SURVEY INTO SINGAPORE'S MINERAL DEPOSITS POTENTIAL

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether any survey has been carried out into the mineral deposits potential of Singapore including its islands and foreshores, and what are the results; or whether such a survey will be carried out.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and National Development (Law Division) (Mr S. Ramaswamy) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): In 1950, a survey into the granite resources on Singapore and the surrounding islands was carried out for the purpose of determining its availability for construction purposes and road works. A report on this survey was published and presented to the then Legislative Assembly on 19th December, 1950. Since then, no other geological surveys have been carried out. If circumstances warrant it, Government will be prepared to undertake or authorise such survey into the mineral deposits potential of Singapore, its surrounding islands, foreshore and sea-bed.