PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD (Electricity Code)

Mr Low Yong Nguan asked the Prime Minister if he would ascertain from the Public Utilities Board whether the Board plans to introduce its own Electricity Code to suit local requirements.

Mr Lim Kim San (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Electricity Department of the Public Utilities Board has compiled two draft sets of electricity regulations - (i) Licensing and Safety Regulations for Electrical Installations and (ii) Electricity Supply Regulations. The Licensing and Safety Regulations for Electrical Installations cover safety standards for electrical installations and the operation, repair and maintenance of such installations, the licensing and registration of private generators, the registration of electrical contractors, the colour coding for electrical appliances, the approval of electrical apparatus and other related matters. The Electricity Supply Regulations set out general rules concerning applications for electricity supplies.

The draft regulations now under review will shortly be presented to the Public Utilities Board for approval before enactment under the Public Utilities Act.

Mr Low Yong Nguan (Crawford): Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister inform the House whether there has been consultation with the relevant professional bodies in the drafting of regulations before such a draft is finally accepted?

Mr Lim Kim San: I am sure there has been consultation with the professional bodies. However, if the Member will let me know what professional body he has in mind, and if we find that they have a standing in their profession, we will certainly try to get their views oil the legislation that will be enacted.