ANNUAL ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES FOR 1961

Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

7.23 p.m.

The Chairman: We are on television.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, in his Budget Statement, the Minister for Finance stated that we have to find a lot of money from outside as well as from inside in order to put into effect his development plans. In order to attract loans from outside, he considered it necessary to increase taxation next year so that a picture is given to the outside world that the Singapore Government has done its best for itself locally. I wonder, in that context, whether it is necessary in the economic interest of Singapore to want to spend nearly $4¾ million on television. What economic benefit can Singapore derive from this $4¾ million? Would it not be better that television be entrusted to a public corporation and the money that is to be spent on television could be better devoted to more housing, hospitals and schools?

Mr Rajaratnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, the arguments are (a) whether we are justified in introducing television, and (b) whether we should not entrust television in the hands of a corporation.

[Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (MR G. KANDASAMY) in the Chair]

7.24 p.m.

Mr Rajaratnam: As regards the first, the expenditure of over $4 million on television is no more a waste of public funds than spending money on libraries, museums, art galleries and radio, because television, especially in a multi-lingual society like ours, is a powerful and effective instrument for transcending language barriers and also because in television we have a medium using visual images and to that extent we can overcome language barriers. Further, it is a very effective medium for educational purposes. I was in Japan a few months ago. One of the things that were told to me by the teachers there was that, as a result of television, the powers of comprehension of a child increased by something like 100 per cent. Because through television a child can realise what a desert looks like, what Paris looks like, and what a green belt of tropical forest looks like. The children can see historical episodes and they can get a better impression of what they can only read in books and imagine themselves. So there is no doubt about the value and effectiveness of television, because every country today realises that television is as essential as radio and the many other types of mass media. Therefore, I do not agree with the contention that we cannot afford to spend this sum of money on television.

Secondly, the Government intends to sustain television by introducing commercial programmes into television. In fact, the experts are of the opinion that, instead of the odd $4 million going down the drain, it will bring in revenue to justify that expenditure, apart from the effectiveness of television in educating and increasing the intellectual and cultural level of the people.

7.30 p.m.

As regards the question whether we should hand this over to a corporation, I see no reason for this. For many years the radio has been in the hands of this Government, and in the hands of the previous government and many other governments before. There is no particular reason why it is necessary to put it into the hands of a corporation. Because at this stage we think that the Government can use television or any other mass media effectively to achieve certain objectives which we have in mind, including the creation of a Malayan culture and a Malayan consciousness.

Question on the amendment put, and negatived.

The following amendment stood in the names of Mr Thio Chan Bee and Tun Lim Yew Hock:-

*That the sum to be allocated for Head D47 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 11.

The Chairman (Mr G. Kandasamy): Amendment (2) * is not being moved?

Mr Thio Chan Bee: I am not moving.

The sum of $4,482,400 for Head D47 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Head D50 -

Mr Rajah: Sir, I move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D50 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 3.

On a point of information, Mr Kandasamy: what is this "Dhoby Ghaut" and what is it intended to do at Changi Camp?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs (Dr Lee Siew Choh): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, a "ghaut", according to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, means a mountain pass, or a flight of steps leading to a river-landing place. But it is also a Hindustani expression meaning a place where washermen do their washing.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Like Dhoby Ghaut!

Dr Lee Siew Choh: In this case, it consists of stone slabs on which the soiled linen is beaten with a wooden stick.

The Dhoby Ghaut at Changi Camp was originally meant for volunteer week-end and annual camps to have their soiled linen washed and cleaned. But with the increase in the number of regular personnel in the Brigade headquarters at Beach Road, it has been found that soiled linen may have to be taken over to Changi Camp and washed there. The present proposal, therefore, is to enlarge the Dhoby Ghaut at Changi Camp, so that a small ghaut originally meant for 20 men may now have a capacity for 500 men. It is considered much cheaper than a steam laundry.

Mr Rajah: Sir, I commend the Government for its economy in this matter, and I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr Rajah: Sir, I move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D50 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 4.

