HDB HOME-OWNERSHIP SCHEME (Number on waiting list)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development (a) if he will state (i) the number of applicants for public housing under the Home Ownership Scheme; (ii) the number still on the waiting list up to the latest convenient date; and (iii) how long these applicants have to wait before they are offered selection of their flats; and (b) whether there are any plans to develop new housing estates.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of new applicants for public housing under the Home Ownership Scheme registered in 1984 was 48,733. The number still on the waiting list to buy flats as at 31st December 1984 was 60,305.

Applicants on the waiting list who are willing to accept flats in any area can, on the average, expect to be allocated their flats within one year. However, the waiting time for those who are choosy and want flats in specific areas will be much longer, depending on the locality.

The HDB will continue to develop existing new towns, such as Tampines, Bukit Batok, Jurong West, Bishan and Yishun, and commence to develop new areas at Pasir Ris, Caicuogang North, Zhenghua and Bukit Timah.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, in response to the First Deputy Prime Minister's point yesterday, would the Hon. Minister consider extending the building of Hougang New Town, particularly the northern part, to Punggol?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, land is one of the most precious commodities in Singapore. HDB, together with various Government authorities, has been instructed to make the best use of land, and so HDB will study the utilization of the available land around Punggol for development.