HDB APARTMENT BLOCKS (Additional R.F. amplifiers and antennae for Channel 12)

Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he will request the Housing and Development Board to consider installing additional R.F. amplifiers and antennae in all existing HDB apartment blocks having common antenna systems to cater for the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation's new Channel 12 which is due to operate in February 1984; and (b) whether this facility will be incorporated in the common antenna systems in all HDB apartment blocks that are now under construction.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: (a) The HDB will embark on a programme to upgrade the common antenna systems of all existing HDB blocks for the reception of SBC's new Channel 12. A total of 3,500 systems has to be fitted with additional amplifiers, antennae, and related equipment. The programme will be completed by October 1984. (b) All HDB apartment blocks under construction and future blocks will have the additional facility incorporated in the common antenna systems for the reception of the new Channel.