Again, Mr Kandasamy, on a matter of information: what is the Ulu Pandan Camp and whom is it intended to serve?

Dr Lee Siew Choh: The Ulu Pandan Camp was first erected in 1957, and it was intended to be a temporary camp for the Singapore Military Forces. It was hoped that permanent barracks at Woodlands could be taken over, but the latest indication shows that it will not be possible for the Singapore Military Forces to take over the Woodlands Camp until possibly in 1963. At the present moment, the Ulu Pandan Camp is being occupied by the Singapore Infantry Regiment. Since it was originally a temporary camp and now that certain semi-permanent structures have been erected, a certain sum of money has to be voted for maintenance and possible improvements.

Mr Rajah: Sir, may I have leave to withdraw?

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $137,900 for Head D50 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Head D55 -

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Kandasamy, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D55 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 8.

Mr Kandasamy, in this provision, as much as $28,000 has been allocated for the completion of Pulau Senang Settlement, to be distributed under several items. I take this opportunity to submit my views in regard to Government's proposals to establish an improvement in the morale of the detainees for their past activities as gangsters. While I welcome this measure for the welfare of Singapore. I would like to make a request to the Ministry concerned to consider the welfare of the people in the Southern Islands.

I have received a number of complaints and pleadings about the difficulties which they face or the obstacles which they meet since the settlement was established there. I would like to say that Pulau Senang, which is in the neighbourhood of the Southern Islands, is an island which originally had useful materials for the people of the Southern islands. For example, according to information given to me, there is plenty of fish in the waters around Pulau Senang, and the islanders often went there to catch fish. Moreover, this island has trees which provided the islanders with material to construct kelong.

Since Pulau Senang island has now become a protected area, the islanders have been deprived of the fish and the trees. I do not question that. But I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the prohibition to fish in the waters and to being challenged by the guards on the island. This does not mean that I am protesting against the prohibition to land on the island, as it is a protected area, but I feel that fishermen who go there in search of fish could be distinguished as dwellers in the Southern Islands, as their livelihood is fishing.

In regard to this matter, I hope the Minister could appreciate the difficulties which the dwellers of the Southern Islands face. And if the Minister would like to have further information, I shall submit them in detail later, as I do not wish to waste the time of the Assembly on details.

7.45 p.m.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Ong Pang Boon): Mr Deputy Speaker, I am, in fact, quite surprised at what the Member for the Southern Islands had said, because under this heading - Pulau Senang Settlement - it refers to (1) the completion of the Superintendent's quarters; (2) the completion of the water catchment project; and (3) the construction of a jetty. I see no relation between what the Member for the Southern Islands has just said and the various items provided for in the Budget. Anyway, for the information of the House, when we chose Pulau Senang to be the settlement, we had, in fact, considered the welfare of the fishermen. We had consulted the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of National Development, and I can assure the Member for the Southern Islands that due consideration had been given to the various aspects before we decided on this island.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, I am surprised when the Minister concerned said that this matter had nothing to do with what I was pleading for. I believe that the problem is not confined to the construction or developments made at the Pulau Senang Settlement. But it may well be that tomorrow we could not even go there because of the other developments which the Government may make there. Even now, when there are no fences around, difficulties have been created. So I feel that with the provisions made in the Estimates, large schemes may be put into effect. In this connection, I would like the Government to consider what I have put forward.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, when it does come to that stage, we will consider what the Member for the Southern Islands had just said.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Mr Deputy Speaker. Sir, on the same subject but on another aspect. We have read in the papers that Ministers and Assemblymen from the Government side have made visits to Pulau Senang. I was wondering whether the same facilities could be given to the Members of the Opposition - not to be inmates of Pulau Senang! - but we would like to have a look at what is going on there. As Members of this Assembly, we have the right to visit prisons, hospitals and institutions in Singapore. So I was wondering whether the Government would provide the same facilities for us to visit Pulau Senang and, at the same time, to provide transport for us, because they have the boats and so on.

An hon. Member: One-way traffic, is it?

