LAND FOR HOMES FOR THE AGED

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether his Ministry will assist charitable organisations, which intend to set up homes for the aged, to obtain land for the purpose.

The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the present thinking of my Ministry is not to isolate the aged in large institutions away from the main stream of activity but to help them lead meaningful lives within the community. It is thus our policy to discourage charitable organisations to use our limited land resources in setting up homes for the aged.

The Social Welfare Department of my Ministry has drawn up a scheme for charitable organisations and other interested groups to set up small community homes for the aged using Housing and Development Board premises. A copy of the scheme has recently been sent to all Members of Parliament for their information. Community homes set up under the scheme are much cheaper than if the homes were built on acquired land and also have the advantage of enabling the residents to intermingle with the rest of the community.

I am glad to say that the response to the scheme has been most encouraging. So far two community homes are already in operation and seven more are being planned. In addition, several voluntary organisations have also expressed interest and are studying the scheme. My Ministry, however, is prepared to consider any request from charitable organisations seeking our assistance in obtaining land to build homes provided that such proposed homes cater for the aged sick who cannot be adequately cared for in community homes.

Dr Augustine H.H. Tan (Whampoa): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, is the present thinking or the future thinking of the Minister and his Ministry involved in considering the actual subsidy for the running of these community homes? As I recall it when looking at the plan, it is a sensible plan no doubt but the expenditure has to come from the local community. That means the Government is not putting up anything at all.

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Sir, the present and the future thinking is that there would not be any subsidy.