FLATS AT TIONG BAHRU FIRE SITE, QUEENSTOWN, AND ST. MICHAEL'S ROAD (Statistics)

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for National Development (i) how many units of Housing Board flats at the Tiong Bahru Fire Site have been completed and what was the date of completion; and (ii) how many units were vacant as at 31st October, 1960, at (a) these flats, (b) the Queenstown flats, and (c) the St. Michael's Road flats.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: To the first part of the question, 91 terrace houses have been completed at the Tiong Bahru Fire Site. The date of completion was 19th September, 1960.

To the second part of the question:

(a) All the 91 terrace houses at Tiong Bahru were vacant on 31st October, 1960.

(b) 16 units were vacant at the Queenstown flats.

(c) 13 units were vacant at the St. Michael's Road flats.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Hon. Minister tell us why these 91 terrace houses have not been occupied?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Mr Speaker, some delay has resulted because of wanton damage done to the fittings by vandals in the area, and repair work has had to be done.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask whether the high rent has anything to do with the vacancy of those houses?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Mr Speaker, at the moment, the Board has arrangements in hand to offer the first option for accommodation in the Kampong Tiong Bahru Fire Site to fire victim families It has nothing to do with high rent.