RESIDENTS' COMMITTEE CENTRES (Reduced tariffs for public utilities)

Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry if he will consider reduced tariffs for public utilities for Residents' Committee Centres which are assessed at non-domestic rates at present, in view of the fact that Residents' Committees are voluntary organisations dedicated to community service.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: There are many voluntary organisations like the Residents' Committees which are dedicated to community service. It would be invidious to reduce public utilities' tariffs for one organisation and not extend the same concession to the others. The domestic tariff rates are applicable only to domestic premises which are used exclusively as the consumer's place of residence. I regret that the tariffs for public utilities for Residents' Committee Centres cannot be reduced.