POLICY ON ERECTION OF ADVERTISEMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHWAYS (Request for Statement)

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he will make a statement of policy with reference to the erection of advertisements in or near public highways; and (b) whether any, and what licences, were granted to permit the erection of the advertising structure in North Bridge Road near the Capitol Car Park.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Sir, the erection of advertisements in or near public highways may only be allowed if written permission has been obtained from the competent authority under the Planning Ordinance, provided the structure is not within an area prohibited for the exhibition of advertisements and complies with the requirements of the relevant by-laws. The competent authority, in examining any such development, takes into account many important considerations, such as aesthetic, amenity and traffic, and is advised by a Development Control Committee. The following were granted for the erection of the advertising structure in North Bridge Road, near the Capitol Car Park :-

(1) Planning permission by the competent authority, on 14th February, 1962.

(2) Approval to building plans by the Chief Building Surveyor's Department for the construction of the structure, on 11th May, 1962.

(3) Licences for the exhibition of three sky signs and one advertisement by the Chief Building Surveyor's Department, on different dates in April and May this year.

Mr David Marshall: I would ask the Minister whether he was aware personally, before these licences were granted, of the proposal for this monument to advertising, and whether having seen it now and the grave effect it has on the dignity of the waterfront of Singapore, he would consider cancelling those licences.

Mr Speaker: Order. The first part of the supplementary question is in order, but the second part is completely out of order because it seeks an expression of opinion.

Mr David Marshall: May I then take the first part and enquire from the Minister whether he was conscious of these plans before the granting of the licences?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Sir, as I have said just now, licences from the Chief Building Surveyor's Department will only be considered and issued after the competent authority under the Planning Ordinance has approved the construction of such a structure.

Mr David Marshall: Am I to have no reply to my question, Mr Speaker, Sir?

Mr Speaker: Order. Perhaps that is quite an unfair question, because the Minister accepts responsibility, as he must.

Mr David Marshall: In that case, may I ask the Minister this: having seen it, would he consider withdrawing those licences?

Mr Tan Kia Gan: In all big cities like the City of Singapore, there are higher sky signs than the sky sign that is situated ---

Mr Speaker: Order. I think the Minister is now inviting a debate. The answer is yes or no.

Mr Tan Kia Gan: Sir, I think this sky sign is consonant with the sky sign for a city of Singapore's stature. I will not withdraw.

Mr David Marshall: P.A.P. aesthetics.

Tun Lim Yew Hock (Cairnhill): A-no-ne!

Mr David Marshall: A-no-ne is right!

Mr Speaker: Order.