Dato Abdul Hamid: No, two-way traffic.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am really glad to hear that the Opposition Members are also interested in the Pulau Senang scheme, and that they have the welfare of the detainees at heart. I can assure Members of the Opposition that facilities will be provided for them to visit Pulau Senang. In fact, it is my intention sometime early next year to set up visiting teams to Pulau Senang, and in these visiting teams Members of the Opposition will be included.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Thank you.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): With the explanation and the assurance by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $2,123,650 for Head D55 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Head D56 -

Mr Thio Chan Bee: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D56 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 12.

Sir, judging by the amount to be spent on the acquisition of school sites, I wonder whether the Minister could tell us if, under this programme, all suitable school sites in Singapore have been acquired by the Government so that aided schools would have no suitable school sites left for their own expansion.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Kandasamy, Sir, the Government of Singapore has made plans for the development of schools. It has prepared figures from statistics, and owing to the population increase, it is felt that the Government should endeavour to build the equivalent of 19 schools each year, 14 of which would be primary and 5 secondary, and which, if all these 19 schools could be erected each year, would take in an anticipated enrolment of 40.000 per year. As I said earlier on during the Main Estimates debate, a responsible government should not avoid the responsibility of providing education for its citizens, and this Government is proceeding along those lines. In the past, it is true that aided schools have played their part in providing education where the Government has failed. But I think the time must soon come when Government must shoulder its responsibility to provide education for as many as possible in its schools. But it does not mean that we will push out aided schools if they wish to develop and erect new buildings, for which capital aid will still be available. But I must warn those in charge of aided schools that we are only reserving $1 million per annum as capital aid for aided schools, because we cannot do it both ways. We ourselves go in for a large building programme of about $11 million a year and, at the same time, offer millions of dollars to aided schools. So with that as a conditional qualification, we will be very pleased if aided schools will continue to build new schools where this dollar-for-dollar aid will be available, but it is only restricted to $1 million per annum.

Mr Thio Chan Bee: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think we agree that it is only right that the Government should be the one to shoulder the main responsibility for the education of the children of Singapore. Therefore, it was with great reluctance that when the Government approached the aided schools for the use of available classrooms in the afternoon, we agreed, because we realised that by agreeing to expansion at this time it would mean an increase in our own problems. I do not think, Sir, that aided schools want to compete with Government schools in expanding their facilities, because economically they are not in a position to compete with the Government. But if because of circumstances a few aided schools are compelled to go further and start building schools because of this enforced expansion, would the Government make available any of their sites, at the cost that they acquired them, to enable the aided schools - I must say that only a few of them would be able to do that - to build new buildings or new schools in order to solve their own problems? Of course, the Government would give them a dollar-for-dollar grant, but we know that in practice usually the aided schools have to spend more than what Government gives them. But sites are difficult to find, and since Government has gained almost a monopoly on the suitable sites, then we hope, if the aided schools find it necessary to ask Government for aid in having a few of the sites marked for acquisition, the Government would give the necessary assistance. I wonder whether the Minister could give us an assurance.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, subject to what I have said just now, I am prepared to give the assurance. But the Member for Tanglin mentioned that although aided schools get a dollar-for-dollar aid, they do not really get the full amount of aid. Here again, it has been the practice in the past for aided schools to build schools which are of a much higher standard than Government schools. I think that is a very peculiar state of affairs. If aided schools want to build schools, then I think they should follow Government specifications; and if the aided schools would like to have more ornamentation, more grandeur in the rooms and halls, then I think it is only fair that they meet the difference themselves. I think that has been done when the new Government came into power.

Mr Thio Chan Bee: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, aided schools are getting poorer and poorer these days, and I am afraid the future will not be as good as before. I am glad of the assurance given that there will be the necessary assistance. Therefore, I beg to withdraw the motion.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D56 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 18*.

*The same amendment stood in the name of Inche Mohd. Ali bin Alwi

In this provision, $3,500,000 is for the school building programme for 1961. I hope the Minister for Education could explain whether these schools will be built in 1961 and where their localities will be - whether they include primary schools in Blakang Mati. No schools have been built there up till this year.

