AIDED-SCHOOLS (Applications for capital grants)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education if he will state the number of applications for capital grants following the announcement in 1982 that aided schools can obtain a grant of up to 80% of project cost; whether aided schools will be allowed to use Government schools that are now being built to avoid the submission of building plans for approval and the application to solicit funds to build new schools or expand their existing substandard schools to provide better facilities; and whether his Ministry can be more flexible in regard to the payment of 20% of the building cost required to be raised by the aided schools, in view of their contributions to Singapore.

The Minister of State of Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, since the announcement to provide up to 80% of project cost to aided-schools last May, 15 applications have been received. Eleven are for relocation of schools and four are for major extension projects.

Aided-schools may occupy new schools built by Government at nominal rent for three years in the first instance, whilst they raise funds to pay their share of the cost of the property. Five aided-schools have moved into new Government schools under this scheme.

The Ministry of Education will be flexible. It will consider extension of the rental period in the event that an aided-school is not able to raise sufficient funds within the stipulated period.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, can the Minister of State enlighten this House which are the five aided-schools that he has mentioned have moved into new Government schools?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Sir, the five aided-schools are: St Thomas Secondary School, Fairfield Methodist Secondary School, Fairfield Methodist Primary School, Nan Hwa Girls' High School and Presbyterian High School.