CHINESE TEMPLES IN KALLANG BASIN (Relocation in alternative sites)

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) if the Chinese temples in Kallang Basin, which have been or are likely to be affected by development or clearance action of the Housing and Development Board, will be relocated in Kallang Basin; and (b) when alternative sites will be offered.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board has set aside a site for a temple in Kallang Basin for all the Chinese temples affected by development or clearance projects in Kallang Basin. This offer is similar to those made in Toa Payoh, Queenstown and Bukit Ho Swee, where all the owners of Chinese temples in each locality joined forces to develop one permanent temple at the site offered by the Board. The Board will make the offer of this site to the temple owners when they get together and form a single body.

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim: Will the land be sold to the temples and, if so, at what price?

Mr Barker: The land will be sold at market prices.

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim: Will the prices be subject to bargaining?

Mr Barker: They are always subject to bargaining. We are reasonable.