”
“It looks as if we would have to spend some time on road education and, at the same time, increase the penalties for those breaking traffic laws. Lastly, Sir, I would like to draw attention to the comment from both Members that this particular amendment Bill is very limited in scope. It is so. I admit it, But I would like to say that it will not be very long before we have another sitting of the House to consider a White Paper on the re- organisation of road transport in toto. The draft is ready and, unless it is cut down, it runs to 50 pages. So I think there will be a lot of good reading in it and, I hope, good debating material when it is tabled in the House and we can have a very lengthy session on it. 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. -[Mr Yong Nyuk Lin]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. NATIONAL SERVICEMEN (EMPLOYMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.15 p.m.”
“, January of next year, before we require every motor cyclist or pillion rider to wear a crash helmet. And the number is 100,000. So we are allowing these 100,000 motor cyclists this much time to buy crash helmets and to get used to wearing them. I think that is as far as we can go in this regard. The Member for Sembawang is very unhappy about the increase in fines for traffic offences, especially the increase in the composition of offences from $20 to $50. Nobody likes to have fines increased. But unfortunately we have found that, as I explained in my Second Reading speech, although more than 7,000 people have paid their $20 fine, yet quite a lot of motor vehicles with smoky exhausts are running on Singapore roads and making it very difficult for those who follow behind them. It is most uncomfortable and I think it is rather ruinous to health. Although we have had a period of education, there does not seem to be very much improvement, so we have no alternative but to increase the fines. Only when it hurts their pocket do these offenders begin to maintain their cars, taxis or buses properly. The fine is quite costly. If it is $50 a week, it will go up to $200 in a month, whereas an ordinary maintenance check would probably cost $10 or $20 and it should be good for a few months. I can only transmit the Member's plea to my colleague, the Minister for Defence, who is in charge of the traffic police, for his officers to use their discretion and not be too hard on booking those owners of vehicles that emit smoke on the road. We hope to see less and less of such smoky exhausts before the year is out. As for the Member for Katong's comment on the flouting of road traffic laws and regulations, unfortunately it is true that it takes time to educate road users.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, first of all, I would like to answer the comment made by the Member for Sembawang on the price of crash helmets having gone up since Government decided to make it compulsory for learner drivers of motor cycles and scooters to wear crash helmets. It is true that the price has moved up somewhat compared to the price existing prior to the announcement by Government that it would be necessary for motor cyclists and scooterists to wear crash helmets. But before the Government announcement was made, it was possible for importers to bring in crash helmets which looked nice but would riot pass the test and the specifications which would be necessary to enable them to be approved. Although the cost of such a test would not have materially increased the price, I think ii is probably because too many people decided to rush to buy the crash helmets at a certain given time. We feel that any price control over the import of such goods is not something we would like to impose on the commercial public, and we shall allow the free play of supply and demand to operate. However, we are aware of the possibilities that, if we are to impose compulsory wearing of crash helmets suddenly for 100,000 motor cyclists and scooterists, the price will really jump very high. That is why, in implementing this policy, we have tried to stagger the implementation. We first started off with those who applied for provisional licences for the first time. That was November last year. It was at the rate of 1,000 a month. It was only in February this year that we said that all learner drivers would need to wear these crash helmets and that would involve 10,000 people. We are allowing as much as another 10 months, i.e.”
“Sir, I thought there was going to be a further debate. Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong) rose -”
“This is to make it clear that the Minister may make rules to provide for the removal and detention of such vehicles. The amendment is made in clause 5 of the Bill. At the same time, the opportunity is also taken to amend the existing definition of "unladen weight" in section 2 of the Ordinance. The new definition will enable the Registrar of Vehicles to prosecute offenders successfully. This amendment is made in clause 2 of the Bill. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 2.53 p.m.”
