HOUSING AUTHORITY (Statement)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing if he will make a statement on the progress in the establishment of a Housing Authority to replace the Singapore Improvement Trust.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, the establishment of a new Housing Authority presents many complex and intricate problems. The question was first considered by the Committee on Local Government whose recommendations were accepted by Government with certain modifications. Since then, Sir, the Government has given much thought to the problem and has now decided what policy should be adopted with regard to the constitution and functions of the new organisation. From 1st January this year Mr J. M. Fraser, Chairman and Manager of the Singapore Improvement Trust, has been released from his managerial duties and has been with the Ministry of Local Government, Lands and Housing on secondment for special duties in connection with the establishment of the new Housing Authority, including the preparation of the necessary legislation pertaining thereto and also with the preparation of comprehensive town planning legislation. He will also plan and organise the change-over from the Improvement Trust to the new Authority.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker, can the Minister tell us how long we will have to wait for the Committee to finalise its report so that the establishment of this Housing Authority could be implemented?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot give a definite date, but I can assure the Member for Queenstown that it will only be a matter of months.