SINGAPORE IMPROVEMENT TRUST (Applications for erection of buildings)

Mr A. P. Rajah asked the Minister for National Development how many applications for written permission for the erection of buildings under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance (Chapter 259) have been submitted to the Singapore Improvement Trust from the 1st day of June, 1959, up to a latest convenient date; of these how many have been granted, refused or are still awaiting decision; and what the present policy of the Singapore Improvement Trust is with regard to such applications.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, a total of 680 applications under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance were received during the period 1st June to 9th November, 1959. Of these applications, 177 have been withdrawn, 232 have been approved and 151 disapproved. 120 applications were still under consideration at the end of that period.

As the Member for Farrer Park is aware, all applications under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance have to conform to the general improvement plan in accordance with the provisions of the Master Plan. Within these general requirements, the Singapore Improvement Trust has adopted certain principles for controlling various types of development, for instance, terrace house development, flat development in the suburban areas, and the erection of petrol stations. Up to the present, there has been no change in the policy as these principles are still being applied. A review, however, is being made of the present policy with a view to introducing changes, if necessary, later.