SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION (Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 18 of 1955)

Mr T. M. Hart: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have His Excellency the Governor's authority to move,

That this Assembly resolve that the sum of $1,289,359 should be supplied to the Government under the Heads of Expenditure and for the Services specified in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 18 of 1955.

Sir, the purposes for which provision is required are explained in the Sessional Paper, but I shall be glad to answer any questions which hon. Members may wish to raise.

Sir, I beg to move.

The Minister for Education (Mr Chew Swee Kee): I second it.

Question proposed.

Mr Lim Koon Teck: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Financial Secretary for some information regarding item No. 292 - Subhead 44 - Singapore Polytechnic - for $290,000? I see that there is provision for the purchase of six flats at $255,000.

I would like some information as to where these flats are, and for whose occupation they are intended. It is stated there that it is meant for the staff of the Singapore Polytechnic, but I would like some information as to the class of staff occupying these flats.

Mr Hart: Mr Speaker, Sir, when the provisional plans for the construction of the Singapore Polytechnic were drawn up, a liability in respect of quarters for the staff of approximately $1,000,000 was noted.

At the present time, steps are being taken to recruit the Principal and four principal teaching officers of the Polytechnic. It is hoped that they will arrive in the Colony early next year, and these quarters are required to house them.

The quarters themselves are, I think, situated somewhere in the Grange Road Chatsworth Avenue area. They have been designed by an hon. Member of this House. They have been examined both by the Government Valuer and by the Government Architect, and are regarded as suitable for staff of the Polytechnic. The price which has been asked is regarded as fair.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly resolve that the sum of $1,289,359 should be supplied to the Government under the Heads of Expenditure and for the Services specified in Sessional Paper No. Cmd. 18 of 1955.