TELEPHONE CHARGES AND RENTALS (Introduction of sliding scale)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Communications if he will ascertain from the Singapore Telephone Board whether the Board will consider (i) introducing a sliding scale of charges and rentals to apply to major subscribers, such as hotels; and (ii) reducing the charge in respect of coloured telephones, since it is understood that there is no difference in cost to the Board between black and coloured telephones.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Singapore Telephone Board is currently revising the whole tariff structure of its facilities, no changes are being contemplated until such study has been completed and accepted by the Board.

The review does cover the subjects mentioned by the Member for Jalan Kayu, namely, whether or not there should be a sliding scale of charges and rentals for major subscribers such as hotels, and the different rates charged for coloured telephones.