CENTRAL WHOLESALE FISH MARKET (Request for Statement)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry if he will make a statement regarding the setting up of a central wholesale fish market.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, various sites have been considered by the Government for the proposed Central Wholesale Fish Market. A site in the delta between the Rochore and Kallang Rivers was first considered but when the Merdeka Bridge project was under way it was found that the bridge had to be built further seaward and the head-room under the bridge in this location was not sufficient to permit access to the delta by the larger fishing vessels. A second site at the southern end of Merdeka Bridge was then considered but it was found to be too costly to build the wholesale fish market here. A third site, at the end of the old runway at Kallang, also considered to be suitable, has, however, been earmarked for the development of a public park. Finally, it has been proposed that the Central Wholesale Fish Market should be temporarily sited at the Telok Ayer Basin. This proposal has not received any support from the Singapore Port Commission and would involve the finding of alternative accommodation for the M.R.N.V.R. which would in itself be very costly. Until, therefore, a suitable permanent site can be found for the central wholesale fish market, there is very little hope of this project materialising.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister tell us whether finance is also one of the questions for the delay in establishing this market?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Finance is now a question but this matter has been pending for the last four or five years and finance was not a question until recently.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Since finance is now the question and in view of Government's policy to curtail all expenditure, will the Government encourage private enterprise to set up this central market?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, the question of private enterprise entering into this is one that requires consideration and offhand I cannot answer that question but the question of finance coming into it now may not continue in the future: we hope finances might improve.

Mr Francis Thomas: Subject to rent control!