TOA PAYOH HOUSING ESTATE (Flats for rent)

Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board what measures are being taken by the Board to make available more flats in the Toa Payoh Housing Estate for rental to applicants who are in no position to participate in the Board's "Home Ownership Scheme".

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, currently about 9,000 units of flats have been completed and occupied while another 8,000 units are under construction in Toa Payoh Housing Estate. It is the Government's policy to sell as many flats as possible, but notwithstanding this, approximately 40 per cent of the flats in Toa Payoh will be set aside for rental to accommodate those applicants who are unable to participate in the home ownership scheme.