ELECTRICITY AND TELEPHONES FOR RURAL AREAS

Mr Goh Tong Liang asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether he has any plans for supplying electricity and telephones to the remoter parts of the rural areas; and to state in what areas and by what dates such services will be available.

Mr Francis Thomas: The Singapore Telephone Board are giving every consideration to the extension of the telephone system to all parts of the island. The Board's interim report on development plans has been published and laid at the Assembly sitting on the 5th of September last. Details are given in the report concerning proposals to expand many exchanges on the island, including Tanjong Katong, Bukit Timah, Paya Lebar, Pasir Panjang and so on.

With regard to the installation of public call boxes, my Ministry has supplied the Board with a list of some 80 sites in the rural areas, and the Board have stated that nearly 80 per cent of these requirements will be met in the first quarter of 1957, which is very creditable indeed.

The supply of electricity generally is a function of the local authorities, the City Council and the Rural Board. I am therefore not competent to comment on this matter.