PARKING PLACES BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

4.02 p.m.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

The Urban Redevelopment Authority Act (No. 65 of 1973), which was passed by this House in November last year and assented to by the President in January this year, will be put into operation on the 1st of April this year. Under the provisions of the Act, the Car Parks Division of my Ministry will be integrated with the Urban Redevelopment Authority. However, matters presently administered by the Car Parks Division will continue to be governed by the Parking Places Act (Cap. 19, 1970 Edition). The Bill now before the House seeks to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, the Parking Places Act, 1970.

I will draw Members' attention to only some of the more significant features, namely, clause 3 which empowers the Minister to provide suitable parking places for vehicles. Clause 4 prohibits persons from maintaining or operating any private parking places unless he is a holder of a valid licence, and empowers the Minister to prescribe the manner in which a licensed private parking place is to be maintained or operated. Clause 6 provides for the appointment of a Superintendent of Car Parks. Clause 8 empowers the Minister to make rules to regulate the use of public and private parking places. Clause 16 provides for the payment of all charges collected and all fines imposed into the funds of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.

The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr E. W. Barker].

Bill considered in Committee.

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 2 -

Mr Barker: Sir, I beg to move,

In page 2, line 3, after "Government", to insert "or the Authority".

This is a drafting error which needs correction.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 3 to 17 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Bill reported with an amendment; read a Third time and passed.