RECLAMATION OFF TOWN OF SINGAPORE

2.35 p.m.

The Minister for Law and the Environment (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper.

• The motion reads as follows:

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (chapter 270). approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed off the Town of Singapore containing the respective areas of about 234 hectares and 126 hectares as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO 1/77" which is deposited in the Land Office. Singapore.

Sir, my colleague, the Minister for National Development when announcing Government's decision to proceed with reclamation under Phase VI and VII of the East Coast Reclamation, outlined the development potential which the addition of 360 hectares to our land area will present. The proposals are a seaward extension of existing reclamation works off Tanjong Rhu and Collyer Quay and the additional area to be reclaimed is shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/77", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House.

Sir, this reclamation together with the adjoining 218 hectares reclaimed under the earlier Phases will give a total area of 578 hectares or 1441 acres of unencumbered land - large enough to enable the development of a new city for the future. Careful planning and extensive studies will be made to ensure maximum utilization of what can be a valuable piece of real estate. Mr Speaker, Sir, the motion before this House seeks approval under section 4 of the Foreshores Act to carry out this reclamation work.

The reclamation will be undertaken by the Housing and Development Board as agent of the Government and the fill for the reclamation will be taken from the Tampines worksite of the Housing Board.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to,

Resolved,

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed off the Town of Singapore containing the respective areas of about 234 hectares and 126 hectares as shown edged in red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.