HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Policy on applications for transfer to larger or smaller flats)

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development Board if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board (a) what is the present policy in regard to applications from existing tenants for transfer to larger or smaller flats; (b) how many such applications were out standing on 31st October, 1968; and (c) whether there has been any delay in dealing with the applications and the reasons for the delay.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, applications from existing tenants for transfer to other flats are not given priority because there is a larger number of applicants waiting to be allocated accommodation. However, transfers are permitted when the applicant is suffering some hardship, e.g., overcrowding or due to financial circumstances.

On 31st October, 1968, about 5,309 applicants had been registered for transfers, most of whom had been made offers by the Board which they hail rejected. In the result, there has been no delay in dealing with transfer applications.

Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten): Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister consider transfers within the estate whenever there are vacancies available, as I understand these vacancies are normally reserved for rehousing dispossessed families?

Mr Barker: Sir, if such vacancies are reserved for resettlement cases who are given priority, then transfers within the estate will not be approved unless it is an exchange between two tenants who desire to exchange accommodation.