“, 1st July, 1970, all 3,800 licensed taxis have been requested to first pass the smoky exhaust test - namely, not to exceed 40 smoke units as shown by the Hartridge Smokemeter. Up to Wednesday, the 24th of this month, a total of 3,166 licensed taxis or more than 80 per cent of taxis were put through the test, but 664 or more than 20 per cent failed it. It is therefore clear that higher standards of maintenance will be necessary if we are to see the last of smoky exhausts from our midst. The next important purpose of this amendment Bill is to be found in clause 4, which introduces another new section 29A, wherein it is clearly stated that "on or after the 1st day of January, 1971, every person who drives or is carried on a motor cycle shall wear securely on his head a protective helmet of a type approved by the Minister". Members of this House are probably aware that since February this year, all "L" licence holders of scooters and motor cycles are already required to wear approved-type crash helmets, and the proposed incorporation of a new section in the body of the Road Traffic Ordinance proper once again draws attention to the importance and emphasis of Government on the compulsory use of crash helmets. It is hoped that, in this way, the former wanton waste of young lives of our population will be greatly reduced hereafter. The manner in which some motorists are causing obstruction or danger to traffic by leaving or abandoning their stalled vehicles on the road whilst they attend to their personal matters first, before attempting to remove their broken-down vehicles, or by parking their vehicles in prohibited areas, necessitates an amendment to section 71.”
“It has therefore been proposed, firstly, to raise the limit of the composition fine from $20 to $50, and this is provided for under clause 6 of the Bill. Secondly, in introducing the subject of "smoky exhaust" into the body of the Road Traffic Ordinance proper instead of appearing as a minor offence under subsidiary legislation, it emphasizes the importance which the Government attaches to the problem of air pollution and its determination to resolve it, with firm measures wherever possible. Clause 3 of the Bill accordingly introduces a new section 28A and it clearly states that both the owner and the driver of a vehicle are guilty of an offence, if such vehicle emits "any smoke or visible vapour". As regards penalties, on first conviction, the maximum fine is to be raised from $400 to $500 to bring it in line with the maximum fine for littering. I am sure Members of this House will agree with me that the offence of air pollution has more serious and damaging consequences to the health of the community than littering and, therefore, the raising of the fine is a legitimate one. It will be noted that a separate subsection (2) of section 28A ensures that vehicles of the Singapore Traction Company are brought within the scope of the amending legislation for smoky exhausts, as it is obvious that any strong anti- pollution measures to be taken must be made applicable to all motor vehicles operating on Singapore roads, and that there can be no exceptions to the law. Members of this House will, I am sure, be interested to know that consequent on Government's decision to raise the taxi fare for the first mile from the present rate of 40 cents to 60 cents with effect from next month, i.e.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." One of the main objects of this Bill is to provide for more effective action against motor vehicles which emit any smoke or visible vapour so as "to cause annoyance or danger to the public, or injury or damage to any person or property". The present legislation under Rule 104 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Amendment Rules, 1963, provides that: `No vehicle shall be used which emits any smoke, visible vapour, etc., the emission of which causes or is likely to cause injury or annoyance to any person, or damage to property or which endangers or is likely to endanger the safety of any person'. Penalties for the offence of "smoky exhaust" have been dealt with in one of two ways: (i) with the Police offering to offending owners of such vehicles a composition fine of $20 under section 79 (1) -of the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1961; or (ii) on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $400 and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months under section 78 (1) of the said Ordinance. It is clear, although last year more than 7,000 vehicle owners paid composition fines of $20 each for smoky exhausts, yet the problem has not shown any signs of improvement, that the present legislation will have to be amended so that penalties will be made more deterrent if we are to expect any marked improvement in the situation. With the launching of the anti-pollution campaign by the Prime Minister on 31st March, 1970, which, inter alia, has, as a target, the eradication of the smoky exhausts from motor vehicles, this is the opportune time to tighten up on the legislation in this regard.”
