FOUNTAIN AT DELTA CIRCUS

Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether he has plans to build more fountains, and if he will consider building a fountain at the Delta Circus.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no immediate plans to build more fountains in Singapore. However, the three fountains that have recently been erected have proved to be a great attraction and added to the sense of civic pride amongst the residents. These fountains, which are colourfully lit up at night, add grace to our city. In view of popular response, it is felt that more fountains should be built, especially at traffic circuses and in parks. When planning is done for future fountains and the sites are chosen, every consideration will be given to the building of a fountain at Delta Circus.

Madam Chan Choy Siong: A supplementary question in Mandarin, Mr Speaker, Sir. (In Mandarin) Mr Speaker, Sir, just now the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development has given us only part of the answer. I feel that the situation is like this. At present the Government has already built fountains in certain localities. The purpose is to beautify Singapore. Of course, in this respect, I feel that the Government, in doing so, should enable all the people to appreciate its beauty. I can say that all the fountains now built are located in areas where there are rich people.

Mr Speaker: Order. The Member has gone beyond the bounds of a supplementary question.

Madam Chan Choy Siong: I was just giving a little bit of explanation.

Mr Speaker: Could the Member please get to her question?

Madam Chan Choy Siong: Yes. (In Mandarin) I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether there is any intention or plan to build fountains in poor areas, especially crowded areas. If so, will the Government let us know when such fountains will be built? And if the present conditions are favourable to build such fountains, I would ask whether the Minister has any intention to build fountains there.

Mr Speaker: I think the Parliamentary Secretary has already answered the question. His answer was that when plans are made, consideration will be given to fountains in other areas. But does the Parliamentary Secretary want to add anything?

Mr Ho Cheng Choon: Mr Speaker, Sir, these fountains in our city have been built not only in rich men's areas, as mentioned just now by the Member for Delta, but, as I have mentioned, the Government is also considering building more fountains at circuses -that means in our city. Of course, that includes those circuses situated in poor people's areas, especially Delta.

Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang): (In Mandarin): Just now I have heard the Member for Delta say that the Government has built fountains in rich men's areas. I would like to ask the Minister concerned whether he has any plans to build fountains on a smaller scale in rural areas.

Mr Speaker: I do not think that is a supplementary question.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Can I repeat my question? I would like to ask the Minister concerned whether he has any plans to build smaller fountains in the rural areas?

Mr Speaker: As I said just now, I do not regard that as a supplementary question. Perhaps the Member will put down a specific question for answer at the next available sitting on fountains in rural areas.