WATER RATES (Protest)

Mr William Tan asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing what steps the Government have taken or intend to take, in view of the protest by S.I.T. tenants, regarding the increase of water rates charged by the Singapore Improvement Trust.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, the fixing of water meter charges is a matter within the discretion of the Singapore Improvement Trust, which is a statutory body set up by the Singapore Improvement Ordinance. Government has no intention, and indeed no power, to interfere with the Trust in the exercise of its statutory function. Government has, however, urged the Trust to expedite the conversion to individual metering of those premises which have been installed with block meters.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Can the Minister tell us what is the result of the urge from the Government to the S.I.T.?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, according to a Press release which was broadcast from Radio Malaya, the indications are that all the Trust flats which are now installed with block meters will be serviced with individual meters in about a year and a half's time.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, can the Minister say why an agreement reached between the City Council and the Trust in August 1954 was not implemented for the conversion of such meters, and why should it take another one and a half years to complete the conversion?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir that is a matter for the City Council.

Mr William Tan: Is the Hon. the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing aware that the water rate charged by the Singapore Improvement Trust is really unfair and ridiculous?

Mr Speaker: It is a matter of opinion.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, can the Minister confirm a report that 6,000 meters have been ordered from the United Kingdom for the conversion?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not in a position to confirm the report.