“At present harbour craft which are registered either in Singapore or elsewhere are exempted from licensing. This means that such craft are not subject to control and can therefore avoid safety and other requirements. There have been instances where condemned craft sold for breaking up as scrap were subsequently registered under foreign flags and being operated as harbour craft. This is clearly undesirable on grounds of safety. The object is achieved by amending section 453 of the Ordinance, vide clause 36 of the Bill. The rest of the provisions in the Bill deal with amendments recommended by the Law Review Commissioners, and are mainly amendments consequential on constitutional changes. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.16 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The main object of this Bill is to enable Singapore to adopt the International Load Line Convention, 1966. The Load Line (i.e. Plimsoll Mark) indicates the maximum depth to which a ship can be loaded. At present, the Load Line Convention, 1930, applies to Singapore, and is implemented by United Kingdom legislation which was extended to Singapore. The new International Convention of 1966, which came into force in July 1968, takes into account modern technological advances in shipbuilding and provides for tankers of over 600 feet in length. The new Convention also provides certain advantages - for example, it allows deeper loading which results in about 4 per cent increase in carrying capacity, and therefore earning capacity, for some tankers. It is necessary for Singapore to accept the 1966 Convention so that Singapore-registered ships can enjoy the benefits of deeper loading, and furthermore ships calling at Singapore are often loaded in accordance with the 1966 Convention. For the purpose of acceptance of the Convention, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance needs to be amended. The existing load line provisions are deleted and new provisions substituted. Members may wish to refer to relevant provisions contained in clause 23 of the Bill which, inter alia: (a) prohibits ships from sailing without Load Line certificates; (b) empowers the Minister to exempt ships under certain circumstances, and to appoint classification societies to issue Load Line certificates; and (c) empowers the Minister to make regulations for the purpose. Another amendment provides for the licensing of all harbour craft operating for trade or business within Singapore territorial waters.”
“Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.12 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill has a threefold purpose. Members may recall that a Gift Voucher Scheme was introduced in May last year with the object of encouraging newly-weds, national servicemen and others to save in the Postal Savings Bank. It has been found necessary to provide legislative authority in connection with this Scheme and, therefore, a new section 7A is inserted in the Ordinance to empower the Postmaster-General to sell Post Office Savings Bank Gift Vouchers and to accept them as deposits into Post Office Savings Bank accounts. Section 21 is also amended to empower the Minister to prescribe conditions for the sale, issue, refund, etc, of such vouchers. These amendments are to be back-dated to 2nd May, 1969, the date of introduction of the Gift Voucher Scheme. The other purposes of this Bill are to amend sections 9 and 11 (1) which deal with the prescription of interest rates and the investments of Post Office Savings Bank funds respectively. At present, section 9 allows a variation in the interest rates to be paid on savings deposits after giving three months' notice in the Government Gazette. For greater flexibility, this requirement of three months' notice is being deleted. Similarly, section 11(1) is amended to allow flexibility of investments. The amendment confers wider powers upon the Minister to direct investment of Post Office Savings Bank deposits in stocks, funds and securities as he may approve. Mr Speaker, 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. - [Mr Yong Nyuk Lin].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Telephone Board is aware that during certain peak hours in the morning, there is congestion in the telephone traffic between the Jurong Exchange and the City. This normally occurs between the hours of 10.00 and 11.00 in the morning. This congestion is due to the lack of sufficient junction cable circuits to the Jurong Exchange. An additional junction cable is now being laid. This project was scheduled for completion early this year, but due to the delay in the delivery of certain ancillary equipment, such as loading coils, it will now be completed by the end of June this year. The delay unfortunately has been caused by strikes, not in Singapore but in the United Kingdom firm which supplies the equipment. In the meantime, however, certain relief measures have been taken and it is estimated that about 40 per cent of the congested traffic load during peak hours has been met. NON-CITIZENS IN SINGAPORE POLICE AND ARMED FORCES (Grant of citizenship) 3. Inche Rahmat bin Kenap asked the Minister for Defence how many non-citizens are at present in (i) the Singapore Police Force; and (ii) the Singapore Armed Forces; and whether they will be granted citizenship.”
