SHIPYARDS AND SLIPWAYS (Short-term leases to replace T.O.L.s)

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Town Corporation whether shipyard and slipway owners will be offered short-term leasehold to replace the present Temporary Occupation Licences.

The Minister of State for Finance (Mr Tang See Chim) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, Temporary Occupation Licences have been issued to three shipyards in Jurong Town and 21 shipyards in Kallang Park Industrial Estate.

In respect of the three shipyards in Jurong Town, leases of up to 30 years will be issued in due course.

Of the 21 shipyards on Temporary Occupation Licences in the Kallang Park Industrial Estate, the offer of short-term leases to these shipyards is being considered. The final decision, however, cannot be reached until the type of crossing (low-level bridge, high-level bridge, drawbridge or tunnel) over the Kallang River and the future use of the Kallang Park and Tanjong Rhu areas have first been decided.