HOUSING BOARD ESTATES (Sweeping and collection of rubbish)

Mrs Seow Peck Leng asked the Minister for National Development whether he is aware that on Sundays and public holidays some Housing Board Estates are not swept and the rubbish there is not collected, and what steps does he propose to take in the matter.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Mr Speaker, I have been informed by the Housing and Development Board that, in accordance with an agreement made with the Labour Union, the Board's labourers are not called out for sweeping and collection of rubbish in the housing estates on Sundays. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that section 41 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955, provides that:

"...in any week there shall be a rest day, which shall be Sunday or any other day as may be agreed by the employer and workman.'

Labourers are called out for work on any public holiday falling on a Saturday or Monday, in order to avoid accumulation of rubbish in the Estates for more than one day.

I have been assured by the Board that no health hazards are likely to arise from this practice, as the housing estates are well spaced out and the rubbish bins provided have been specially made to keep two days' refuse. In the circumstances, I do not consider that any action is called for in this matter.

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Hon. Minister whether he has ever been to these Estates and whether he has ever seen rubbish overspilling from the bins - probably pulled out by dogs - and the place covered by flies?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Mr Speaker, I think the overspilling of rubbish from rubbish bins happens everywhere.