COMMUNITY CENTRE IN RACE COURSE ROAD

Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider the building of a community centre on the children's playground opposite No. 130 Race Course Road.

The Minister of State of Defence (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposed site is barely 800 yards from the Pek Kio Community Centre. The Minister therefore will not consider building a community centre there both for this reason and because it is wrong to deprive children of their playground.

The Minister had, on a previous occasion, reminded hon. Members that the policy of the People's Association is to improve the standard and scope of activities of community centres rather than build new ones. To this end, Management Committees have been established to direct activities in community centres. These Management Committees have local leaders and it is important that Members of Parliament who are advisers to these Management Committees keep in close touch with them and attend their monthly meetings.