SCHOOL ATTENDANCE HARDSHIPS

Mr William Tan asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the hardships of those parents whose children have to attend schools several miles away from their homes, and if he will take steps to alleviate their hardships.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not only aware of the hardships of some parents but also sympathise with those whose children have to attend school several miles away from their homes.

Every effort has been made to put children in schools nearest their homes but the Member for Tiong Bahru must understand that there are always more children in one area, particularly within the City limits, than there are places in the schools within that area. Inevitably, some children must be posted to schools further away from their homes and every citizen of Singapore who understands the rapid growth of the population in this island must accept this.

Mr William Tan (Tiong Bahru): Sir, is the Minister aware that some of the children, for example, living in my area have to attend schools situated as far as 94-milestone Bukit Timah Road and Serangoon Garden Estate?

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Sir, I am aware of that and every effort has been made to put right the situation.