NEW HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Ceiling height)

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board will consider increasing the ceiling height of its new flats.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the ceiling height of HDB flats in the initial years was 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 ins). It was increased to 2.6 metres (8 ft 6 ins) in 1973 upon metrication. As part of an overall pro- gramme to improve HDB flat designs, the ceiling height was further increased to 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 ins) in 1979. This is considered adequate and there are no plans to increase it further.

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister enlighten the House why a minimum ceiling height of 3.2 metres has been imposed on private housing and not on HDB flats?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think most private housing units have false ceilings. Sometimes they install air-conditioners, and quite often they do install ceiling fans and other appliances. In the case of the HDB flats, however, any additional installation is under strict control. We can, therefore, allow the HDB to build flats with a lower ceiling height.

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Sir, will the Minister be as generous to the private developers if they give the same undertaking?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: No, Sir. In the case of private developers, after they have given us their undertaking, they may sell the houses. Their undertaking will, therefore, become invalid. As regards HDB flats, the HDB continues to exercise control after the sale of the flats. Therefore, there is this difference between the HDB and the private developers.