HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD/HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (Merger)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development if he will introduce legislation to merge the Housing and Development Board and the Housing and Urban Development Company into one public housing authority in view of the fact that (i) the larger flats of the HDB are not different from those of the HUDC; (ii) future HUDC flats are expected to be built within HDB estates in order to promote better social mix among dwellers of different types of flats: and (iii) members of the public have frequently requested that the income ceiling of applicants for HDB flats be raised.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan): Mr Speaker, Sir, we are now studying a proposal to have only one national housing authority. A decision will be made whether to merge HUDC with the HDB when all the implications have been evaluated.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, the House would be grateful if the Hon. Minister could indicate when can a decision on this matter be taken. The Minister is just being very vague, Sir.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, I hope within this year.