HOLD-UP OF LAND DEVELOPMENT, AND GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON MASTER PLAN AND OPPORTUNITY TO DEBATE IT

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing-

(a) whether he is aware that land development is being held up and what are the reasons therefor;

(b) whether he will state how soon the Government's policy in respect of the Master Plan will be made public; and

(c) whether this House will be given an opportunity to debate this policy.

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, (a) I am not aware of any general holding up of private development of land. If the hon. Member has any specific case in mind I am prepared to look into the matter and see whether any delay can be avoided; (b) alterations to the Master Plan are being made as a result of objections and representations made by some owners when the Plan was published and thrown open for public exhibition. These objections and representations were considered by an Inspector specially appointed for the purpose, who has submitted his report to Government. This has been considered by Government and directions have been given for alterations to the Plan to be made. When these alterations have been completed the Master Plan will be made public after formal approval by the Governor in Council. (c) If the hon. Member so wishes, he may, in the ordinary course, Sir, file a motion for a debate.