FUTURE EMPLOYMENT OF S.I.T. STAFF AND ANXIETY ABOUT TAKE-OVER BY NEW HOUSING AUTHORITY

Mr Lim Koon Teck asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether, in view of the anxiety of the officers of the Singapore Improvement Trust regarding their future terms of employment or retirement, he will state-

(a) when the proposed new Housing Authority will be established;

(b) whether it is intended that the Authority will take over the staff of the Singapore Improvement Trust; and

(c) how such staff will be affected in respect of their terms of employment or retirement by the taking-over.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, the reply to (a) is that the new Housing Authority will be set up as soon as legislation has been prepared and the administrative arrangements can be made for this purpose; (b), it is intended that the Authority will take over the staff of the Singapore Improvement Trust connected with its housing functions; and (c), consultations will be held with the associations of Trust officers in respect of the terms of employment with the new Authority. Government's views and proposals have been conveyed to the Trust, who have informed their officers of them.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker. Sir, can the Hon. Minister tell us how long or how many months approximately is meant by the term 'as soon as' possible?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Sir, it will probably be within a matter of months.