8.00 p.m.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Kandasamy, Sir, I can assure the Member for the Southern Islands that the 1961 school building programme will include a school at Blakang Mati. It is part of the 1961 programme. There will also be another one at Kampong Pasir, Pulau Tekong. The annual building programme, as I have said, is that out of 19 schools, there will be 7 primary, 7 post-primary, and 5 secondary schools, two of which will be for technical education.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Kandasamy, Sir, with regard to the secondary schools as stated by the Minister for Education, could he say how many of them will be Malay schools?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: To answer that question, Mr Kandasamy, Sir, I may go back, I think, to the 1959/60 school building programme. It takes some time to plan for a school and to really see it coming into operation. But, in any case, under the 1959/60 building programme, two secondary schools have been reserved for the Malay medium, the first of which will be at Aljunied, which should be ready for occupation in September 1961. The second one will be at the junction of Wilkinson and Mountbatten Roads, which will be known as the Kallang Secondary School, but which, unfortunately, because of piling difficulties, will not, I think, be available until August 1962. As for the 1961 building programme, we have not made any definite provisions yet. We shall build the schools and if we find that the demand for a particular language medium school is required, then it is reserved for that particular language medium.

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Kandasamy, Sir, according to the explanation given, there is no Malay secondary school to be built for 1961, but it will be considered according to future demands. I would like to draw the attention of the Minister for Education to the schools that are to be definitely built in Aljunied and Mountbatten Roads. I feel it is necessary for a secondary school to be built in Pasir Panjang, especially for those students who live there. I know it is quite far for them to go to and from their schools, and, therefore. I would like the Minister, in his plan for next year, to consider building a Malay secondary school at Pasir Panjang.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, could the Minister for Education say, if he has not forgotten, whether under his building programme for 1961 he is going to build a school at Alsagoff Estate? I feel that this is necessary because there are many children who have to go out of the area to attend school. It would be better if a school could be built in that area.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Kandasamy, Sir, the point mentioned by the Member for the Southern Islands is very much in the minds of Government. In fact, in the building of schools, we are endeavouring to build primary schools in the city areas and secondary schools in the outlying areas, so that the younger children will not have to travel too much by bus, but the elder boys could move more freely when they go by public vehicles. We also plan to have our schools so situated as to meet the needs of the population. That is why in congested areas the schools would be multi-storey - a six-storey school at Silat Road and a 10-storey school at the Selegie/Short Street site. It is our intention, therefore, since the first two Malay secondary schools would be in the eastern region of the island of Singapore, i.e. at the junction of Mountbatten and Wilkinson Roads plus Aljunied Road, that the third secondary school would very likely be on the western side of the island, which would be around Pasir Panjang. But I think we will first find a site and then say, "Well, we will build it around these parts."

I think that also would be the answer to the Member for Kampong Kembangan. It is very likely that the secondary school which we will build at Jalan Kaki Bukit - we are already going to build a primary school there and we have an area reserved for a secondary school - may be turned into a Malay secondary school. I think sometimes it is a bit difficult to pinpoint a certain area and say we would like a school to be built there, because sometimes it is not possible to acquire the site for certain reasons. But we shall endeavour to build as close as possible in areas where the demand has to be met.

Mr Rajah: Sir, the Hon. the Minister for Education just now said that in certain very crowded areas, he proposed to have erected multi-storey buildings for schools. If these multi-storey buildings are to be used by primary school children, I wonder if it is a good thing for the small children to be in such schools, because I take it that it necessarily implies the provision of lifts. The experience of housing authorities where multi-storey flats have been erected and lifts provided even where adults live, has not been very satisfactory. That is the first point that occurs to me, Mr Kandasamy.

