ERECTION OF

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for Home Affairs (i) when was the "Halt" sign at the corner of Still Road and Joo Chiat Place put up; and (ii) how many accidents occurred at this corner during the 10 months before and the 10 months after the sign was put up.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the "Halt" sign at the junction of Still Road and Joo Chiat Place was put up in March 1956.

During the ten months before the "Halt" sign was erected, there were three accidents - all of them classified as slight ones. During the ten months after the "Halt" sign was erected, there was only one slight accident.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker. Sir, I wonder whether the Minister is aware that there was a request from the public to the Police asking them whether they would put up a "Halt" sign at the Haig Road junction where there had been so many accidents. There were six accidents there during the specified period as compared with three accidents that took place at Joo Chiat Place, and one accident that took place after the "Halt" sign was put up. This request was refused as it had been said that that was not necessary. I wonder whether the Minister will look into it, seeing that the figures show that there has been a reduction in the number of accidents after the "Halt" sign was put up.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am quite certain the Police can handle this minor administrative matter.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, a letter has been sent to the Police pointing out that school children cross the roads and that accidents involving school children have taken place. Does the Minister consider this to be a minor administrative matter?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sure the Police are the best people to judge in this matter.

Mr Speaker: The answer is that the Minister will not look into it. Mr C. H. Koh.