“Finally, the existing name "Asian Seamen's Club" is somewhat of an anachronism and the opportunity is therefore taken to rename the Club as "The Singapore Mariners' Club". Mr Speaker, 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. - [Mr Yong Nyuk Lin]. Bill considered in Committee: reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. LEGAL PROFESSION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.45 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The origin of the Asian Seamen's Club dates back to 1948. However, it was not until 1955 that the Singapore Asian Seamen's Club Incorporation Ordinance was passed which created a corporation entrusted with the task of establishing a Club for Asian seafarers. Work on the Club began in that year and the building was completed and declared open in February 1958. The Singapore Asian Seamen's Club Incorporation Ordinance has remained unchanged since it was enacted in 1955 - 15 years ago. Certain provisions are obsolete and others require amendments for more effective administration. One example of a provision in the Ordinance which has become obsolete is section 4 (d) which states that the Club should provide lectures in nautical and other subjects. This may have been necessary in the old days when there were no teaching facilities available, but the School of Nautical Studies, which was founded in our Polytechnic in 1960, makes this objective superfluous. This section has accordingly been deleted from the Bill. Section 7 (2) of the existing Ordinance provides that all members of the Committee except the Chairman would retire on expiration of their terms of office. It's considered for administrative reasons that this provision should also apply to the Chairman, and the Bill accordingly provides that the Chairman should also retire on expiration of his period of appointment. Section 7 (3) of the existing Ordinance states that a vacancy shall arise if a member is absent from Singapore for more than three months. The new section 7 (3) in the Bill amends this period to six months. This longer period is desirable on practical grounds, as some members do normally take long leave exceeding three months.”
“The Member's last question is, who will build this earth satellite station? That will be determined by the Senior Tenders Board. When the award is made, we will know which company has been successful in the tender. It is a bit early for me now to disclose the name of the successful tenderer.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in answer to the Member's first question why we appear to be so slow in establishing this Satellite Earth Station, I would like to assure him that the sum involved is $10 million and one does not try to spend $10 million rather quickly, at least not in Singapore. As there are lots of technical details involved in the building of a highly technical project like this, it is better to hasten slowly. As regards the date when we expect to have this station completed, I would like to say that public tenders for the building of this station closed in November last year and it has taken the last three months to evaluate them. The official evaluation is now complete and the file is now in my office. As and when the Senior Tenders Board has made its award, we hope to have the station completed within a year. That means it will be by April 1971. 5.15 p.m. Regarding the Member's third question as to the benefits that will accrue from building this station, I would like to say that although at present Singapore has a very efficient telecommunications system, we are beginning to find that our facilities are not quite able to cope with the demands required of them. Therefore, it is necessary to have this modern earth satellite station. We believe that it will bring us a lot of benefits in that the most modern method of telecommunication will be made available to the commercial world as well as to members of the public. We expect the returns will be of a sizable amount. We estimate that during the first year of operation we might make as much as $70,000 net profit. In the second year it would be $970,000, which is almost a million dollars, and the third year over $2 million. The benefits, from the point of view of financial gain will be considerable.”
“Sir, we shall try to introduce this system subject to Treasury's approval.”
“This will be a roof-top waving deck and I think they will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of our airport, and also have light refreshments and meals as we intend to have a partial open-air restaurant at this place. We are hoping that this improved passenger terminal building will be able to handle three million passengers per annum, which is three times the present number of one million per annum. All in all, when this project is completed, we shall have a very much improved international airport.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as explained in the Memorandum on the Development Estimates of Singapore (Misc. 2 of 1970) which was tabled by the Minister for Finance on the 5th of March, 1970, at page 4, Head 51 -Civil Aviation - the second paragraph says: 'The major project will be the redevelopment of the Passenger Terminal Building, for which $3.0 million is provided. This project is scheduled for completion by late 1971.' That is in reply to the first question posed by the Member for Sembawang. As regards the facilities which will be provided when the extension to the present passenger terminal building is completed, we hope to have approximately double the present floor space, and the biggest increase will be in the arrival area which will comprise two floors. There is provision for two jumbo-jets - the 747s - to nose into the building so that passengers will just walk out of the plane on to the landing. In addition, of course, there will be other facilities like conveyor belts for baggages to be conveyed to the customs hail on the ground floor. I think all this while there have been a good number of complaints about the delay in baggage handling and we are making an effort to modernise the handling of baggages with the extension to our passenger terminal building. In all, there will be five new conveyor belts installed with the possibility of another two being added on at a later stage. Coming to the arrivals wing, there will be a roof-top waving deck for people to say "bye bye" to those taking leave or on their arrival which will be an improvement over the present waving gallery.”