COMPENSATIONS FOR RESETTLEMENT (Request for increase)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development, in view of the rising cost of living, if the Government will consider increasing the rate of ex-gratia compensations payable to eligible families affected by resettlement.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, the rising cost of living was taken into consideration when the rate of ex-gratia compensation for people affected by resettlement was substantially increased by as much as over 100 per cent in July 1971. The resettlement policy is under constant review. At present a committee is studying the position and is expected to make its recommendations to the Government soon.

Mr Ho Kah Leong (Jurong): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has said that a committee will submit its suggestions to the Government. I wish to ask the Minister how soon will it be? As far as I know, the farmers do not have enough funds to build their new houses. Therefore, will the Minister be able to give more compensations as soon as possible?

Mr Barker: Sir, I expect the committee to submit its report within a week's time, when their recommendations will he made to the Government. Whether or not the committee will recommend increased rates, I do not know. I will have to wait for one week.