CITY COUNCIL HANDLING OF CONTRACTS

Mr A. R. Lazarous asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing what action he has taken in connection with the representations made in writing to him concerning the manner in which the City Council is handling its contracts and with particular reference to a matter the details of which had already been communicated to him.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, the making of contracts is within the powers of the City Council, and I have no authority at present within the provisions of the Municipal Ordinance to interfere with the awarding of contracts by the City Council.

Mr Lazarous: Could the Minister assure this House that he would try and amend this Ordinance or make recommendations to effect necessary amendment to meet such cases?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, if the hon. Member who has just spoken would like to make any amendment to the Municipal Ordinance, he can do so; but at the present moment, as you are aware, the question of local government, which includes the City Council, the Rural Board and the Singapore Improvement Trust is being deliberated upon by the Committee on Local Government.

Mr Nair: Is the Minister aware that the Member who questioned this is a Member of the City Council, and has he directed the Member to find redress in the City Council?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that the questioner is a Member of the City Council, and with regard to my directions, I think, as Members will be aware, the question of redress was discussed by the City Council at its full meeting about a week ago.