HAWKER LICENCES FOR RESETTLED FARMERS

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider allocating hawker stalls to licensed farmers who are affected by resettlement.

The Minister for the Environment (Mr Lim Kim San): Mr Speaker, Sir, markets and food centres are built essentially to resite licensed street hawkers. As it is Government's policy to contain hawkers, no new hawker licences will be issued except on grounds of financial hardship. Another exception is made for vacant stalls in what are called "cleared markets", which are not required for resettlement of hawkers. These stalls will be liberally given to applicants who are Singapore citizens and are between 40 and 60 years of age.

Licensed farmers affected by resettlement may apply for hawker licences on grounds of hardship and for vacant stalls in "cleared markets".