HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Raising of income ceiling)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the rise in workers' incomes as a result of the National Wages Council's wage increases and the increases in the selling prices of Housing and Development Board flats, whether his Ministry has plans to raise the income ceiling for eligibility to purchase HDB flats.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the income ceiling for eligibility to purchase HDB flats is reviewed regularly. Last increased in 1981, the present ceiling of $3,500 per month for HDB flats and $6,000 per month for HUDC flats already brings public housing and middle-income housing within the reach of approximately 96% of the population. There is no necessity to increase the income ceiling at present. The HDB will review the ceiling again at the appropriate time.