HOSTEL FOR MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Finance whether the hostel for Members of the Assembly is running at a profit or loss to Government.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr Low Por Tuck) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked to reply to this question.

The hostel for Assemblymen is neither making a profit nor incurring a loss. The Assemblymen utilising the hostel pay a rent of $120 per month, which is the standard rent payable when the house is let furnished to Government officers. The occupants meet the recurrent cost for water and light. A telephone is provided at Government expense at $42 per quarter. No crockery or other amenities are provided.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance please say how many Assemblymen are occupying this hostel?

Mr Low Por Tuck: If the Member for Cairnhill is so interested, I must have further notice of the question.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Sir, I am so interested that I am asking some more supplementary questions, if you will allow me. The next supplementary question is: are these Assemblymen who are living in the hostel out of accommodation in their own homes?

Mr Low Por Tuck: Regarding the first question, there are seven Assemblymen and Assemblywomen.

Mr Rajah: Is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to say how much it costs the Government per month to run this hostel?

Mr Low Por Tuck: I require further notice of the question.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary has not answered my second question. Are these people who are living in the hostel out of accommodation in their own homes?

Mr Low Por Tuck: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think this question was answered during the last session of this Assembly.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not want to enter into a debate but since the Parliamentary Secretary cannot give an answer, I will not press the issue.