COMMUNITY CENTRE AND SWIMMING POOL AT SURIN AVENUE

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the piece of State land situated at Surin Avenue is earmarked for a community centre and a swimming pool, and if his Ministry will provide the necessary funds to build the swimming pool for the benefit of not only the thousands of school children in the immediate vicinity but also for the thousands of residents in the constituencies of Punggol. Paya Lebar, Braddell Heights, Serangoon Gardens. Jalan Kayu, Tampines and Upper Serangoon who do not have a swimming pool.

The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand that a piece of State land bounded by Surin and Aroozoo Avenues is earmarked for a community centre and a swimming pool.

As for the provision of funds to build a swimming pool there, I recall that the Member for Punggol raised a similar question in 1973. I must answer his question in the same manner. Funds for the construction of the swimming pool must come from the approved yearly Budget allocation to the Singapore Sports Council (SSC), or from donations and contributions. The swimming pool must, therefore, vie for priority within the Budget allocation with all other projects under the SSC Master Plan for the development of sports facilities. I believe that the SSC Master Plan for 1976-1982 provided originally for three swimming pools in the North Zone, two of which are to be sited in the Surin Avenue area. However. I believe also that the Singapore Sports Council has decided to defer the construction of swimming pools in that area until after the Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex is completed in 1979 when the position will be reviewed.

If the Member for Punggol is impatient for the development of a swimming pool in the area, perhaps he may wish to start a Fund for this purpose. The Government will help by giving tax exemption to donations to the Fund.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Sir, would not the Minister for Finance agree with my observation that since 1973 this matter has been raised and will continue to be raised until the Finance Ministry acknowledges that here is a case in point that merits consideration. Secondly, would the Minister for Finance ascertain from the Singapore Sports Council as to the reasons why this plan to build a swimming pool to cater for the thousands of residents in the few constituencies that I have mentioned has been shelved?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir,I have explained the procedure by which the Ministry of Finance considers applications for allocation of funds. If the Ministry or the body concerned does not consider it worthwhile to apply because of other priorities, then it is extremely unlikely that the Ministry of Finance will substitute its judgment for that of the Ministry or body concerned.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, the hon. Minister has missed the second part of my question.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Would the Member please repeat the question?

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Would the hon. Minister ascertain from the Singapore Sports Council as to the reasons why the plan to build a swimming pool in the areas so mentioned has been shelved?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: I thought the answer was included in my answer that we do not, in fact, try to find out why money has not been applied for to build any particular project. So it is perhaps more appropriate for the Member to direct his enquiry to the Singapore Sports Council as to why the priorities have been allocated in the manner that other swimming pools have first call on any monies, allocated.