S.I.T. BUDGET FOR 1960

Mr A. P. Rajah asked the Minister for National Development whether the Chairman of the Singapore Improvement Trust has complied with the provisions of sections 38 and 39 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance (Chapter 259) in respect of the Singapore Improvement Trust Budget for the year 1960.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, the Chairman of the Singapore Improvement Trust has complied with the provisions of sections 38 and 39 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance in respect of the Trust Budget for the year 1960 in every way except as regards the dates. It has not been possible to comply with the date requirements because, as a result of reorganisation and the proposal to split the Trust into a Housing Authority and the Planning Department, it has been necessary to reassess the financial position and recast the form of the Budget. I am aware that it may be contended that, because of non-compliance with the date requirements, the Budget has not been dealt with strictly in accordance with the Singapore Improvement Ordinance. The Government is giving consideration to this question and, if necessary, will introduce validating legislation to rectify the situation.

Mr Rajah: Mr Speaker, Sir, am I to understand from the Minister then that it would not be possible for the Chairman to notify the public of the budget in the Gazette in the near future?

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, we have sent the Budget for gazetting already.