HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Subletting of flats)

Mr Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Housing and Development Board will consider allowing tenants or flat owners to sublet their flats if the would-be subtenants are on the waiting list for the Board's flats.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board is finalising a scheme to allow tenants or flat owners with small families living in three, four or five-room flats to sublet their flats not only to Singapore citizens but also to permanent residents and to work permit holders.

Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Mr Speaker, Sir, in these measures that are being finalised, is consideration being given to ensure that the rents charged by the owners or by the tenants are not exorbitant but within reasonable limits? There are already indications that high rents may be the result.

Mr Barker: Sir, such consideration is being given.