The second point is what provision the Minister proposes to make in respect of playing fields for these multi-storey sites. Is he proposing that there should be a common user of playgrounds in respect of these multi-storey buildings?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Sir, as to the first point raised by the Member for Farrer Park, here again it is a question of choice between what is ideal and what is practical. These are days when, because of land shortage, flats are being built for citizens; whereas in the past, everyone could have a little plot of land a little away from town, perhaps, and have all the advantages of living space. So it is not something new for the citizens of Singapore to be staying in flats that are either 7-storey, 9-storey or even 11-storey, and the children will be living in such fiats. It can be safely assumed that adequate precautions would be taken regarding the operation of lifts and even for teachers to look after the children when they move up in these lifts. This multi-storey school where the lift difficulty would arise will be the one at Selegie Road, because the one in Silat Road, although it is a six-storey school, will have the approach road to the third floor. So it is a question of walking either three flights up or walking three flights down. So I think the Selegie/Short Street 10-storey school building could be regarded as a sort of an experiment. If it is proved successful, then we may consider building more of such multi-storey schools; but if it does not prove to be as satisfactory as we had hoped for, then it could be converted, I think, to a post-primary school for children who are in their teens.

The second question posed by the Member for Farrer Park has escaped my notice.

Mr Rajah: Playgrounds.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Playgrounds. Well, in our plans, we are hoping to provide for every primary school a playground space of three acres: and for secondary schools, 4½ acres. These are things we work to, but if we are pressed. I suppose the only alternative would be to give them those facilities as mentioned by the Member for Farrer Park, i.e., to use a common user playground for their games and so forth. These are matters of detail which will have to be worked out, and every effort will be made to let the younger children have more play time than study time.

Mr Rajah: A five-day week?

Inche Ahmad Jabri: (In Malay): Mr Kandasamy, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The following amendment stood in the name of Dato Abdul Hamid bin Haji Jumat:-

*That the total sum to be allocated for Head D56 be reduced by $100.

The Chairman (Mr G. Kandasamy): Amendment (3)*, Dato Abdul Hamid.

Dato Abdul Hamid: I am not moving, Sir

The sum of $22,042,040 for Head D56 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

8.15 p.m.

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

Dato Abdul Hamid: Head D57 -

Dato Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D57 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 2+.

+The same amendment stood in the name of Inche Mohd. Ali.

Sub-head 2 reads "Improvements to Rural Bridges . $70,000". Mr Speaker. Sir, while we are on this amendment, could I also touch on amendment (3)++ on the same head standing in my name - "Rural and Kampong Roads - Repairs and Making Up"? I think they are interrelated, Sir.

++Amendment (3), which also stood in the name of Inche Mohd Ali, reads as follows:-

That the sum to be allocated for Head D57 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 29.

The Chairman: Is it convenient?

Dato Abdul Hamid: Yes.

The Chairman: Please carry on.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Sir, this year, there has been somewhat slow progress in the building of kampong roads and kampong bridges. I do not know why, but this has been so. If I may refer to my constituency, that is Geylang Serai, because I happen to know more about this constituency than any of the others, a request has been made to the authorities concerned to metal Jalan Alsagoff, the main approach to the Alsagoff Estate, but it has been of no avail. Further requests were also made by the residents of a forgotten kampong - Kampong Paya - for a bridge and an approach road. Here again, nothing happened. If I may say something about this forgotten kampong, it is almost completely surrounded by marshy land. The only approach road there is mostly unusable in rainy weather due to prolonged flooding. The plight of the residents in Kampong Paya is not rare amongst the residents of other rural kampongs in Singapore.

I therefore hope, Sir, that Government in implementing their rural schemes would draw up a priority list to the effect that those who are in need most be given help first.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Mr Speaker, Sir, I will take sub-head 2 of Head D57 first. Sir, according to the wording of this sub-head, which is "Improvements to Rural Bridges", I would like to inform the Member for Geylang Serai that this provision is for repairing, widening and strengthening of rural bridges. It is not a provision for building bridges.

In regard to the building of Kampong and rural roads, the provision is for major repairs and making up of existing rural and kampong roads throughout the island. Work to the value of $500,000 is expected to be done in 1961.

Sir, I have a list of roads with me here. This programme of making up and repairing roads is divided into three divisions. The north division covers Sembawang, Jalan Kayu, Nee Soon, and Bukit Panjang. The estimated cost of this programme is about $168,000. The second division is called the eastern division covering Tampines. Kembangan, Punggol. Serangoon, Geylang Serai, and Changi and the programme is estimated to cost $131,450. For the third division called the western division which covers Jurong, Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang, the estimated cost of repairing and making up roads is $31,400.

