HAWKERS' LICENCE FEES (Reduction)

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Health whether he will consider reducing hawkers' licence fees from $10 to $6 in respect of day stalls and from $20 to $12 in respect of night stalls.

Mr Lim Kim San (Acting Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not possible to consider reducing hawkers' licence fees from $10 to $6 in respect of day stalls and from $20 to $12 in respect of night stalls.

The fees referred to apply to day stalls and night stalls in the public streets in the city areas and apply to pitches for the sale of goods, drinks and sundries. They were imposed many years ago and represent nominal charges. Considering the average volume of business transacted at such stalls, this is not an unduly high rate.

A review is being undertaken, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, of various fees which are charged in respect of all stalls in all markets, street pitches, open pitches, etc., both in the city and rural areas. No piecemeal decision can be taken without having regard to all related fees being charged. It is, however, not likely that a reduction can be effected.

Mr Govindaswamy (Anson): Can the Minister say how many hawkers' licences have not been paid for now?

Mr Lim Kim San: I require notice of that question.