RECREATIONAL PLACES IN JURONG TOWN (Concessions on admission charges)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Town Corporation whether the Corporation will consider granting local residents concessions on admission charges to recreational places in Jurong Town.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand that the charges at the Jurong Town Swimming Pool and the Jurong Town Stadium and its ancillary playing field at Yung Ho Road are the same as those charged for similar facilities in other parts of the Republic by the Authorities concerned. These charges are already concessional since none of these Authorities pay their way and none of them charge the full cost. As for the Japanese and Chinese Gardens, it is not practical to have different admission charges for local residents and citizens living outside Jurong Town. In any case, discrimination is undesirable as these gardens are meant for the enjoyment of all Singaporeans. However, I would suggest that, since there are concessionary rates for large groups, and for combined visits to both the Japanese and Chinese Gardens, the Member for Jurong may wish to consider how such visits at reduced rates can be arranged through the Jurong Community Centre, schools, residents associations, citizens consultative committees and other organisations.