Sir, in regard to the making up and repair of kampong and rural roads, priority is decided by the Urban and Rural Services Advisory Committee. Priority is given according to the urgency or the need of such areas as require the making up or repair of roads.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker. Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Minister concerned, that is, the Minister for National Development, to the subject of the construction of roads in the rural areas. Members of this House have spoken on many matters about pipes, bridges and roads. I have often paid attention to this matter, and though it has been explained to me that, in principle, this and that road will be built, I am afraid that the plans envisaged have not been fulfilled. Why is this so? If the Minister concerned wants to approach the problem in the right way, I can supply him with details. That is a matter which affects my area. I am saying this as a representative of Kampong Kembangan. I gather that whilst I cannot get what I want, there are others - whose names I would not mention - who can get what they want. I have asked for bridges to be built in villages, but so far there has been no response from the Government because they want to do it themselves. It is to be regretted that members of the Government have asked and got what they wanted. I would like to get an explanation from the Government.

Mr Chan Sun Wing: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am the President of the Urban and Rural Services Advisory Committee. The main duty of this Committee is to see that the work in connection with the provision of pipes, bus shelters and drains is properly carried out in the interest of all the people living in the various parts of this island.

The Member for Kampong Kembangan has made an accusation which is not justified, because we cannot do all the work that is required in one year to satisfy all the people of the 51 constituencies of Singapore. We can only fulfil some of the wants of each constituency.

As regards the work to be undertaken for each constituency in 1961, the Urban and Rural Services Advisory Committee has already directed its Secretary to put up a report for the information of all Members of this House. Therefore, it is to be hoped that the Member for Kampong Kembangan will await this report before he levels the criticism that his constituency is being treated unfairly.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not want to dwell at length on this matter because in my explanation I have said that I hope the Government will co-operate with the Opposition in regard to the rural areas. I am still left in doubt as to what the programme for 1961 is, and I consider it necessary that it be explained to the Assembly.

Question on the amendment put, and negatived.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D57 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 5.

Sir, sub-head 5 reads "Conversion and Furnishing of Government Buildings for Overseas Specialist". It is just one specialist. I am sure it is a mistake. It could be many overseas specialists. There are a number of Government buildings. But what I would like to point out is that a number of Government buildings have already been furnished. Is it therefore necessary to re-furnish and re-convert certain Government dwelling houses for overseas specialists? If there are only a small number of overseas specialists, would it not be cheaper to house them in hotels than to spend $150,000?

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, because of the serious deficiencies in the technical departments of the Government, we have approached various Governments, including the Governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Israel and others, to provide us with suitable officers. It would be far cheaper to house them in Government quarters than to let them live in hotels. And indeed in the case of officers who are expected to serve in Singapore for any length of time, they would expect normal accommodation in order that they can bring over their families and children, if necessary. In the case of the larger Government quarters, what we have done now is to split them into separate flats so that our available accommodation can be used to house the maximum number of persons.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Sir, I beg to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The Chairman: Amendment (3)* has been dealt with. Amendment (4) is in respect of item (2) of sub-head 31, page 536.

*Amendment (3) reads as follows:-

That the sum to be allocated for Head D57 be reduced by $l0 in respect of item (2) of sub-head 29.

8.30 p.m.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, I move,

That the sum to be allocated for Head D57 be reduced by $l0 in respect of item (2) of sub-head 31.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the vote shows an amount of $1,830,000. Of this sum, may I know how many lamps are to be installed and how much is the cost of each lamp-post? And of the $100,000 estimated to be spent in 1961, may I know how much of this sum will be used in the localities for these lamp-posts?

The Chairman: The Question is. "That the sum to be allocated for Head D57 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (2) of sub-head 31." Does the Minister know the cost of each lamppost?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the figure of $1,830,000 is the estimated cost of the next four or five-year programme to provide street lighting. Up to the end of this year, street lighting works costing over $500,000 have been put in hand. Of the balance of the programme provided for, it is expected that $100,000 worth of work will be done in 1960.

