FIRE IN CECIL STREET (Number affected and relief granted)

Mr R. Jumabhoy asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare-

(a) how many persons were affected by the recent fire in Cecil Street;

(b) how many of them have been given alternative accommodation and where;

(c) how many of them are awaiting accommodation, and when will they be given accommodation; and

(d) what kind of relief has been given to the victims, and on what dates.

Mr Chew Swee Kee (for the Minister for Labour and Welfare): To question (a) Sir, 292 persons.

(b) Accommodation at Bushey Park and Nantina Homes offered, but the victims declined the offer and preferred to stay with relatives and friends.

(c) 225 persons have registered with the Singapore Improvement Trust for accommodation which will be available about October 1957.

(d) Here are the particulars:

On 23rd May the Singapore Welfare Donation Chest gave out $4,960: the Silver Jubilee Fund $1,330.

On 25th May the Singapore Welfare Donation Chest gave out $480; the Silver Jubilee Fund $45.

On 27th May the Blue Cross Association donated rice and household goods to the value of $2,000.

On 8th June the Singapore Joint Relief Organisation donated $8,520.

On 11th June the Singapore Welfare Donation Chest donated $1,990; the Silver Jubilee Fund $40; Dr Chen Su Lan Trust $500.

On 12th June the Singapore Welfare Donation Chest donated $520: the Silver Jubilee Fund $15.

The total is $20,800.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that he is much more accommodating in giving columns of figures than the Acting Chief Minister?