HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Purchase of flats by private property owners)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider introducing legislation to amend section 41(l) of the Housing and Development Act to allow citizens to purchase Housing and Development Board flats immediately after the disposal of their own dwelling-house due to financial difficulties.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, under current policy owners of private properties are not eligible to buy HDB flats. Those who wish to do so must dispose of their private properties and can only submit an application 30 months after such disposal.

Public housing is subsidised and is meant for people who do not own property. The hon. Member's suggestion is not equitable as it would allow the property owner to take advantage of subsidised housing for his personal gain.

However, there is a provision under section 41(7) of the Housing and Development Act which empowers the Board to grant exemption from section 41 to deserving cases on grounds of hardship. There is, therefore, no need to introduce amending legislation.