NEW DRIVER'S LICENCE BOOKS

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Communications whether he will consider issuing new driver's licence books to holders of old books which bear the words "Colony of Singapore".

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications (Mr Phua Bah Lee) (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by my Minister to answer. The driving licence books referred to by the Member for Punggol are books issued when Singapore was a Colony. These are being replaced by books bearing the words "Singapore - Driver's Licence" as and when licensees apply for replacements. The charge is $5 for each replacement.

However, legislation is being drafted to provide for driving licences to be renewed at post offices. When this scheme is implemented, all the existing driving licence books will, on renewal, be replaced free of charge by new driving licence books bearing the words "Republic of Singapore - Driving Licence".

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications inform this House when this scheme will be implemented?

Mr Phua Bah Lee: Sir, I have mentioned just now that legislation is being drafted, and when it becomes law, all the driving licences will be replaced automatically upon renewal.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary clarify the phrase "as soon as possible"?

The Minister for Defence (Mr Lim Kim San): It means as soon as possible!

Mr Phua Bah Lee: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is impossible for me to add to that answer.