URBAN RENEWAL AND PLANNING DEPARTMENTS (Setting up of statutory body to take over functions)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Low Yong Nguan asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider setting up a statutory body to take over the functions presently performed by both the Urban Renewal Department of the Housing and Development Board and the Planning Department of his Ministry.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Member is aware, the Urban Renewal Department is a department of the Housing and Development Board which is a statutory body. On the other hand, the Planning Department is a department of the Government. The Member's proposal for merger has many implications which will have to be carefully examined before a decision can be made. However, the feasibility of the proposal will be examined by my Ministry.