SUBSIDY FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will increase the subsidy for the building of new community centres in view of inflation.

The Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office (Mr Lee Khoon Choy) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, Government revised its subsidies for the building of new community centres in October 1977. The total revised subsidy of up to $550,000 was more than 3 1/2 times the previous subsidy of $150,000.

Nevertheless, because of rising building costs, the People's Association has urged a further revision. A decision will soon be made by the Finance Ministry.

Mr Ho See Beng (Khe Bong): Mr Speaker, Sir, a supplementary question. If a request for subsidy is not approved, will the Government consider giving a loan to the Building Fund Committee to be repaid in instalments? If a loan can be granted, it will not only help to combat inflation but it will also help certain constituencies to build community centres which are most urgently needed.

Mr Lee Khoon Choy: Mr Speaker, Sir, if I were a Backbencher I would not pre-empt the decision of the Ministry of Finance. In any case, the suggestion put forward by the Member will be considered.