SECOND ENGLISH NEWSPAPER

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Culture whether it is in the best interest of the Republic to have a second English daily; and whether any application has been received for a permit to publish a second English newspaper.

Dr Ow Chin Hock (for the Minister for Culture): Mr Speaker, Sir, statistics have shown that enrolment in English schools has increased and may continue to increase. With the emphasis on English in Chinese schools as well, it is expected that the readership of English newspapers will increase. There are, therefore, enough English readers to sustain more than one English daily newspaper.

To answer the second part of the hon. Member's question, so far my Ministry has not received any application for a permit to publish a new English newspaper.