The Chairman: 1961?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: 1961. Priorities for the various areas to be equipped with street lighting will also be allocated by the Urban and Rural Services Advisory Council. In deciding on these priorities, the Council will no doubt also have regard to the urgency of need in any locality, and depending on the representation of the people in that locality. I am afraid I cannot supply information in regard to the number of lamp-posts that will be provided in these areas; I am afraid I do not have the details.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): Mr Speaker. Sir, even the Minister could not say how much is the cost of the lampposts! I do not mind. But what I want to point out is that in the Geylang Serai area there are lamps, but in my area there are no lamps. I admit there are lamps in Lorong Marican, but the installation of lamps stopped at the bridge leading to my area.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, I hope the Minister for National Development will do something about it; otherwise there will be a very big spilt in my Party!

Mrs Seow Peck Leng rose -

The Chairman: Mrs Seow? Also on lamp posts?

Mrs Seow Peck Leng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I just want to draw the attention of the Minister for National Development to this: he will remember talking about bulbs being taken away from S.T.T. flats. Well, it was because of the verandah lighting in the flats that the lack of street lighting was not felt. But now that it is the principle of the Government to take away those bulbs and they will not be replaced, street lighting will be imperative in some S.I.T. areas. You will agree with me that in some areas with S.I.T. flats, there are quite a lot of bad-hats and gangsters living there. So if the streets are not lighted and with all verandah lights being taken away, the whole S.I.T. area will be in total darkness, and the Minister will not be surprised to find gangsters' dens growing in that area.

Inche Yaacob Bin Mohamed: (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, apart from wanting standpipes and street lamps, every Member of the Assembly wants street lamps installed in his respective area. But, Mr Speaker, Sir, our provisions are not large and we must consider the general position instead of concentrating on any one area. If we compare this year's provision with last year's it will be seen that a considerable provision has been made for Kampong Kembangan. This is not buying the support of Kampong Kembangan for the Government. But I feel that the burden should be equally shouldered. A sarong that is short could be pulled up. We could all share our joys and sorrows together.

The Chairman: The Member is getting a share of the sarong!

Mr Chan Sun Wing: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, I wish to explain the position of street lamps. The Urban and Rural Services Advisory Council, in considering the installation of street lamps, will first consider recommendations and suggestions put up by the Police. For example, in the Tiong Bahru area and in Silat Road, because of recommendations and explanations by the Police that there have been gangster activities in those areas, they have been given priority in the distribution of Street lamps. My colleague has explained just now, and very clearly too, that if we have enough money and sufficient working staff, we will be able to provide street lamps in every street.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $31,886,500 for Head D57 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

The Chairman: The remaining Heads of Expenditure in respect of which no amendments stand on the Order Paper are D14, D16, D17, D18, D19, D26, D33, D40 and D54. D52 is not required, I take it, Mr Minister for Finance? D52 is really a blank and we can leave it out with safety, can we?

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Yes.

Question, "That the sums stated for those Heads as they appear in the fourth column of the Summary of Expenditure on page 502 of Paper Cmd. 26 of 1960 stand part of the Development Estimates", put, and agreed to.

The Chairman: Have I left out Head D58? Mr Minister, is a vote required for Head D58?

Could the Minister assist? On page 502, column 4, there is a total of $165,356,710, and there seems to be an addition of $872,940 in respect of Head D58 - Colonial Development and Welfare Schemes - and the final total then is $166,229,650.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: That is right, Sir: the final figure.

The Chairman: So there has to be a vote on Head D58 as well. I will put that Question.

The sum of $872,940 for Head D58 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.

Question, "That the sum of $166,229,650 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the Development Estimates contained in Paper Cmd. 26 of 1960", put, and agreed to.

Resolution to be reported.

Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the Assembly.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to certain resolutions.

Resolutions read.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Assembly doth agree with the Committee on the said resolutions."

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolutions accordingly agreed to.