TELEVISION IN SINGAPORE (Government Policy on Introduction)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government is considering the introduction of television in Singapore next year, and if he will make a statement on the policy of the Government towards the introduction of television in Singapore.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, the Committee which was appointed to examine this matter recommended in its report, which was tabled as Command Paper No. 20 of 1957, that television should be run in conjunction with our broadcasting. The Government agreed with this recommendation and, therefore, deferred consideration until the future of Radio Malaya had been settled through the negotiations which have been taking place with the Federation Government this year.

Although the exact terms of the financial settlement consequent on the operation of two separate Broadcasting Departments from the beginning of next year have not yet been finally settled with the Federation Government, it is clear that there will be no reconsideration of the decision to break up the Pan-Malayan department, and the Singapore Government is therefore free to make its own plans for the future. As already announced, plans are being put in hand for a commercial service.

Television, however, as indicated in the report of the Committee, would entail a very considerable initial outlay of Government funds, whether it is operated by the Department of Broadcasting or, as recommended in the report, by a public corporation. In the present financial stringency, the Government does not consider that the provision of these funds would be justified nor would it be proper to commit the incoming Government to such expenditure.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Government prepared to give it to a commercial enterprise if it is too much of a financial burden to the present Government?

Mr David: Sir, in the report to which I referred, the Committee advised against putting this medium of publicity and information in the hands of private interests. This raises a matter of major policy on which this Government does not think it would be right to commit the incoming Government.