"CHANGI COTTAGE" - STATISTICS

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Prime Minister (a) what was the cost and the year of construction of the seaside bungalow at Changi Point known as "Changi Cottage", and what is the estimated value of the land; (b) what is the annual cost of upkeep of this bungalow, giving breakdown details of salaries of caretaker and gardeners, repairs and maintenance, and other expenses; (c) whether the rooms are air-conditioned; (d) what was the cost of redecorating this bungalow in May, 1960; (e) before the redecoration in May 1960, who were entitled to stay there, giving dates; (f) who had stayed in this bungalow since May, 1960, giving dates; and (g) how often have Health and other Government personnel been called in to catch flies and destroy ants at this bungalow and by whom, giving an indication of the cost incurred.

Inche Yaacob Bin Mohamed (for the Prime Minister): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question:

(a) The cost of "Changi Cottage" was $24,943.83 and it was constructed in 1950. The estimated value of the land is about $1 a square foot. The cottage is in the grounds of Changi bungalow, a Government holiday bungalow.

(b) There is no cost to upkeep this bungalow because the caretaker, the bungalow servant and the gardener of the Changi Holiday Bungalow help to look after "Changi Cottage". The estimated cost for repairs and maintenance is $250 a year. Painting is done once in about four years.

(c) Two bedrooms are air-conditioned. The air-conditioning was carried out in 1953.

(d) The cost of painting and repairs to the bungalow in May 1960 was $1,648.96.

(e) The Yang di-Pertuan Negara and his guests are entitled to occupy the Cottage.

(f) and (g) There are no records of such domestic details, nor is it part of the Minister's duties to provide such information.

Mr Lingam: Could the Parliamentary Secretary say which British Governor was responsible for the construction of this seaside bungalow, and was the bungalow used exclusively for that purpose?

Mr Speaker: The supplementary question is out of order, there being no ministerial responsibility.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that before the redecoration and beautification in May 1960, it was only the Prime Minister who had stayed in that seaside bungalow?

Mr Speaker: Order. I think the answer to the question has already indicated that that bungalow is occupied by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara and his guests, and I do not think that it will be in order for the hon. Member to ask any further questions on that point, as it is out of order to ask questions appertaining to the private conduct of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, I am by no means referring to the private conduct of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara.

Mr Speaker: I have ruled. Inche Mohd. Ali, question No. 8.