HDB SHOP PREMISES (Sale by open tender)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development if he will recommend to the Housing and Development Board that it sells off its shops by open tender with a view to encouraging shop-keepers to own them and, if not, why not,

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the sale of HDB shops through tender or other methods has far-reaching implications. Among these are the financing required for purchase of the shops, the management of sold shops and the needs of resettlement cases. Owing to its complexity, the matter is being carefully studied before a decision is made.

Dr Arthur Beng Kian Lam (Fengshan): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I first declare pecuniary interest as I am a tenant of an HDB shophouse?

In the Minister's opinion, would it not endanger the livelihood of many sitting tenant shopkeepers if these shops are now open for sale by tender? If sale is considered, should it not be according to affordable rates as judged by the HDB rather than by tender, and that sitting tenants be given first option to buy? This would be a fair way to encourage ownership by shopkeepers.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, HDB is aware of the points raised by the hon. Member and, therefore, in the sale of shops, these points will be taken into consideration.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, just one supplementary question. Would the Minister ask the HDB to consider the question of siting tenants in the shophouses and whether the results of the survey could be reported to Parliament in the shortest possible time?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, this matter is still under study, and it is a bit premature at this stage to make a definite commitment on the methods and ways of the sale of shops by HDB. Once the HDB has finalized the proposal, there will be discussions among the Members before a decision is made on this matter.