LICENSED NIGHT CLUBS

Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs (a) the number of night clubs licensed under the Public Entertainments Ordinance, 1958, as on 1st December, 1966; (b) the number of applications for new licences under consideration; and (c) the number of licensed night clubs before Singapore Day.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: With reference to (a) , the number of night clubs licensed under the Public Entertainments Ordinance, 1958, as on 1st December, 1966, is 43.

With reference to (b) , the number of applications for new licences under consideration is nil.

With reference to (c) , the number of licensed night clubs before Singapore Day is 35.

Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta): (In Mandarin): May I ask the Minister whether he knows how many night clubs there are in Singapore?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: There are 43 at the moment, Sir - an increase of eight since Singapore Day.

Mr Ho See Beng: I will be very grateful if the Minister can tell us what activities are actually being carried out in the night clubs.

An hon. Member: Go and see for yourself!

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have not had an opportunity of visiting night clubs all this time. But I think the Member for Bras Basah who has had the experience can let me know.

Mr Ho See Beng: I am asking -

Mr Speaker: Is it a relevant supplementary?

Mr Ho See Beng: It is relevant in this sense - when a proprietor applies for a permit to open a night club, are there any conditions attached to such an application?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Yes, there are, Sir. There are conditions attached to applications and each application is scrutinised carefully and then considered.